Installing a GROUND SOLAR PLUG for a DIY camper electrical system.

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Installing a GROUND SOLAR PLUG for a DIY camper electrical system.

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EXPLORIST life Mobile Marine & Off-Grid Electrical

Күн бұрын

This video will teach you the BEST connections to make a ground-deploy auxiliary solar panel array for charging your DIY camper electrical system.
We wanted the option to have both a rooftop solar array as well as a ground deploy solar array if we want to camp in the shade, but still have solar panels out. We are using a DC connector rated to 50A and up to 500 volts which is perfect for wiring a higher voltage solar panel system into our camper van. We installed the hole for our ground solar port back in our electrical install • DIY CAMPER VAN ELECTRI...
➤Ground deploy solar array wiring kit: shop.explorist...
➤Ground deploy solar port (part only): shop.explorist...
➤Shop the EXPLORIST.life Store: shop.explorist.life
➤Shop Battle Born Batteries: battlebornbatte...?afmc=explorist_bb67
➤Binge the Transit Van Build: • The Ultimate Camper Va...
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful with planning and installing your DIY Camper:
➤DIY Sprinter Camper Van Electrical Install - Full Tutorial: • DIY Sprinter Camper Va...
➤DIY Camper Solar Wiring Diagrams: www.explorist....
➤How to Perform a Power Audit: • How Much Solar Power D...
➤Basic Parts & Components of an Electrical System: • Basic Solar Parts Need...
➤How to Cut Wire: www.explorist....
➤How to Strip Wire: • How to Strip Wire from...
➤How to Crimp Wire: • How To Crimp Wire Lugs...
➤How to Make MC4 Connectors: • How To Make MC4 Connec...
➤How to Wire Solar Panels in Series-Parallel: • How to Wire Solar Pane...
➤How to Crimp Wire Ferrules: • How to Crimp Ferrules ...
➤How to Wire an AC/DC Breaker/Fuse Box: www.explorist....

Пікірлер: 70

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

➤Ground deploy solar array wiring kit: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/component-wiring-kits/solar-array-wiring-kit-2/ ➤Ground deploy solar port (part only): shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/switches-disconnects/solar-ground-deploy-plug/ ➤If you need one of those ports, Steph is putting those on sale for the next week. 10% off. Ends Friday 3/24 11:59pm MST. Use code: GROUNDDEPLOY10

@mikedruzak3038 Жыл бұрын

I recently watched your video on adding on alternators for power source instead or in tandem with solar. Which complete kit do you offer that alternators could be added too, 200-400 AH? Love your contributions!

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

Hey! Just wanted to follow up on this. We just released the alternator charging video that accompanies this tutorial. Here is the direct link to that: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fNtydK6FqKnSpGg.html

@WillProwse Жыл бұрын

That's a fun idea! Nice

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

Thanks! 🙂🙌

@jonimiller1954 Жыл бұрын

Here in Oz we all tend to use the range of Anderson plugs etc. One standard in several colors rather than a multitude of different connectors...

@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity Жыл бұрын

Works great. I used 14/4 round cable, combine two leads for pos, two for neg. It is round so seals good at connector, flexible and weatherproof.

@berthaduniverse Жыл бұрын

Thanks Nate... Love that connector.

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

For sure! Me too. Thanks for watching!

@JamesReid-gf7vw Жыл бұрын

Maybe you covered this in a previous video, but I think it is worth noting the danger of unplugging this type of setup while the panels are active and charging. The higher the voltage of you panels, the more dangerous it will become. If someone were to pull that plug, it could arc and melt. I think this why most commercial kits include the charge controller with the panels, that way you are only dealing with the battery bank voltage in the wires run to the RV/van. Great video otherwise and an excellent way to add more solar capacity to something with limited roof space.

@Flash1857 Жыл бұрын

Interesting, thinking of a ground deploy solar setup for an “after storm boost “ to my solar array, when the power is out for days. Thanks

@michaeld1959 Жыл бұрын

Curious what is your source and size for the wire loom you use. It seems nicer then what I find on Amazon. Nice video!

@AaronGeller Жыл бұрын

We added an exterior solar port for our van with the logic that if we are in the shade, we won’t have great solar so why not park the van in the shade AND have the panels deployed in the sunlight? Win-win

@desertdog2282 Жыл бұрын

Such a quality built plug and receptacle it’s a shame they cheaped out on the dust cover. Not to mention you need to completely disassemble it in order to replace it.

@davidoneill7412 Жыл бұрын

Perfect timing with this video guys. Literally just about to do this with my own solar. Thank you. 🙏🚐👏🌞🌞

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful. Cheers!

