Adding solar & Lith batteries

[D Smith]

With all the differences between models, has anyone added solar (roof) and lithium batteries to a 2021 Passport 199mlwe? Have 2 lead acid batteries now and want to upgrade for more boondocking. Came solar prep, just roof port and supposed to be wiring somewhere, and a Zamp side port. Thinking about 200ah system would be enough for our style, and keeping batteries charged. Have a generator but really don’t like dragging it out especially if in a campground. Appreciate your input.

 

[LadyCPA]

The first thing we did after buying our "Beast" was to upgrade the solar. We talked to a couple of companies about what we would need, and what our options were. They explained how to estimate what we wanted and what we thought we needed. Some even offered to wire all the outlets to run from the inverter. This seemed a bit more than we needed, but it was nice to have the conversations. In the end we tripled our solar panels and put in 3 huge lithium batteries. We have not needed the generator when we boondock, and I can still run my coffee maker in the morning, and they told us that we had more than enough power to boondock for as long as the water tanks would hold out. And that has been so true that we frequently forget that we do have a generator.
Check the tax regs for your state. For us, because the Raptor qualified as a second residence, the federal and state tax credit paid for half of the upgrade.

 

[D Smith]

Thanks for your reply. After a lot of research, I’ve purchased 4 100w panels, 2 100ah lifepo4 batteries, 40w charge controller, 2000w inverter and various fuses, switches etc. Question I have is can I just turn converter breaker off (has it’s own) when running on inverter to stop the battery drain circle, or must I install a transfer switch (inverter does not have that feature)? Oh, I found the solar/inverter prep wiring and some online content on how it all comes together. Also have an electrician friend to help me with installation. Just trying to cover all the bases before digging in. Thanks

 

[NH_Bulldog]

Depending on how your "prep" is wired will determine what steps you need to follow to get everything installed and working together happily. The Zamp side port is used to connect a portable solar panel and is not directly connected to the rooftop solar prep (two separate but related systems). At least that was the way it was on my 2019 Passport.

Our Cougar came with a single 220w solar panel on the roof, and all the hardware to double the size of the system without heavy modification. I added a second 220w panel for a total of 440w. I was able to use the existing roof port and charge controller without modification. I added a 2,000w inverter with auto-transfer and power passthrough. Lastly, I replaced the single lead acid battery with two LiFePO4 batteries.

In my trailer, there is a black cover in the front passthrough compartment that says "Inverter Prep" and behind that cover is a long loop of 12ga Romex wire. that runs from the breaker panel (power center) and feeds 7 duplex outlets inside my camper. All I needed to do was cut that Romex (after turning power off of course), test which was line and which was load and then connect to the appropriate lugs in the inverter. Now when I am on shore power or on the inverter, those 7 outlets will continue to work.

If you elect to somehow wire the inverter directly into your power center (not at all recommended), then yes you must have the ability to turn off the converter to prevent the "death loop", and no the circuit breaker is not an acceptable way to switch the converter off and on. If your inverter doesn't have a transfer switch or passthrough capability, then you need to have a manual transfer switch installed.

 

[D Smith]

Thank you. Excellent information. After more research..(ongoing) I’m pretty sure the inverter only powers 3 outlets in my model, and hoping not the converter, TBD…(separate breaker circuit), may not have to deal with that issue. Will do circuit verification when I get the trailer uncovered and home from winter storage next week. Just a dream but wish there was a proven definitive DIY for this project to eliminate hiccups. Seems like a lot of different installs online using different equipment to get to the end result. Photo of control panel.