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Old 06-14-2017, 10:53 PM   #1
soaringDude
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Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Bay Area
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Solar charge controller & trailer Converter/Charger

Hi everyone,

I am new to the forum and for the most part new to TT. Bought my first one late last year, a Bullet 212RBSWE and have only used it a couple of times. Getting ready for a two week trip I decided to add a couple of solar panels to it.

I have spent the day reading the forum (thanks to all that have asked/answered/documented their work), and while I have gotten a real good idea of how most installations are, I still have a concern/question.

What happens when the trailer is plugged in? During the day (night is not a problem), both the solar controller and the converter/charger are trying to charge the battery. Do they interfere with each other at all? Do I need a switch to manually cut off the solar charger from battery if I am plugged in? Thoughts?

Also a much more practical question, given bullet has aluminum ribs, should i use sheet metal screws for mounting the panels? Any size recommendation? [I have no idea how the actual roof construction is, how deep it is, etc.]
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Old 06-16-2017, 03:37 AM   #2
WaltBennett
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Location: Haymarket, VA
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They won't interfere with each other, but I leave my converter breaker off all the time. Just don't need it. I used stainless #10 screws to mount my panels and lots of Dicor.
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Old 06-16-2017, 10:14 AM   #3
soaringDude
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Thanks for the reply @WaltBennett.

Given I am only installing 200W, I definitely do need to plug in at times. I suppose I could put a cut off switch to disconnect the solar charger from battery and that way I can either switch off the converter via the breaker or the solar system via the switch. Sucks to be manual but as long as it doesn't cause a damage to either charger for that one time you forget to turn one off...

And on the screw, how long and did you use wood or sheet metal screws?

Thanks again for your help.

Quote:
Originally Posted by WaltBennett View Post
They won't interfere with each other, but I leave my converter breaker off all the time. Just don't need it. I used stainless #10 screws to mount my panels and lots of Dicor.
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Old 07-03-2017, 05:08 PM   #4
soaringDude
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Done!

Thanks for all the help. I installed 2 100W panels and it went very smoothly. It was a bit nerve-wracking drilling holes in the roof, but besides that it was pretty easy. I ended up mounting the controller right under the factory inverter/fusebox and it looks great, though a bit too low so you have to get on your knees to read it or change any setting but I don't think it is something I need to do too often.

Thanks again for all who have posted on this forum and also to those that helped answer my questions. I will be testing the new addition starting this Sunday for two weeks hitting the mighty five in Utah!
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