Extra solar - Escape Trailer Owners Community
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×

Go Back   Escape Trailer Owners Community > Escape Tech > Problem Solving | Owners helping each other
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 05-02-2018, 06:12 AM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Athelstane, Wisconsin
Trailer: 2016 21’ Escape
Posts: 26
Extra solar

Just picked up our 21’. I am trying to figure out a way to add a portable solar panel in addition to the original. Has anyone done that?
jjrint is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2018, 06:30 AM   #2
Site Team
 
John in Santa Cruz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Mid Left Coast, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21
Posts: 5,122
Hook your portable panel to the solar controller in parralel to the existing panels, as long as both are similar voltage...
John in Santa Cruz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2018, 06:32 AM   #3
Site Team
 
John in Santa Cruz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Mid Left Coast, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21
Posts: 5,122
But really, the factory 160-watt Solar should be plenty for typical days use
John in Santa Cruz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2018, 08:21 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
sclifrickson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Port Townsend, Washington
Trailer: 2010 17B “MATT”, then 2017 19 “Lilly”
Posts: 1,584
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjrint View Post
Just picked up our 21’. I am trying to figure out a way to add a portable solar panel in addition to the original. Has anyone done that?


Lots of people have done that, generally accomplished with a “solar port” added near your solar controller and then wired into the same terminals as your roof solar (parallel connection).

There are a couple of good reasons for an extra, portable panel, besides just wanting more amps. One key advantage is that a portable panel allows you to park in the shade when it’s hot, while still emplacing your panel in the sun. Another is the ability to increase input by aiming directly at the sun. But then you have to periodically re-aim as the sun moves.

Having both roof and portable gives you flexibility that neither alone provides, which is a bonus in my book.
__________________
💩-p+☕️+n
sclifrickson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2018, 08:03 PM   #5
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Athelstane, Wisconsin
Trailer: 2016 21’ Escape
Posts: 26
With one 100 watt panel

With one 100 watt panel and two 105 Trojan 6 volt batteries I was able to run our small refrigerator during the day and would switch to propane late afternoon. Arizona sun.....in our 19 ft Scamp. I would like to equal that with the Escape. I’m aware of the larger size fridge. Curious if anyone has been able to use the stock fridge with the addition of another 100 watt panel.

We are waiting for the owners manuals from previous owners so i’m not quite sure what we have 🤔
jjrint is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2018, 11:23 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
7th Heaven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: palo alto, California
Trailer: 2013 Escape 21 Classic #7
Posts: 314
This is our external solar setup:


Zamp Solar Port
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Go Power 80W suitcase
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

added a few plugs and cables to allow for bi-passing the Go-Power controller and to patch into the escape's onboard controller or it can be used as a stand alone

__________________
7-7-7 Our Marriage
2013 Escape 21 Classic
2014 Sequoia
7th Heaven is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2018, 11:35 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Patandlinda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Ventura County, California
Trailer: 2013 19 Escape
Posts: 7,204
Quote:
Originally Posted by 7th Heaven View Post
This is our external solar setup:


Zamp Solar Port
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Go Power 80W suitcase
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

added a few plugs and cables to allow for bi-passing the Go-Power controller and to patch into the escape's onboard controller or it can be used as a stand alone

I am still learning about solar . I just installed 180 watts on the roof going into Victron controller . I have had for a long time the same Go Power suitcase 80 watt . It has it's own controller as you know . I have Go Power connect to the trailer Plug , that's how I would go to batteries . I also have the other connections Go Power gave you . So can I if needing more power directly hook to batteries ? Hook to trailer Plug as before ? Or install a zamp connection Plug in ? Because it has it's own controller. I want it separate because it is 80 and I think not the same as the 3 , 60 watts I installed . Pat
Patandlinda is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2018, 09:36 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
rubicon327's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Burlington Twp., New Jersey
Trailer: 2010 Escape 19
Posts: 7,126
Quote:
Originally Posted by Patandlinda View Post
I am still learning about solar . I just installed 180 watts on the roof going into Victron controller . I have had for a long time the same Go Power suitcase 80 watt . It has it's own controller as you know . I have Go Power connect to the trailer Plug , that's how I would go to batteries . I also have the other connections Go Power gave you . So can I if needing more power directly hook to batteries ? Hook to trailer Plug as before ? Or install a zamp connection Plug in ? Because it has it's own controller. I want it separate because it is 80 and I think not the same as the 3 , 60 watts I installed . Pat
Pat: The solar experts can hopefully weigh in, but the difference in wattage doesn't matter with the panels in parallel to each other. You just want the output voltage the same or close which you are because your Lensun panels and your GoPower portable are 18V. If you want to keep the GoPower portable intact with it's own controller then you can go direct to the batteries as you describe either through the 7 pin connector, clamping on the posts (if battery terminals are always accessible) or wiring on a permanent convenience connection like Zamp or Furion XLR right off the batteries. Since you have batteries in the front storage box why don't you consider the Zamp or XLR connection right on the side of the box? Or just hard wire the Anderson connection that comes with the GoPower kit. Then you just need to open the storage box and plug in. Your GoPower kit should have all the connections you need for ultimate flexibility. For how much you will use it I would just keep it simple and definitely not worry about trying to integrate with your onboard controller and bypassing the controller on the portable. Yeah you'll lose some efficiency with a long run of wire from the portable controller to the battery, but so what. You already have 180W on the roof.

