Solar, lighting and more.

[Vanada]

I did not notice that~~~

The unit seems to have breakers.

Yeah it looks pretty useful. I still need extra breakers in between parts of the system and the battery though. My main confusion is with the solar wiring itself. For instance, what exactly is this and why and I getting it? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013HC9YLS?psc=1

And are these the best method of connecting panels in parallel? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FWO54RI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_8?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3H7GPL9U124TQ

Trying not to drown here

 

[GotSmart]

Yeah it looks pretty useful. I still need extra breakers in between parts of the system and the battery though. My main confusion is with the solar wiring itself. For instance, what exactly is this and why and I getting it? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013HC9YLS?psc=1

And are these the best method of connecting panels in parallel? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FWO54RI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_8?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3H7GPL9U124TQ

Trying not to drown here

First item.  For when all the wiring from the solar panel comes into the controller. 

Second item.  That looks like a decent product, and yes to the question.  If you are using 3 panels, try to find one with 3 inputs. 

If you know how the panels are going on the van, draw up a wiring diagram.  That should illuminate what goes where.  

There are only 2 wires in the circuit.  

This link might help.  

https://www.renogy.com/learn#solar-basics

A fuse would work better than a breaker.

 

[Vanada]

First item.  For when all the wiring from the solar panel comes into the controller. 

Second item.  That looks like a decent product, and yes to the question.  If you are using 3 panels, try to find one with 3 inputs. 

If you know how the panels are going on the van, draw up a wiring diagram.  That should illuminate what goes where.  

There are only 2 wires in the circuit.  

This link might help.  

https://www.renogy.com/learn#solar-basics

A fuse would work better than a breaker.

Sweet, that's the confidence I needed to at least make the order! Thanks! Just nice to keep the project from stagnating

 

[Vanada]

So I was lying in bed, trying to get some Z's and all of a sudden it clicked:
I ordered a 25ft MC4 extension and a pair of adapters. Either I should have a pair of 10ft extensions, one for positive and one for negative, plus the adapters OR the 25ft cable gets cut in half and goes directly into the MPPT controller without an adapter... Yes? No? Am I even remotely on the right track?

 

[GotSmart]

Now you are thinking.  How / where is the wire entering the van?
  

 

[Vanada]

Now you are thinking.  How / where is the wire entering the van?
  

Through a hole from the top? That's all I got right now.

 

[GotSmart]

You want that problem solved before you put up panels.  

Do you have a roof vent?

 

[Vanada]

You want that problem solved before you put up panels.  

Do you have a roof vent?

Yes, I will have a roof vent.

For the wire entering through the roof do you mean determining the location or whether to use some sort of pass-through or box?

 

[SternWake]

This thread links some options/products for solar wire roof pass throughs:

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-90-degree-solar-wire-roof-pass-through

 

[Vanada]

This thread links some options/products  for solar wire roof pass throughs:

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-90-degree-solar-wire-roof-pass-through

Thanks SternWake! I just ordered the $10 Instapark box. They come in black now it seems...

So now the question: Should I be cancelling some part of my order now to rectify my mistake? I might still be able to cancel the adapters or change the 25ft for 2 x 10ft. That's provided I'm understanding correctly.

 

[GotSmart]

Thanks SternWake! I just ordered the $10 Instapark box. They come in black now it seems...

So now the question: Should I be cancelling some part of my order now to rectify my mistake? I might still be able to cancel the adapters or change the 25ft for 2 x 10ft. That's provided I'm understanding correctly.

You are learning fast.   Remember the wire goes to the controller to battery.   Check your placements, and then you know how much wire you need.

 

[SternWake]

Also remember that shorter circuit distances are beneficial, but wires usually need to run in 90 degree turns to go from roof pass through to controller location. Try and mount controller close to house battery and use fat as wire which will fit into controller terminals.

My initial install had controller about half distance between panel and battery. Moving it closer to battery over fatter wire delivered a noticeable improvement in output, but other improvements were made at same time.

So do it right the first time, don't hope to get it right the second time.

 

[Vanada]

Cool. I think I need to pinpoint my question a bit more though: Will a cut MC4 extension cable wire directly into the MPPT controller?

It was after reading this article that I started to come to some conclusions: https://www.solar-electric.com/how-to-use-mc4-connectors-cables.html/

 

[GotSmart]

That is what the solar controller is designed around.  The clamp for MC4 cable.

 

[Vanada]

That is what the solar controller is designed around.  The clamp for MC4 cable.

Awesome, sounds like I don't need the adapter then and I can clamp the stripped end of the halved extension cable. I'll see if I can cancel that particular order.

Edit: Too late, they shipped it...

 

[Vanada]

ok, more questions!

I was looking for putty tape to do the Fantastic Vent install. The stuff people recommend is 100% butyl and I found something at Canadian Tire but it's not obvious whether it's suitable for the job. The packaging in store doesn't glean anything more either. http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/plumber-s-putty-tape-0633678p.html

Secondly, if I'm to use tongue and groove I don't feel like there will be much flexibility on changing lighting. I have three of these single dome lights as per Bob but is that going to be too little?

Cheers,
Tom

 

[jimindenver]

I may be wrong but I don't believe plumbers putty tape is what you are looking for since most plumbing is indoors and protected from the UV's and heat.

 

[Vanada]

I may be wrong but I don't believe plumbers putty tape is what you are looking for since most plumbing is indoors and protected from the UV's and heat.

Cool, I'll order something online which is listed as for RV use. That way there will be no doubt. Thanks!

 

[Almost There]

Vanada - go to a marine supply place!

The grey butyl that you find at the RV places is good for 10 years.

The beige butyl found at marine supply is good for 20 years.

I should have known better when I was gutting the van...the fiberglass top should have been removed and reinstalled, the grey butyl was past it's life expectancy. Now that I have the entire interior build out, NOW the damn stuff is allowing water penetration at the seam where the top meets the van roof. I am not ripping it all out so it's going to have to be sealed with something else this winter. It only happens in a heavy, heavy driving rain but still!...head banging smilie needed!

 

[bseek]

Look into Eternabond. Most RVers swear by it.