Mounting solar charger

[ColoradoSwany]

I have finally screwed up my courage and ordered Lensun panels, Victron 100/20 charge controller, supplies and tools. Planned to mount the controller horizontally under the driver side dinette of our 19, right where the solar prewiring ends. BUT Victron instructions say to mount VERTICALLY and on a non-flammable base. I was going to mount it on the plywood box encasing our black tank, just like Mark Bennett mounted his Epever controller. Anyone have any idea if the vertical mounting on non flammable material is critical? If you have a Victron controller mounted in a 19 in a manner that meets Victron’s stated requirements (suggestions?), I would sure like some advise and a picture! Thanks!

[Effie]

Mounted mine in the front of the tank covering plywood, added a piece of to support it vertically a couple inches below the seat. The system was “tested” at outside temperatures of over 100 with the panels supplying near maximum power with no issues.

[ColoradoSwany]

Looks good! Thanks! I am now thinking that I might get a piece of plexiglass or similar, to mount it on. May put it at 45 degree angle versus 90 degrees, just so I can view it better.
I like your switches/circuit breakers. I was looking at those, but I was advised to put 20a protection on both sides of my 20a controller. Couldn’t find that kind of switch that small, so I went with 2 Renogy ANL fuse boxes. They look easy to disconnect if I wish to do so, thus a more or less disconnect/fusing device.

[Effie]

If you're controller is Bluetooth enabled you really almost never need to look at it. I'm using the Victron app all the time.

[ColoradoSwany]

Originally Posted by Effie

If you're controller is Bluetooth enabled you really almost never need to look at it. I'm using the Victron app all the time.

That’s what I figured, but I am the nervous type and at least the first few outings, I will probably be checking everything multiple times. Wife has called me hyper more than once.

[steve dunham]

I would space the controller out with non combustible spacers
A 1/2” air space behind the controller will help both the plywood and controller stay cool

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

I would space the controller out with non combustible spacers
A 1/2” air space behind the controller will help both the plywood and controller stay cool

When I mounted my Victron 100/30, I used an extra set of nuts to make a "sandwich" with a piece of 1/16" aluminum sheet metal between the controller & the wood mounting surface.

I have to add that I've felt the case of the Victron under many occasions, and it has never felt warmer than the surroundings - 360 or 480 watts of solar...

[Perry Butler]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

I would space the controller out with non combustible spacers
A 1/2” air space behind the controller will help both the plywood and controller stay cool

Originally Posted by Vermilye

When I mounted my Victron 100/30, I used an extra set of nuts to make a "sandwich" with a piece of 1/16" aluminum sheet metal between the controller & the wood mounting surface.

So now I have to go out and install a nut for a spacer?

OK, another job to do before we leave this fall.

Enjoy,

Perry

[ColoradoSwany]

Originally Posted by Vermilye

When I mounted my Victron 100/30, I used an extra set of nuts to make a "sandwich" with a piece of 1/16" aluminum sheet metal between the controller & the wood mounting surface.

I have to add that I've felt the case of the Victron under many occasions, and it has never felt warmer than the surroundings - 360 or 480 watts of solar...

Thanks, Jon! BTW, did you mount it vertically? I can’t tell from the picture.

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by ColoradoSwany

Thanks, Jon! BTW, did you mount it vertically? I can’t tell from the picture.

Yes. Photo is looking down from the opened passenger side rear seat (21C)

[MVA]

Originally Posted by Effie

Mounted mine in the front of the tank covering plywood, added a piece of to support it vertically a couple inches below the seat. The system was “tested” at outside temperatures of over 100 with the panels supplying near maximum power with no issues.

Nice job. BTW - what is the access port on the corner of the black water tank cover that you have carefully cut an opening to. My black tank cover is solid without an access cover.

[Effie]

Finally got a chance to take look, as I assumed it gives access to the black tank sensors.

[MVA]

Originally Posted by Effie

Finally got a chance to take look, as I assumed it gives access to the black tank sensors.

Thanks - I will have to ensure I don't block that area.