www.furrion.com/store/energy/net-zero-solar/solar-port-inlet-black-p-945.html
or
www.amazon.com/Zamp-Solar-RVROOFSIDE-Sidewall-Port/dp/B00T36YVI4
or
7 Pin Trailer Adapter | Go Power!

This is a good video that goes over all of the options except the 7 pin
Attached Thumbnails
hybrid solar.JPG  
rubicon327 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2018, 09:47 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
Vermilye's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Oswego, New York
Trailer: 2017 Escape 21C, 2018 Ford F150
Posts: 5,363
Quote:
Originally Posted by Patandlinda View Post
I am still learning about solar . I just installed 180 watts on the roof going into Victron controller . I have had for a long time the same Go Power suitcase 80 watt . It has it's own controller as you know . I have Go Power connect to the trailer Plug , that's how I would go to batteries . I also have the other connections Go Power gave you . So can I if needing more power directly hook to batteries ? Hook to trailer Plug as before ? Or install a zamp connection Plug in ? Because it has it's own controller. I want it separate because it is 80 and I think not the same as the 3 , 60 watts I installed . Pat
You can connect the portable panel directly to the batteries either through the GoPower trailer plug adapter, or, an installed connector (I'm not sure what the "other GoPower connector" is, but it is likely a SAE 2 pole connector.

If the "other GoPower Connector" is already installed, where is it connected? If to the input of the Victron controller, you would need to bypass the portable panel's controller. If it is connected to the output side of the Victron controller or directly to the batteries, the portable panel's controller is necessary.

One other point. If you are also using the Victron battery monitor, it will not track the portable panel unless it is connected on the correct side of the shunt.
__________________
Jon Vermilye My Travel Blog
Travel and Photo Web Page ... My Collection of RV Blogs 2018 F150 3.5EB, 2017 21
Vermilye is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2018, 10:57 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
Patandlinda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Ventura County, California
Trailer: 2013 19 Escape
Posts: 7,204
Quote:
Originally Posted by rubicon327 View Post
Pat: The solar experts can hopefully weigh in, but the difference in wattage doesn't matter with the panels in parallel to each other. You just want the output voltage the same or close which you are because your Lensun panels and your GoPower portable are 18V. If you want to keep the GoPower portable intact with it's own controller then you can go direct to the batteries as you describe either through the 7 pin connector, clamping on the posts (if battery terminals are always accessible) or wiring on a permanent convenience connection like Zamp or Furion XLR right off the batteries. Since you have batteries in the front storage box why don't you consider the Zamp or XLR connection right on the side of the box? Or just hard wire the Anderson connection that comes with the GoPower kit. Then you just need to open the storage box and plug in. Your GoPower kit should have all the connections you need for ultimate flexibility. For how much you will use it I would just keep it simple and definitely not worry about trying to integrate with your onboard controller and bypassing the controller on the portable. Yeah you'll lose some efficiency with a long run of wire from the portable controller to the battery, but so what. You already have 180W on the roof.

www.furrion.com/store/energy/net-zero-solar/solar-port-inlet-black-p-945.html
or
www.amazon.com/Zamp-Solar-RVROOFSIDE-Sidewall-Port/dp/B00T36YVI4
or
7 Pin Trailer Adapter | Go Power!

This is a good video that goes over all of the options except the 7 pin
Thank you Dave ! I am going to print your thread out . Pat
Patandlinda is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2018, 11:13 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
Patandlinda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Ventura County, California
Trailer: 2013 19 Escape
Posts: 7,204
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vermilye View Post
You can connect the portable panel directly to the batteries either through the GoPower trailer plug adapter, or, an installed connector (I'm not sure what the "other GoPower connector" is, but it is likely a SAE 2 pole connector.

