Connecting a 100 watt solar panel to Zamp port

Originally posted by Don Halas Moving forward with this. I am considering doing this and running the solar output to a charge controller and directly to the battery forgoing the zamp connector. To do this I'll need to mount the charge controller inside the battery box or at least in a weatherproof enclosure close to the battery. Because I'm always looking forward and hate re-doing things or wasting money I think I might want to replace the battery box (not the battery) with one large enough for a battery upgrade (the two in series 6volt golf cart type) and to mount the controller say in the lid. Again, I intend to keep my current 12 volt battery, but would rather upsize the box now in anticipation of a battery upgrade in the future. Does anyone have any opinion on the size of box I'd need to accommodate the battery upgrade and mounting a charge controller (in as of yet undetermined size) in the box? As always thanks for feedback.

I'm close to pulling the trigger on this. First I've got to see if my current battery box has enough extra space to accommodate the charge controller mounted inside.

I'm planning on mounting one HQST 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Flexible Solar Panel to the roof on the toe side of the Pod. If my approach works I may add a second panel on the rear side at a later date. (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017OMTAV6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1OFFIBLM4EPOJ&coliid=I180JN9A4WMLPF&psc=1). I'm going to run the wire down the front of the pod directly into the battery box and not use the zamp port on the back. I plan on attaching the panel using 1/2" VHB tape and then using Dicor sealant around the entire panel. Wires will be secured using wire cable clips that I hope will be adequately mounted using command strips. If the command strips fail it shouldn't be a big deal to find a suitable alternative.

I hope to mount a Morningstar SS 20L 12V SunSaver 20 amp 12 volt Solar Charge Controller with LVD controller inside the battery box. It's a little over sized for the one panel, but I believe allows me the option of adding the second panel in series with the first panel. It's supposed to be good for exterior applications. (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017OA5DH8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1OFFIBLM4EPOJ&coliid=I18UBPLNOQR164)

I'm guessing a 20 amp fuse between the charger and battery should suffice.   

Any thoughts or guidance will, as always be appreciated.

I'd hope they expect long term sun exposure with sun panels.   Description suggests they're more tolerant of the environment.

I won't do this if I need to suitcase or carry panels. I don't want anything else to pack, set-up or secure (theft or weather).

The total investment will be less than $400. $600 if I add a second panel.

Thanks for the thought.

The warranty on my Grape Solar GS-STAR-100W is 10 years, 25 years on > 80% power output and 10 years on >90% power output. There flexible panel PhotoFlex-100W warranty is 2 years, 2 years on 80% power output. That's why I went with the rigid glass covered panel

This is a nice to have for me, rather than a got to have.

We don't have a lot of dry camping planned. The exception will be occasional boondocking and perhaps when my son gets me in music festivals.

My primary reason for this is to not have to drag the extension cords across my driveway while the Pod sits there most of the time. Putting the first panel on the front is strategic since that will be Southern exposure when it's parked in my driveway.

A secondary purpose will be if we are using battery that we might not to be so concerned with it.

So that's why this is either simple, self sustaining and no more hassle or not happening.

Again, thanks for your feedback.