Zamp solar setup question

wincrasher · 09-08-2015, 03:50 PM

On their new models, Winnebago is offering a Zamp setup - 100 watts. Probably good enough to keep up with a refrigerator and top off batteries. It's only a $600 add fully installed, so not really a bad deal as far as factory options goes.

On the roof they have a combiner that can handle 3 panels. Inside there is a 30 amp controller. In the side of the van is a port for a portable panel that is supposed to be wired directly to the controller.

So here's my question - all the portable panels they sell have their own controllers mounted. Will a system work properly with two controllers? I would think the controller on the portable would have to be removed and the leads go directly to the port on the side of the van. Or does it make no difference?

http://zampsolar.com/newsite/wp-cont...ntroller-1.pdf

There doesn't appear to be any "pass-thru" setting on the portable controller. You can just select your battery type.

thefitrv · 09-08-2015, 08:00 PM

We have the ZAMP system. With 2 100 watt panels on top and the jack in the side. (I may put a third up top if I can fit one)

We store the RV in a carport (no sun), but have a composting toilet that needs a small amount of power to keep a fan running.

I purchased a 20 watt ZAMP panel (with no controller). I found it on eBay. We have this mounted on the carport roof, and then I ran a long wire down to plug into the jack. So far, so good. According to the charge controller inside the Travato, we are getting juice when parked in the carport and hooked to the rooftop solar panel.

Long story short - ZAMP does offer panels without the charge controller, and that's what I'd recommend. You just have to look for them. I think it was "solardeals" or something like that on eBay - but it's actually ZAMP.

Another thing to consider - the ZAMP controller has algorithms for wet cells, AGM, and Calcium(?) batteries. They plan to offer an algorithm for Lithium batteries some time next year. Should be a snap-in replacement on the controller.

bobojay · 09-08-2015, 10:23 PM

Wincrasher, I thought in one of Lichtsinn's videos that he said they were selling the Zamps without the controller??

markopolo · 09-09-2015, 01:09 AM

Here's some info from Winnebago:

Quote:

Solar panels added to the Zamp system should not have controllers. That function is handled by the controller in the coach.

tbirdman · 09-09-2015, 02:29 AM

Most panels come with MC4 connectors. Seems like Zamp has the oddball connector-not saying if it's better or worse than MC4. You can buy a panel form another supplier and modify it to the Zamp connector. A lot cheaper than $600. I plan to use panels from AMSolar, 2-100Ws and MC4 cable down (8 AWG) to a MPPT charge controller in the RV. Just need to buy a couple Y MC4 connectors to parallel the panels.

wincrasher · 09-09-2015, 03:31 AM

Zamp uses the same connector as the Battery Tender brand. I have a bunch of pigtails of that format I could fit to myGoPower panel. Was just wondering if two controllers would fight with each other or if I should take it out. Funny how Zamp's site doesn't list any portable panels without controller

tbirdman · 09-09-2015, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wincrasher

Zamp uses the same connector as the Battery Tender brand. I have a bunch of pigtails of that format I could fit to myGoPower panel. Was just wondering if two controllers would fight with each other or if I should take it out. Funny how Zamp's site doesn't list any portable panels without controller

here's a much cheaper folding suitcase portable solar. $254. Not sure about 2 controllers clashing.

ds10 · 09-09-2015, 04:49 AM

I emailed Zamp last week asking for information on how to order a folding panel set to add to my Travato. Most of the time we won't really need it, but there's one festival we go to where it's all dry camping and we won't move for 4 or 5 days. The extra solar would help. There shouldn't be an extra controller. Lichtsinn does say in one of their videos that they have the panels in their retail store. No web site for their retail store, though.

thefitrv · 09-09-2015, 05:05 AM

You can get those ZAMP connectors in auto parts stores. They're cheap enough.

Be careful when you're wiring up those connectors that you don't get the polarity wrong and fry the diode in your panel when you hook it up to your RV.

Not that I would know anything about that...

tbirdman · 09-09-2015, 06:00 PM

When I install my 2 solar panels and controller, I'll probably will run another line out to the back of the RV for a third panel. probably use the Zamp style connector and then see what panel I buy. So what is the positive side of the Zamp connector coming from the Zamp controller
controller. Is it the female or male?

wincrasher · 09-09-2015, 06:08 PM

I think that is where they are odd. I had another RV with the zamp connector and wanted to use it to connect my battery tender jr. I had to reverse the polarity for it to work.

tbirdman · 09-09-2015, 11:36 PM

I'll probably just terminate the portable solar wire with no connectors until I get a portable solar panel.

thefitrv · 09-10-2015, 12:15 AM

I don't know if the polarity on the ZAMP panels is off, or if there's some sort of standard I just don't know about. And I don't want to be responsible for anyone miswiring anything. So, no warranties expressed or implied...

On my ZAMP system, which seems to be working correctly, on the wire coming FROM the external panel, the Female side of the connector is positive.

wincrasher · 09-10-2015, 01:35 AM

Yes. From the pictures on their site, it appears the negative wire is the exposed end on the connector as you indicate.

tbirdman · 09-10-2015, 07:44 PM

I just ordered my solar 200W system. I bought mostly from AMsolar, but had to buy MC4 cables and connectors elsewhere. Going with two SF1000 panels with their adjustable feet since I have a slanted roof. Went with the Blue Sky 3000i MPPT controller with temp comp. I have an installer lined up for Oct 1.

perdi · 10-14-2015, 02:58 AM

so how did the october 1 solar panel install go?

tbirdman · 10-14-2015, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perdi

so how did the october 1 solar panel install go?

Except for the installers being slow as can be, it went fine. The biggest problem was taking off the Sat dome. The MC4 connectors make everything a snap to put together. I'm finding now that I'm on my week long shake down cruise that my most valuable commodity is fresh water.

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