Renogy 400W Suitcase Victron MPPT with Custom Solar Port Installation

[jd1923]

Now that we upgraded to 600AH Epoch LiFePo4 and 3KVA Victron MP2 Inverter/Charger, it was time to add solar power in addition to the OTT installed rooftop panels. This Amazon link offered "Amazon Used" which I love since it usually is only damaged packaging.  I watched it for 2-3 weeks and grabbed one when "Very Good" condition was offered for $525. Mine did have a small scuff on the handles which stick out flush to the foam packaging, NP for the cost.

Amazon.com: Renogy 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase, Foldable Solar Panel for Outdoor Activities, Durable & IP67 Waterproof for RV, Camping, Off-Grid, Fast Installation with Sturdy Kickstands : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

Installed a Victron MPPT 100/30 where the OEM inverter was previously under the rear dinette seat. This solar charger is capable of running two of these 400W suitcases since open-circuit voltage is rate at 47.2 V and short-circuit current is 11.0A, more than enough.

[jd1923]

When hull 113 was built there was no Zamp port installed (glad for that). I read several threads on Zamp issues and replacing it. Then I realized I didn't want to drill that size hole on the side of our hull. I suddenly came to the idea of using the rear cable TV connection. We will never connect to RV park cable, and the rear is truly the best location so the suitcase can be easily positioned either side.

I first purchased a CNLINKO plug connector. They are extremely well-built, but first it would be difficult to drill a 1/2" hole to 15/16". And the body mount was so shallow it would be impossible to effectively insulate the terminals in this location. I came up with the idea of a pigtail-style terminal made with Anderson SB50 10 AWG connectors.

I found Powerwerx and they sell these amazing "Environmental Boots." They even make custom length cables with choice of connectors on each side. I preferred to make my own cables. This is everything I purchased for $29 shipped (ordered two of the SB50 connectors for 10 AWG): Anderson Power Products SB50 SB Series 50 Amp Connector Kit | Powerwerx
SB50 Environmental Boot with Cover, Source Side | Powerwerx
SB50 Environmental Boot with Cover, Load Side | Powerwerx

This is the bodyside connector. I used heat shrink tubing on each wire, then on both. Then I fed the wires through a length of clear tubing I had with 1/2" OD, a snug fit inserted 4-5" into the hull. Wrapped the exterior side with larger heat shrink to wrap everything. To keep it still, I used a 1/4-20 3" bolt, mounted in-between the two tails of the boot, and tap-threaded a hole to secure it to the bumper. She is sitting pretty for now and will soon work the fiberglass repair to fill in the 4 unsightly screw holes.

[jd1923]

I purchased 10 AWG THWN wire at Lowes, on clearance for $0.23/ft, nice! Yes, do note the economic theme behind much of my modification work (I promise not to get political re the economy, but it stinks)! 🤣

Had a lot of 1/2" split wire loom from a past project, the same kind OTT uses. It was an easy run the along the bottom of the basement to feed wires up to the dinette. 10 AWG wires in loom go all the way from the rear opening to the MPPT charger. Used the exact same wire and loom to make a 33 FT exterior cable, crimped MC4 connectors on one end with a Renogy 15A fuse on the positive lead, and the mating Anderson plug on the other end.

[jd1923]

It's been partially to mostly cloudy for the last 3-4 days which will happen in our Monsoon Season. I was able to get a good reading at 366W at one point when the sun was strong. You can see total charging current at 38.7A with 26.1A from the suitcase, leaving 12.6A from the Blue Sky MPPT rooftop solar.

When it's cloudy here, it's cooler too. I've been able to run the old Dometic P2 all day for two days now, no shore power, thermostat set at 82F though I will kick it down 76F while I'm inside. It's been low-mid 80s during the day, but keep in mind the Oliver is sitting in the sun and the sun is strong when the clouds do roll by (and more solar charging). SOC has ranged from 85% as you see at 11:45 AM and would get down to low 60s, one day lowest was 55% late afternoon.

This should work great when I replace the old P2 with an efficient A/C model requiring half the amperage for when it is truly hot outside. Another great mod for old hull # 113! 😂

Edited September 1 by jd1923

[Ronbrink]

7 hours ago, jd1923 said:

I found Powerwerx and they sell these amazing "Environmental Boots."

