Connecting a Solar Suitcase

[FLYnGATOR]

A couple of questions that I couldn’t find an answer via the search topics.

1. Can I connect solar panels, which have an integrated 20 amp charge controller, directly to the batteries via the supplied alligator clips?

2. Is there a maximum wattage that can be added to my 400W onboard solar via an external port?

 

Thanks ! getting ready to leave on an extended western trip. I thought I’d pick up a solar suitcase just in case, as much of our time will be boondocking.

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SeaDawg]

@FLYnGATOR, looks like you may have accidentally locked the topic, so no replies. I unlocked it for you.

[rich.dev]

Ok more experienced people will chip in but I’ll try and answer some of your questions……

5 hours ago, FLYnGATOR said:

Can I connect solar panels, which have an integrated 20 amp charge controller

Yes

5 hours ago, FLYnGATOR said:

directly to the batteries via the supplied alligator clips?

Yes you can, but if you have the solar package you have the Zamp solar port on the street side, your solar suitcase “should” have a SAE connector but with the Zamp port you will need a polarity reversing adaptor. 

 

5 hours ago, FLYnGATOR said:

2. Is there a maximum wattage that can be added to my 400W onboard solar via an external port?

The wire for the Zamp port is a 10ga wire capable of 30a. OTT use a 20A fuse, you can probably go with 2 x 200W external solar suitcases, but with onboard charge controllers there could be voltage drop based on wire size and length of wire. Here’s a nice video explaining voltage drop based on charge controller location relative to the batteries. 
 

 

 

[FLYnGATOR]

I do not have the Zamp Solar Port.

I ordered from the 2024 build sheet in October 2023. OTT had changed the Zamp solar port being included with the lithium platinum solar package, to a dealer installed option. Didn’t catch it until too late.

After watching the video, I still have a question. Can I connect the solar panels via the alligator clip directly to the batteries without an integrated charge controller, utilizing the onboard charge controller? Or is the onboard charge controller only able to be utilized through the zamp solar port?

[mossemi]

16 minutes ago, FLYnGATOR said:

I still have a question. Can I connect the solar panels via the alligator clip directly to the batteries without an integrated charge controller, utilizing the onboard charge controller? Or is the onboard charge controller only able to be utilized through the zamp solar port?

You can use the solar panel solar charge controller, cable and alligator clips that came with your suitcase solar panels.  The suitcase solar panel manual probably has a connection procedure to follow, be sure to verify.  You will have to look at the solar charge controller display on the suitcase panels to verify that it is working.

FYI, the Zamp port is a simple 2 wire SAE waterproof port.  When installed on the side of the Ollie, the wires go directly to the battery positive and negative, with a fuse on the positive wire.  The alligator clips do exactly the same thing.  It’s is just like jumping your car battery with the positive connection first and then the negative connection.  The battery connections usually happen before the solar panel connections.

Mossey

[FLYnGATOR]

Awesome! Thanks!

I don’t know if it’ll will arrive in time to wire external solar port

 

Mark

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, FLYnGATOR said:

I don’t know if it’ll will arrive in time to wire external solar port

It will be a pain to open the battery door daily and don’t leave the trailer that way with expensive LiFePO4 batteries exposed! Common RV theft is batteries and LP tanks.

If you know the parts you need, you could order on Amazon today and get before the weekend.

You’d have to be comfortable drilling a small entry hole in your Oliver. Since you’re purchasing a suitcase with integrated SC, all you need to do is run the two wires to the pos and neg buses built into your Oliver. A couple of pics and we could advise. Just a thought.

What model suitcase solar did you buy? 

[rideandfly]

Mark,

Agree with John, would not want to leave the battery door open with the Lithium batteries exposed.

Did Oliver install a solar port? Would like to see photos, too!

[MAX Burner]

@FLYnGATOR - FYI:  Just like Mossey @mossemi noted above, the "Zamp" SAE (through the battery hatch) connector is a piece of cake to install.  There's several owners that have integrated this solar connector in various locations around (usually) the street side of the OTT to better access the battery compartment.  IMO, the battery compartment hatch is the most effective location.  It will likely take you longer to assemble all the tools and parts on your workbench necessary to complete the job than actually installing the SAE connector.  HA!  

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress....  (OBTW:  we like pix!)

Cheers!

[mossemi]

18 hours ago, FLYnGATOR said:

I don’t know if it’ll will arrive in time to wire external solar port

Just a word of caution about the Zamp Solar Port, it is a known fact that the Zamp 2 wire connectors are wired in reverse so be sure to verify to positive wire with test equipment.  Do not trust the wire color.  There are gender benders available to place inline between to solar panel and the Zamp port.

Mossey

[rideandfly]

47 minutes ago, mossemi said:

Just a word of caution about the Zamp Solar Port, it is a known fact that the Zamp 2 wire connectors are wired in reverse so be sure to verify to positive wire with test equipment.  Do not trust the wire color.  There are gender benders available to place inline between to solar panel and the Zamp port.

Mossey

 

Does Zamp reverse polarity because of positive ground solar charging systems? I'm currently using a Renogy 20A negative ground Solar Controller with Renogy suitcase panel, but have seen Renogy positive ground solar controllers, too.

Thanks,

Edit, Found the answer on Zamp's website, question 4:

https://www.zampsolar.com/pages/faq

 

Edited 2 hours ago by rideandfly