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Old 03-30-2022, 01:56 AM   #1
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Solar confusion

Almost done with build sheet, but confused on one option. I plan on getting the 170w solar panel with charge controller, but would also like the additional availability of a portable solar panel. Escape offers a customer supplied zamp solar port that they will install (customer supplied) and indicate that all solar panels require a regulator prior to pickup. If you have the rooftop panel, won’t the zamp port already be wired into the system without a regulator needed for the portable? Or am I missing a step here?
Also, where is best location to install a zamp port on an Escape 19? Thanks!
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Old 03-30-2022, 06:46 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by donwynne View Post
Almost done with build sheet, but confused on one option. I plan on getting the 170w solar panel with charge controller, but would also like the additional availability of a portable solar panel. Escape offers a customer supplied zamp solar port that they will install (customer supplied) and indicate that all solar panels require a regulator prior to pickup. If you have the rooftop panel, won’t the zamp port already be wired into the system without a regulator needed for the portable? Or am I missing a step here?
Also, where is best location to install a zamp port on an Escape 19? Thanks!
I think you mean 190 watt solar panel unless Escape changed that recently. Also, Escape had been offering the Zamp port as an option (not customer supplied). Are these recent changes?
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Old 03-30-2022, 08:45 AM   #3
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Here's my (old school) Zamp-less 190 watt roof solar panel. Wires fed down fridge roof vent, in and out the dinette floor through into the tongue box to my MPPT controller... which I also connect my portable solar panels to, when needed.
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Old 03-30-2022, 09:36 AM   #4
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Escape can make changes anytime, but as TTMartin stated, it is currently installing a 190 watt GoPower panel & GoPower solar controller, with the ZAMP port as an option. If you get it as an option to the rooftop solar panel, it will be wired to the input of the solar controller (parallel to the rooftop panels). I'm not sure where it is located on a 19. The only time Escape runs the ZAMP wiring directly to the batteries is if you don't order a built in panel & controller. If you have a portable panel with a built in controller and you wish to use it, you would need to ask to have the ZAMP connector wired directly to the battery.

If you wish to change solar controllers to a MPPT type, ask Escape not to mount the GoPower controller, just leave it in the lower compartment. That way you won't have a empty hole to fill.
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