@chrisgibbons6527 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video as usual, my question: Why not use an anderson plug?

@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity Жыл бұрын

Because this is waterproof, and it has a better locking feature to keep it in place.

@user-kk7hp4wu8i Жыл бұрын

Any recommendations on good ground deploy solar panels?

@paulverroche9458 Жыл бұрын

Just about to install this great timing. If I’m just going from a 200 watt suitcase into a 100-30 controller as a supplement to my roof setup why do I still need the isolator? Thanks

@anyalpine Жыл бұрын

Seems like braided wire loom would collect dust and other abrasives over time that would rub on the wires. Definitely better than leaving it unprotected though.

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

I would guess the wire would rot before some dust made its way through the insulation. That's a non issue.

@Samwahealing 24 күн бұрын

After installing and using the van for a year how much difference did you see? Were you able to significantly charge your batteries quicker using a ground deploy? Especially with have an AC and things like that? I’m trying to determine whether the extra money for a ground deploy would pay off by the added battery charge

@EXPLORISTlife 24 күн бұрын

The amount of charge we saw was proportional to the amount of solar we had on the ground. More solar = more charging.

@hannahtanner514 Жыл бұрын

Will your "400-1200Ah Battery Bank - Multiplus 3k 12v - Orion 12-12 | 30 Wiring Diagram Kit" work with more than the 1450w of solar? I am wanting to go with 2,000w or more so I want to confirm the components of the kit will work with that much solar???? Thank you for all the information you put out that helps the diy people like myself!

@joshedcostanza Жыл бұрын

1st Question: I'm adding a ground deploy solar, do you have to turn the disconnect off when plugging in the ground deploy array? (assuming your panels are covered/closed when connecting). 2nd question: Dedicated Ground Deploy MMPT or Can I Utilize My Existing MPPT for Both Permanent and Ground Deploy Solar with a Solar Isolator/Combiner? More details if needed: My primary series wired solar (47.6V) to my MPPT 150/45 has enough overhead to support a ground deploy in a series parallel setup (44V if combined). I'm not sure if it is safe (or how to be safe) if I want to do a quick disconnect parallel addition to the permanent array (say turning off the solar isolator/combiner for both panels while connecting the additional array in parallel). I fear the permanent panels have active current that I can't cover when quick connecting the ground deploy before the solar isolator. I'm leaning towards a dedicated ground deploy MMPT for safety of all equipment. Any suggestions?

@patricktrier4503 Жыл бұрын

Nothing to do with this video but can you include a wiring diagram on your blog for a double victron Orion setup so you can get 60amp charging?

@johncarr123 Жыл бұрын

What do you think about the new ECOflow plug and play solution that is now available? Did they reach out to you to demo there products?

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

I like those plug and play systems for a 'charge it up and chuck it in the car' kind of thing. We have a Jackery in our Subaru that we use for weekend car camping like that.

@weasleyoc Жыл бұрын

What is your opinion on the use of wire ferrule? I started to use them, adding them whenever I have to do maintenance on a circuit in our trailer. In my opinion it eliminates the stray wire strands and gives a firm contact to tighten down.

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

I think ferrules are great in most cases! Check out some of our full system installations and you can see us using them extensively.

@awesomedee5421 Жыл бұрын

I didn't understand why you need this. Wouldn't you hardwire the solar on top of the van, or if you just have a fold out panel, is it really necessary to put a hole in the van when can just run an extension type cable? and also I didn't understand how this is related to grounding. or did I mis understand the title?

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

Ground deploy = panels deployed on the ground. We have panels hard wired on the roof in addition to the ground deploy array. Holes in the van aren't an issue. We had to cut holes for 3 windows, a fan, an air conditioner, and the roof solar wiring.

@999herbalist Жыл бұрын

If the roof have a solar panel How do we connect this to the mppt as secondary solar panels

@ClarkyMalarky Жыл бұрын

Question: I have a truck camper with shore power ,after installing my solar panels to my charge controller can I just connect directly from controller to my batteries? Bypassing everything that’s already in place.. ( inverter , shore etc)just red to red , black to black. Should I worry about let anything?( lithium batteries)

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

Just a heads up, but we've released our full install video featuring a Truck Camper; that you may find helpful! Here's the link: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ncl0jMyKzLunqps.html

@ArnisPunechkin Жыл бұрын

good job!

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@RedBatteryHead Жыл бұрын

Is there a video to see how you need to match panel types? Cause the second array could drag down the sum of all panels, right?

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

You'll just want to send the ground array to a 2nd charge controller.