Indeed, used them for my DC-DC install three years ago at the TV rear bumper connection. Not only a great waterproof connection when underway in inclement weather, but dust proof, as well!

All things Anderson:

In similar manner, made an extension to utilize the rear bumper port to power my Dometic fridge/freezer staged under cap in the TV bed, as needed.

Anderson conversion to either run my VIAIR from the rear bumper or TV battery.

Anderson conversion with my portable power station (staged to run the aforementioned Dometic) to easily charge, as necessary, when the TV mounted solar array input is dismal. I simply run an extension cord from the front outlet at the propane housing to power the charger via the Oliver’s inverter.

 

 

Edited September 1 by Ronbrink

[jd1923]

3 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

Indeed, used them for my DC-DC install...

I've got the DC-DC install still on my list. Will use Anderson connectors for 4 AWG cable and likely a similar "pigtail" design mounted on the hitch where the 7-blade trailer connector is located. Thanks Ron! 

[jd1923]

Here's a close-up view of the Anderson SB50 connectors and environmental boots from Powerwerx. BTW, not easy to crimp these HD 10 AWG crimp terminals. My pneumatic crimper only goes as small as 6 AWG. I used a hand crimper with an extra-large channel lock on the crimper handles for extra leverage!

Edited September 3 by jd1923

[Ronbrink]

@jd1923 The Renogy 400W portable solar panel will likely be my next want, but for now pending installation of the Atmos 4.4 is forefront; one mod at a time!

[Boilermaker Chemist]

On 9/1/2024 at 9:40 AM, Ronbrink said:

the TV mounted solar array

I’m contemplating doing that. Can you describe your installation?

[jd1923]

Finished the last task of this project, the fiberglass repair. This product worked well. It's slightly whiter than our yellowing hull. I also patched inside the hull where I had removed the original rear curbside TV mount. The color difference inside is hard to notice if any. I'm not the finish polisher guy, 320 grit sandpaper is the lightest I have. This is fine due to the location (see picture above prior to fill). I'll get it detailed further whenever I get to refinishing the hull.

[Lyn Hill]

The Renogy 400 w suitcase is one that I have been looking at.  I feel I'll need to find one though with a charge controller already installed on the panels...I'm the handyman around my house... LOL. That would take care of my situation correct? Adaptor for the zamp port plug and  a 400 w suitcase with a built-in charge controller

[jd1923]

2 hours ago, Lyn Hill said:

That would take care of my situation correct?

Same question answered in another thread.

[Ronbrink]

On 9/14/2024 at 9:20 PM, Boilermaker Chemist said:

I’m contemplating doing that. Can you describe your installation?

Sorry for the delayed response. I installed two HQST 100W 12V flexible monocrystalline solar panels on top of the A.R.E. bed cover; other equipment to include a Haoguo ABS solar double cable entry gland, EternaBond EB-RB020-50 Roof Seal 2”x50’, Renogy 20A MC4 waterproof inline fuse holder and a Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 solar charge controller (all Amazon purchases). My Son provided a length of solar cable and MC4 connectors needed. The panels were positioned and secured around the edges with the EB tape, a hole was drilled through the bed cover at the cable gland and wires were routed inside to the charge controller. I built the portable 100 Ah power station to primarily run a Dometic CFX 75 dual zone cooler staged in the TV bed.

[Boilermaker Chemist]

@Ronbrink Very cool build!  Thanks for the detailed description and photos. I was thinking of something similar but building your own portable power station is brilliant.  I think I might have to copy that.  Is that an Apache case you used to house the Li battery?  Do you think the lack of airflow underneath the solar panels reduces their efficiency or causes excessive temperature at the ARE topper?

[Ronbrink]

11 hours ago, Boilermaker Chemist said:

Is that an Apache case you used to house the Li battery?  Do you think the lack of airflow underneath the solar panels reduces their efficiency or causes excessive temperature at the ARE topper?

Strongway case from Northern Tool. Flexible panels are generally installed onto a mounting surface using beads of adhesive and/or some kind of tape, air space nil to nonexistent. My panels have been installed for four years and remain efficient with no issues. No thoughts on ‘excessive temperature at the ARE topper’, mine is lined with BedRug equivalent material which likely buffers heat transfer, if that’s even a concern.

Edited October 8 by Ronbrink