Date:         Sun, 26 Jun 2011 22:26:45 -0700
Reply-To:     Jeffrey Vickers <jeff@VICKERSDESIGN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeffrey Vickers <jeff@VICKERSDESIGN.COM>
Subject:      Re: Solar Panel outdoor electrical connect
In-Reply-To:  <20110626215323.B787336C0DA@izzy.vickersdesign.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

Troy,

Not sure where your aux battery is located, but mine is under the back
seat and I solved this issue by sending a a set of leads out through
the "firewall", along the wall of the engine compartment and ending
with a set of Anderson Powerpole connectors right behind the license
plate door. My panels are moveable and not attached to the van so I
can plug a single panel or gang two panels with a 50 ft lead to the
connectors at the license plate door. It saved me from putting any
holes in the body and the connectors are out of sight and out of the
way when not in use.

Jeff in Marin


On Jun 26, 2011, at 2:33 PM, Automatic digest processor wrote:

> Date:    Sat, 25 Jun 2011 23:51:55 -0800
> From:    Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
> Subject: Solar Panel outdoor electrical connect
>
> Hi folks:
>
> Just finished putting together my solar panel, and MPPT controller
> setup.  My original plan was just to close the door on the wire,
> figuring the gasket would form fit around the wire, but with 12gauge
> heavy duty wire, the door is not going to close. So, now looking at
> outside plug-ins.  All of my utility outlets are in use, so that's
> not an option.  I'm not completely opposed to putting another
> electrical connector through the side wall of the van, but would
> prefer something I can mount to the underside of the van with a
> waterproof cover. Maybe under the sink cabinet? My connectors and
> controller are currently behind the drivers seat.
>
> Most everything I've seen are cigarette lighter adapters, and not
> sure they can handle the higher voltage of a solar panel.  So, I'm
> sure I'm not the first person to hook up solar to my van.  Any
> suggestions on electrical connectors to get from inside to outside?
>
> Troy