Solar Panel System And Inverter Needed For A 2021 Keystone Cougar 5th Wheel With Zamp Solar Inlet

Question:

My 2021 cougar half ton 5th wheel is solar ready with Zamp solar. I want to install solar panels and an inverter. I need to know what I need to do this. From what I think I know is if I install a solar panel it just maintains the batteries. I dont have an inverter.

asked by: Lawrence D

Expert Reply:

Hey Lawrence,

That is correct, solar panels systems are simply to recharge the battery and wouldn't directly power anything. They'll run directly to the battery bank. The Zamp inlet you have most likely is just a 2-pole SAE connector with a positive and negative wire ran directly to the battery for you plug in a portable solar panel system. An Inverter takes power from your battery bank and increases it from 12v to 120v so that you can run larger appliances without shore/generator power. Inverters are based on wattage so you would need to choose one with a high enough rating to allow you to power the appliances you're wanting to use. That being said, you won't be able to power an AC unit or anything with a huge draw off of an inverter unless you had a gigantic battery bank.

The Go Power # 34282181 is a permanent install that would mount to the roof, wire down to the charge controller, and then out to the battery bank. You can definitely still go with this but you wouldn't plug it into the Zamp inlet. To utilize that outlet and also be able to move you panel around so it's getting the best sunlight you would need a kit like the Go Power # 34282610. This kit has the charge controller mounted to the backside of the panel and comes with a stand so that you can set them up and move them around. It also comes with a 2-pole connector so that you can plug into the Zamp inlet.

A lot of Zamp inlets were wired backwards so if you get an error on the charge controller after plugging you'll know the wires on the inlet just need to be reversed and then you'll be good to go again, or you can use one of the other included adapters to connect to the battery. If you need wire extensions we offer a 30' extension with part # 34270356.

For the inverter we offer 1000 watt, 2000 watt, and 3000 watt options. You'll want to look up the wattage draw of the appliances you're wanting to use to determine which best fit your needs. The solar panel wiring will be completely separate so you can add in the inverter at any time and it not be dependent on the solar panel system. Most newer trailers being built come with an inverter so that you can power the fridge while driving to your destination.