@RedBatteryHead Жыл бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlife forgot to say, I was thinking on feeding into an solar generator. They have one input.

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

Ah, I see. Look up our video on 'mismatched solar panels'. That's the concept you're after here.

@jerrydebaca8697 Жыл бұрын

Just nitpicky on my end, I guess, but you'll need to put the screw on ends for the connectors on the cables in reverse order before you screw the cables to the connectors or you won't be able to put them on after. Also, you may need to take apart your inner wall of the camper/van for access to the back of the wall to install the cover and nut over those cables for that, before you attach the cables, paint to prevent rust, and screw that plug to the outside of the camper/van wall. Great video though. Now I know about both the plug and the way to put cable protection into the ends so they don't come out...

@kvdme Жыл бұрын

I used my old TV cable outlet. Just enlarged the hole, removed to cover, created a bigger whole in the cover, mounted it assembled to the outside. Sits flush. I'll put a disconnect so it's off when not in use.

@LolaandPooch Жыл бұрын

I built my solar system off your older diagrams with the 2P 250V Low Voltage DC Miniature Circuit Breaker for Solar Panels Grid System Din Rail Mount(63A) Breaker DC Circuit Amp Solar Double Pole -- 63a with the protective box. I believe it's big enough to add another circuit breaker. Will that work? Do you have any suggestions on what solar panels work with this? Last question: I don't want to cut a hole in the van. Can I install it inside? I would never run it when I wasn't there anyway.

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

All of our solar arrays will work with this port: shop.explorist.life/product-category/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/solar-charging-wiring-kits/ As for installing it inside... I don't like that idea. Shutting the solar wires in the door will lead to premature wear of the wires and the weather stripping. I just recommend permanently mounting it to the exterior of the van just like the shore power inlet. Ultimately, you can do what you like, though.

@robbiemorrison89 Жыл бұрын

Nice video! I'm curious, though, your popup reference earlier to the van cut-out is square, with seemingly 4 screws. Is this a plate that comes with the purchased set? I didn't see it in use during your table-top demo.

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

That's a different (worse) model we installed on our Transit for R&D purposes. 🤣😂 Same thing electrically, but the mounting was the 4x screws that were very annoying to handle.

@robbiemorrison89 Жыл бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks! So the plug for sale and in the mock-up video is the recommended version. Got it!

@MrCKM1962 Жыл бұрын

I noticed you didn't use a ferrule, how do you know when to use a ferrule and when not to use one?

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

I'll make a video about that. Good idea! Thanks for watching.

@charlevoix418 Жыл бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlife Yep, the terminal screw find its way through the cable, and at the end, the connection is less effective: a ferrule prevents that situation.

@charlevoix418 Жыл бұрын

I use ferrules everytime a terminal is using a screw for attaching a cable, like in this situation.

@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity Жыл бұрын

I never use ferrules. 52 yrs and counting. Never overheated a connection because I use the correct size wire, fuse and prevent corrosion. Jets, helicopters, experimental aircraft, houses, automobiles, tractors, ATV’s….never!

@charlevoix418 Жыл бұрын

@@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity It doesn't mean that because you do not use ferrules for 52 years without starting any fire that they are necessarily a bad practice for others. Mechanically speaking, using them simply make sense, for me.

@cycleoflife7331 Жыл бұрын

No ferrules for wires. Any concern for water infiltration on those connectors and how to mitigate it.

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

They are IP67 Waterproof connectors.

@rtmsound1877 Жыл бұрын

Did you connect it to the same charge controller as the roof array?

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

Nope. Those will 99% of the time need to be two separate charge controllers.

@rtmsound1877 Жыл бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlife thanks for clearing that up.

@JackFalltrades Жыл бұрын

I have an unrelated question that your connector reminded me of. I see an increasing number of charging stations at rest areas near me. Is there any way to tap into them to recharge my batteries? I confess I haven't researched this idea yet.

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

Electrically, you could make it happen with the right parts and components; but taking up a space at an EV charging station designed to get people from point A to point B just to charge your house battery bank in your camper is a great way to get campers and vans banned from even more parking lots than they already are. If you need to plug in, go rent a space at a campground to re-charge.

@JackFalltrades Жыл бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlife Point well taken. 😊 Thanks.

@JackFalltrades Жыл бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlifeOh, and I didn't mean overnight. Just while you take a bathroom break. 😊

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

For sure! 5 mins vs 5 hours doesn't matter when cities are just looking for reasons to pass ordinances to ban vans/campers. All they need is to see a non EV camper plugged into an EV charger to get the picture for the newspapers.