ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11
THOR MOTOR COACH | MADE TO FIT
143
Solar Charging, 30-amp Controller
Select TMC motorhomes are equipped with a 30-amp solar
charging controller and system. ese installations include
1 - 30-amp solar controller and 2 - 100 watt solar panels,
wired in parallel (200 watts). Select TMC models can accept
additional solar panels, with a total solar charging capacity
of up to 500 watts. Inquire with your dealer about solar
charging upgrades.
NOTE: For operating and other important details regard-
ing your solar panel and solar charge controller installed
in your motorhome, refer to the manufacturers owner’s
manuals included with TMC Owner’s Packet.
Integrated Solar Charging Systems
Applies to Solar Charging Systems with Multiplex
Integration
TMC motorhomes equipped with multiplex systems are
factory-equipped with a solar charging system that is remotely
controlled and monitored by the multiplex touchscreen
panel. e solar charging system seamlessly integrates with
the motorhome's multiplex control system, automatically
providing an additional charging method for the motorhome's
on-board house (auxiliary) battery(ies). e change from a
stand-alone solar controller to multiplex integration began
in model year 2023.
e auxiliary batteries continuously receive charging energy
from the solar panel(s), regardless of whether the master
battery switch is ON or OFF, unless the battery(ies) are
disconnected at the terminals. Charging and battery condition
is monitored on the multiplex touchscreen's solar menu. e
remote solar charge controller senses the charging needs of
the battery(ies), regulates the energy from the roof-mounted
solar panel(s) to the battery(ies) (determined by type and
charging prole of the auxiliary batteries installed), and sends
system monitoring information to the multiplex touchscreen.
Additionally, and via the multiplex touchscreen, users can
select pre-set and custom operating parameters for the solar
charging system.
When the controller senses that the auxiliary battery(ies)
require charging, the controller cycles through multiple
stages of internally programmed charging parameters. is
multi-stage process is designed to rapidly re-charge the
batteries, while protecting the batteries from damage due
to over-charging and over-heating.
Depending on the model, the maximum input current rating
of the remote solar controller is 10 or 30-amps, which, for
safety reasons, is designed to be a bit higher than the max-
imum (peak) amperage that the installed solar panel(s) can
Integrated Solar Control. Illustration of Firefly touchscreen panel
(above) and BMPro touchscreen panel (below). Although the menu
screens have a different layout, both allow for monitoring solar charging
and battery charge condition. With the Firefly system, solar control set-
up is accessed either by a menu tab (configuration) or a set-up button.
For the BMPro multiplex system, solar control set-up is accessed
through the Settings Menu.
provide. e typical factory-installed solar panel is rated for
100 watts (peak), with some solar panels having a rating of
190 and 200 watts (peak power). Solar panel(s) installed on
your motorhome may vary from these specications; refer
to your Owner’s Packet for details.
e solar charge controller and associated solar panels are
not designed to directly power the appliances and/or electric
components installed in your motorhome. All 12-volt sys-
tems and components are either powered directly from the
auxiliary batteries or by the converter, which receives input
power from either the on-board generator or an external
shore power source.
Operational and maintenance instructions from the man-
ufacturer of both the solar controller and the solar panels
are available on-line, through the TMC Owners Resource
document service.
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