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Solar Panel Disconnect Switch


ScubaRx

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I have recently replaced the solar panels on the Outlaw Oliver. I used the old panels to attach to the topper on our truck. The truck panels will be used to keep a new Battle Born 100 Ah charged to run our Dometic CFX3 75DZ refrigerator located in the bed. In reading and researching different aspects of this project, I came across some info concerning the Solar Panel Disconnect Switch that I want to share with the group.

All existing Oliver's with a solar system installed at the factory will only have a big red on/off switch installed in the positive side of the power wires coming down into the coach before going to the charge controller. This serves as their Solar Panel Disconnect Switch.

 

The following information is from a guy named Nate Yarbrough and I copied it directly from his Blog Post that is listed below.

Is a Disconnect Between the Solar Array and Charge Controller Necessary?

Short answer: Yes. And here’s why:

NEC 2020 Article 690.13 says that “Means shall be provided to disconnect the PV system from all wiring systems including power systems, energy storage systems, and utilization equipment and its associated premises wiring.


Is a Dual Pole Disconnect Necessary for a DIY Camper Solar Array?

Again, Yes… And here’s why:

NEC 2020 Article 690.13 section (E) States that “ The PV System disconnecting means shall simultaneously disconnect the PV system conductors that are not solidly grounded from all conductors of other wiring systems.

Since camper electrical systems are generally NOT grounded, this means that both the positive and negative conductors from the solar array need to be able to be simultaneously disconnected, and our dual pole breaker does exactly that where those other breakers and switches do not.

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This is a link to his YouTube Video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOXnWXvLXko

This is a link to his blog post that gives you all the same info with written instructions, a parts list and pictures.

https://www.explorist.life/how-to-wire-a-solar-disconnect-for-a-diy-camper-electrical-system/

 

 

 

 

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Steve, Tali and our dog Rocky plus our beloved Storm, Maggie, Lucy and Reacher (all waiting at the Rainbow Bridge)

2008 Legacy Elite I - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #026 | 2014 Legacy Elite II - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #050 | 2022 Silverado High Country 3500HD SRW Diesel 4x4 

 

             801469912_StatesVisitedTaliandSteve08-23-2021-I.jpg.26814499292ab76ee55b889b69ad3ef0.jpg1226003278_StatesVisitedTaliandSteve08-23-2021-H.jpg.dc46129cb4967a7fd2531b16699e9e45.jpg

 

 

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11 minutes ago, ScubaRx said:

The following information is from a guy named Nate Yarbrough

Thanks! I installed a complete lithium system in my now sold Airstream based on advise from Nate. He is extremely knowledgeable re everything solar/lithium related, not just his opinion but based on regulations like NEC. 

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2023 Elite II, Hull# 1386, Lithium Platinum Package (640AH, 400W Solar, 3000W Xantrex Inverter)
Truma water heater & AC

TV: 2024 Silverado 2500HD 6.6L 10-Speed Allison

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So, @ScubaRx,  what panels did you put on the oliver?

2008 Ram 1500 4 × 4

2008 Oliver Elite, Hull #12

Florida and Western North Carolina, or wherever the truck goes....

400 watts solar. DC compressor fridge. No inverter. 2 x 105 ah agm batteries .  Life is good.


        
 

 

 

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I used two 170 watt panels on the Oliver. I kept all the original Blue Sky equipment.

I took the three 100 watt panels off the Oliver and used two of them to go onto the truck. I am using all Victron equipment on the truck install.

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Steve, Tali and our dog Rocky plus our beloved Storm, Maggie, Lucy and Reacher (all waiting at the Rainbow Bridge)

2008 Legacy Elite I - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #026 | 2014 Legacy Elite II - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #050 | 2022 Silverado High Country 3500HD SRW Diesel 4x4 

 

             801469912_StatesVisitedTaliandSteve08-23-2021-I.jpg.26814499292ab76ee55b889b69ad3ef0.jpg1226003278_StatesVisitedTaliandSteve08-23-2021-H.jpg.dc46129cb4967a7fd2531b16699e9e45.jpg

 

 

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