Community Forums

chuckbear · 08-11-2015, 10:05 AM

I am in search of a source to replace the 5 watt solar panel that is on top of one of my Coleman air conditioners. I would like to find one that I can just connect to the current wiring and not have to install anything new. What have others used if your panel died? I know there are 5 watt panels out there, I'm looking for one that other owners have actually used. Thanks. Chuck

clyon51 · 08-11-2015, 10:54 AM

A 5W panel is useless for anything other than storing your rig in a very sunny state... and that would be iffy.

chuckbear · 08-11-2015, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyon51

A 5W panel is useless for anything other than storing your rig in a very sunny state... and that would be iffy.

Thanks. Florida is known as the sunshine state. Do you have any recommendations on where to find one? Chuck

leesdx1 · 08-11-2015, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckbear

I am in search of a source to replace the 5 watt solar panel that is on top of one of my Coleman air conditioners. I would like to find one that I can just connect to the current wiring and not have to install anything new. What have others used if your panel died? I know there are 5 watt panels out there, I'm looking for one that other owners have actually used. Thanks. Chuck

I'm thinking of doing the same. Be watching this thread.

BTW~ Did yours stop working?

cb1000rider · 08-11-2015, 03:45 PM

Chuck you can use any 5 watt panel that physically fits and produces output in the 11-14 volt range. Lots on Ebay/Amazon.

chuckbear · 08-11-2015, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leesdx1

I'm thinking of doing the same. Be watching this thread.

BTW~ Did yours stop working?

Yes it did stop working because it simply disintegrated. I'm hoping to install a replacement without reinventing the wheel. Once again, I was hoping someone has already dealt with this and has a suggestion. Chuck

chuckbear · 08-11-2015, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cb1000rider

Chuck you can use any 5 watt panel that physically fits and produces output in the 11-14 volt range. Lots on Ebay/Amazon.

The problem with even a current 5 watt panel is that it produces a higher voltage than the original. I would prefer not to have to start from scratch, but that may be my choice. Chuck

golfpgb · 08-11-2015, 05:26 PM

I have one on my Bounder. I am not sure if it even works.

I took it off the other day to clean the AC.

Is it work replacing?

chuckbear · 08-11-2015, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfpgb

I have one on my Bounder. I am not sure if it even works.

I took it off the other day to clean the AC.

Is it work replacing?

Of course that's each individuals decision. Here in Florida, with lots of sunshine when the monsoon rains move on, the RV is sometimes sitting and not being used with no power hook up. So it's nice for us to have even the small panel trickle charging the battery until we either use it or get it plugged in. Chuck

clyon51 · 08-11-2015, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckbear

Thanks. Florida is known as the sunshine state. Do you have any recommendations on where to find one? Chuck

Chuck, I haven't fooled with one of these in quite some time. I know I just searched online and found a 25W panel. Living in Mich that was still useless. If you're not comfortable online, check with camping world or a local RV dealer/shop. You can go up to a 30w panel without using a charge controller (meaning you don't have to make any alterations). Other than making some new holes.

Assuming you store your rig for several months at a time and you have no electrical sourse to maintain the batteries, then I would not depend on a 5w panel, even in Fl.

For 2-3 months storage, I would just remove them and keep on a trickle charger.... unless a periodic check indicated a 12.6+ voltage.
.

Mike H 2002 Revolution · 08-12-2015, 10:43 AM

I replaced mine. Bought from fleetwood. I installed in same location with some minor modifications to mount as it's physically a different size. It is pretty much useless even in CA sun. I'd recommend getting more wattage. Mine will not maintain fully charged batteries under no load. Not certain the max cap of the existing controller but I see someone claims a 25w is ok. I can send u a pic if u want to see mine.

chuckbear · 08-12-2015, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike H 2002 Revolution

I replaced mine. Bought from fleetwood. I installed in same location with some minor modifications to mount as it's physically a different size. It is pretty much useless even in CA sun. I'd recommend getting more wattage. Mine will not maintain fully charged batteries under no load. Not certain the max cap of the existing controller but I see someone claims a 25w is ok. I can send u a pic if u want to see mine.

Thanks. I may upgrade with a larger panel, but it will have to be of a size that will mound on top for the AC cover and still allow the fasteners to be removed. I don't have any plans to mount panels on the roof. Chuck

cb1000rider · 08-12-2015, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckbear

The problem with even a current 5 watt panel is that it produces a higher voltage than the original. I would prefer not to have to start from scratch, but that may be my choice. Chuck

Chuck, what voltage did the original produce? You're looking at a voltage range for charging a battery, with 5 watts, probably anything between 12-14v is probably acceptable, up to a no-load voltage of 16v. Again, tons of small panels setup for 12v batteries.

The only other thing that i'd look for is if you park it in shade, you may want a diode put in the circuit to prevent possible current leak...