Adding Portable Solar Panel To Lance Travel Trailer

Question:

We have a Lance travel trailer that already has two solar panels mounted on the roof, the solar controller and a lithium battery. Everything works well but we want more solar to charge the battery's because parking in the shade doesn't provide full potential of what is there. What Options do we have?

asked by: Jonas G

Expert Reply:

We have just what you need, the Go Power Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller, # 34282610. This lets you place the solar panel where you need it for maximum sunlight while not having to place the camper in the sun too. For the later model Lance trailers there is a connection on the side of the trailer specifically for portable systems. This connection port is not run through the existing solar controller but directly to the battery bank. The intended purpose of this configuration is that you can use systems such as the Go Power Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller, # 34282610 and not interfere with the permanent mounted system. The two work independently of each other but can be simultaneously too.

Each solar controller will read the battery bank independently and adjust as needed, as programed, to provide needed charge from the solar panels they are connected to. The two controllers do not need to be connected in any way as each is concerned with the state of charge of the battery bank and adjusting as needed when that value changes.

If you want an additional amount of distance, we have the Extension Cable for Go Power Portable Solar Kit, # 34270356 that is 30' Long. I would only use the extension cord when needed though, if you can get the portable panels in sunlight without needing the extra 30' then don't add the additional resistance that the extension cord would cause. But sometimes, the added length of cord is exactly what is needed.

expert reply by: Michael R