The motorhome comes pre-wired to accept this optional solar battery
charging system. The system consists of one 85 watt solar panel with mounts,
a combiner box (that allows you to easily expand the system) and a charge
controller that can handle up to four 85 watt solar panels.
The Solar Panel:
The Solar Panel is a Solec 85 watt panel that is capable of
delivering about 5 amps of charge per hour, per panel, in full
sunlight (usually between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.). Extensive
testing has shown that one 85 watt solar panel delivers enough
power to offset normal day to day drain on
batteries, caused by various parasitic electrical loads. These para-
sitic loads are usually associated with transmission memories,
alarm systems, natural self-discharge of batteries and other like
items. This means that the first 85 watt solar panel is only intend-
ed to cover these parasitic loads. Adding a second, third or fourth
solar panel (depending upon needs and electrical consumption)
can replace what is draw out of the batteries from the operation
of lights, water pumps, inverters etc., while dry-camping.
WARNING: The Solar Panel needs to be cleaned monthly.
The Solar Panel may need to be cleaned more frequently if
weather conditions permit.
The Combiner Box:
The Combiner Box is located on the side of the refrigerator vent on the
roof. It has four standard ½” knock outs to allow you to add any extra solar
panels you may desire to meet your dry-camping needs.
The Charge Controller:
The Charge Controller was built specifically to meet the needs of Monaco
motorhomes. The faceplate has a digital readout that will display one of three
readings by means of a slider switch: House Battery Voltage, Amps Charge or
Engine Battery Voltage.
There are also three indicator lights for at a glance status: Charging (which
means the system is actively charging), Charged (which means the batteries
have reached 14.2 Volts) and Over Temp (which means that the circuit board
has reached a high temperature and has been turned off until it cools down,
then it will turn back on automatically).
The faceplate of the controller is used as a heat sink for the electronics
attached to it, and will become warm to the touch especially when it is pro-
cessing higher amperage. This is normal and there is no reason to be con-
cerned. Automatic thermal shutdown (indicated by the Overtemp light) will be
activated if it gets too warm.
Electrical Systems - House
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WINDSOR 8•221
SOLAR PANEL
(OPTIONAL)
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