Hi,
We have a 2001 Lance 915 truck camper that was pre-wired for solar panels on the roof. Does this mean that there is already a battery charge controller installed? If so, where is it?
We have 2 x 75 watt solar panels that we just connected to the wires on the roof.
Thanks for any information out there.
antiquedriver wrote: Hi,
We have a 2001 Lance 915 truck camper that was pre-wired for solar panels on the roof. Does this mean that there is already a battery charge controller installed? If so, where is it?
We have 2 x 75 watt solar panels that we just connected to the wires on the roof.
Thanks for any information out there.
If you don't know where the controller is, I'd unhook the panels until you do.
05 Dodge 3500 4x4 DRW Long Bed 4dr
07 Lance 992
III so far.
my guess would be that just the wiring was installed, and nothing else. do not connect the other end of the wires to the batteries without a charge controller, you will overcharge the batteries. get a good MPPT controller, definately worth the extra money. alternate energy has about the best price.
1999 F-250 Extra Cab SD 4X4 V-10
2000 Wildwood 28RKSS2S 31' 5ver
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More than likely you don't have a charge controller, just the wires to hook up to the system. Most manufacturers are leaving runs of wiring in for additional hook up options to make it easier for the dealers to add the extras on. I would look near the inverter, and the battery compartment and see if there is a solar controller, I doubt it though because they can run anywhere from $75.00 and up.
Good Luck
Matt
Life is short, Play harder.
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Long Bed 4.3L V6 Automatic 2WD
Just FYI, the charge controller in my 1191 is at ceiling level inside the cabinet above the kitchen sink. It's right next to the "manual" switch for the slideout.
I would recommend calling Lance and asking them where the wires for that are. If you bought from a good dealer, they might also know the answer.
The wire is only meant for one panel its #12 and with 150 watts your streching things, you can run your own #10 wire down the fridge vent to a 30 amp control, then on to your batterys. Also put a 20 amp fuse on the hot side and don,t put the fuse in until everything is hookedup.Also remember if you remove your batterys to pull that fuse which kills the power from the battery. This is what I learned from Discount solar in Quartsite AZ.
Lance hides those things pretty well. It's in the back of a cabinet somewhere and you should see a red light when the panel is generating juice. I've had solar on an 835, and now on a 981 and finding the red light is a challenge, but if the wires were on the roof, then the controller is there womewhere.
I don't know if they still install these, but I have an "ASC charge controller for photovoltaic systems" mounted under my sink. My camper came with a 50 watt panel so I am not sure if you would have the controller if yours didn't come with a solar panel.
Big Rig
04.5 Dodge Quad,3500,CTD,DRW,4X2,48RE
04 Lance 920, air,solar,gen,no front window,cabover struts
Raften wrote: I don't think you have a controler, just the wire. That is the way it is with my '01 1121.
I agree. I don't believe Lance or the dealer would include something for free if you didn't get the complete kit to begin with. Besides they would have to know the wattage/amperage of the panels to install the correct controller. BTW mine is in a upper cabinet in the kitchen area on the back wall of the camper next to the slide out switch.
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2007 Lance 1181, Fastguns
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