Which Solar Charging System is Best for Camper Pre-Wired with Go Power Solar

Updated 10/29/2019 | Published 10/28/2019

Question:

Good morning I have a new camper that is pre-wired for Go Power Solar on the side. I mainly only need to keep battery charged when sitting in my driveway with nothing running. My question is, since my camper is pre-wired for solar on the side, will I need to connect anything to the battery, or just the plug on the side? Also, the charge controller, does it have to be mounted somewhere OUT of the rain? Thank you in advance.

asked by: Tammy W

Expert Reply:

I'll start by saying that when your camper is pre-wired for use with a Go Power Solar, all of the hard wiring is done for you; all you'll need to do is connect your Go Power Solar panels to the installed cable entry plate and the solar panels will provide a charge to your batteries.

On the Go Power Portable Solar System # 34282729 the charge controller is actually located on the back of the solar panels and because it's not designed to be left out in the rain, this system isn't a good choice for something that you'll be leaving exposed to the elements. I've attached a picture to this answer to show where it sits on the back of the panels for reference.

If you're looking for a solar charging system that is "set it and forget it", so to speak, I recommend going with the Go Power Solar Flex Charging System # 34272628 . This system has 2 solar panels designed to provide up to 220 watts of power through 2 flexible solar panels that can be mounted on just about any surface. These panels will provide charging power to your camper's DC batteries by plugging into the pre-wired cable entry plates on your rig and allow you to put less stress on your tow vehicle's battery for charging and also gives you the option to stay off the power grid when needed.

If you did want to use the portable# 34282729 system, it would be something that would need to be set up and taken down when not in use. While this is the more economical system, it isn't going to provide you with the true solution that you're looking for. Going with the Flex Charging System # 34272628 is going to give you more charging power, the ability to leave it connected without worrying about foul weather, and give you the ability to keep your battery charged off the grid.

While I understand the appeal of the portable system, you won't be able to leave it connected for long periods of time (unless you live in an area that rarely sees foul weather), so it won't provide you with the solution you're looking for.

expert reply by: Erik B