If the "other GoPower Connector" is already installed, where is it connected? If to the input of the Victron controller, you would need to bypass the portable panel's controller. If it is connected to the output side of the Victron controller or directly to the batteries, the portable panel's controller is necessary.

One other point. If you are also using the Victron battery monitor, it will not track the portable panel unless it is connected on the correct side of the shunt.
Thankyou Jon ! Yes because the portable wouldn't be something I would be using much , I want to not connect to the shunt that is in the front box . It's been a long time so I need to take a look at all my connections and see what I have . I really liked the Go Power connector on the trailer 7 pin . It was so easy and didn't need to open box . On top of the batteries I also have to remove the protection covering the batteries , that was another reason . I just had to plug into the trailer Plug , so easy . I could also add a zamp connection to the box .I want to not bypass the controller on the portable ,and I do know the portable will not be included .the other is my Victron is only for 200 watts . The Lensun 's are 180 watts . So I don't think I can add 80 more to my Victron controller . If I have this right I can have other controllers but to get a reading included everything has to be hooked to the shunt ? Boy there is so much to learn about solar even though once you get going it's simple .Pat
Patandlinda is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2018, 12:34 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
rubicon327's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Burlington Twp., New Jersey
Trailer: 2010 Escape 19
Posts: 7,126
Quote:
Originally Posted by Patandlinda View Post
Boy there is so much to learn about solar even though once you get going it's simple .Pat
We are so used to just using energy and now you have this miniature power plant on top of your trailer. It has to be at least a little complicated or we wouldn't have any fun figuring this all out.
rubicon327 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2018, 02:32 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Patandlinda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Ventura County, California
Trailer: 2013 19 Escape
Posts: 7,204
Quote:
Originally Posted by rubicon327 View Post
We are so used to just using energy and now you have this miniature power plant on top of your trailer. It has to be at least a little complicated or we wouldn't have any fun figuring this all out.
Dave went out to the trailer and I don't have the Zamp connector line or Furrion . They did also upgrade their controller . I will call Go Power on Monday and see if I can get those items except the Furrion .they were out to lunch and I need to do some errands . Pat
Patandlinda is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-09-2018, 07:46 AM   #14
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Athelstane, Wisconsin
Trailer: 2016 21’ Escape
Posts: 26
Thanks

Thanks for all the great info. Looks like Go Power is the way to go. Keep it simple.

Still wonder if the combination of the 80 watt Go Power and existing panel on Escape will keep the fridge going during the day
jjrint is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-09-2018, 09:00 AM   #15
Senior Member
 
Jim Bennett's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,532
I have the 80W Go Power portable unit. Works great, but if I was doing it again, I would use a couple semi-flexible Lensun panels. Lighter and more compact to store.

With the one I have I rigged the wiring with MC4 connectors to either use the onboard charge controller if needed separate from the trailer, or to go straight to the charge controller in the trailer if connected to it.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
Jim Bennett is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-09-2018, 10:52 AM   #16
Senior Member
 
Patandlinda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Ventura County, California
Trailer: 2013 19 Escape
Posts: 7,204
Quote:
Originally Posted by Patandlinda View Post
Dave went out to the trailer and I don't have the Zamp connector line or Furrion . They did also upgrade their controller . I will call Go Power on Monday and see if I can get those items except the Furrion .they were out to lunch and I need to do some errands . Pat
Update for GoPower portable . Go Power said I am fine with the trailer Plug adapter we have to hook up and actually will work better . The only negative is not running through the shunt . Who knows may not even need . Will see. Pat
Patandlinda is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-12-2018, 05:31 PM   #17
Member
 
MBA80's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Crestview, Florida
Trailer: 2020 25' Flying Cloud Airstream with three 90-watt Zamp Solar roof panels and 140-watt ZS Portable
Posts: 80
I have both a 120 Watt Portable that can be plugged into a Zamp Solar Port that I have near the battery vent and a roof mounted 160 Watt Zamp Solar panel with an inside charge controller. My portable also has a 15 foot extension that allows me to go 30 feet versus 15 feet with the same SAE connection that is UV rated for 15 years.
__________________
Tony Gautney, CCM
Former ETI 2017 21’ Double Axle
MBA80 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off




» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Escape Trailer Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:45 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2023 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.