solar panels
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6272
Printed Date: 28 Apr 2024 at 8:35pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: solar panels
Posted By: 802 JJ
Subject: solar panels
Date Posted: 19 May 2015 at 8:22pm
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hello podders looking for advice on solar panels for an r pod. the dealer that im dealing with is really pushing the zamp panels. they seem great but the price is pretty scary. i know the r pods have a zamp plug in but cant you get the zamp plug and install it on different panels ? im wondering what you all else are using and if you like them. thanks Jonathan  |
Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 19 May 2015 at 9:20pm
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If you search in the upper corner and run solar panels/use you should see a bunch of pictures and posts that some of the podders ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: MeeshyPod
Date Posted: 19 May 2015 at 10:02pm
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We have a 160w Zamp solar panel and we love it (we got it back when we had our T@B and, luckily, the Pods are pre-wired for Zamp panels too). We didn't get it from the dealer, though, we got it online. I think we paid about $550. I would suggest looking online and shopping around, you can find good deals (the 160w panels normally retail for about $700 new). I can't remember what website we bought ours on, unfortunately, but I do remember it was refurbished. Actually, we originally ordered a refurbished 120w panel, but they shipped us a 160w. We don't know if it was a mistake or if they were out of stock on the 120w panels and just decided to ship us a 160w instead...we chose not to question it   ------------- Michelle & Curtis Nolting 2015 Rpod 179 (MeeshyPod) 2015 Ford Explorer Sport 
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Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 19 May 2015 at 10:53pm
The "Zamp" plug on the POD is nothing more than an SAE connector with #10 wire that runs directly to the battery. The Zamp set up is nice, if you want a plug and play quality system. If your into DIY and you like a challenge then designing your own system will allow you to create a solution to fit your specific needs. Oh, BTW, that is the first step...Identifying what it is that you wish to accomplish with your solar system. That's where all the real work is, determining the specifics of your power requirements and power use plan, then trying to create a solution that will replace your power consumption. This goes on going back and forth, adjusting your specifications to match hardware until you have a reasonable compromise. I use a 50w Renogy Mono Crystalline Panel with a 10amp solar charger bolted to the back. I use the setup at the beach in the Gulf of Mexico and have great access to good sun rays all day long with no trees or other shading obstacles in the way. I expect to achieve 20-25 Amp Hours of charge per day. The sky is the limit, good luck and please come back and let us know how it works out. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Hayduke
Date Posted: 19 May 2015 at 11:36pm
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Zamp panels seem extremely overpriced for what they are IMO. And previous poster is correct, the 'zamp' connector is just this, which isn't special:  ------------- 2012 177 HRE 2017 Tacoma Double Cab |
Posted By: kylekai
Date Posted: 20 May 2015 at 11:33am
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While the Zamp panels may be more expensive, just as a Porsche is more expensive than a VW, you tend to get what you pay for. My Zamp solar panel is easy to carry, easy to setup, and it works great. ------------- |
Posted By: Hayduke
Date Posted: 21 May 2015 at 4:00pm
I tend to agree. But I don't think Zamp is an example of this. I bought a 120w foldable solar panel from solarblvd (looks like they're currently sold out), that does the exact same thing as the Zamp for under $200. ------------- 2012 177 HRE 2017 Tacoma Double Cab |
Posted By: robapperson
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2015 at 11:18am
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Check out AM Solar. I have a 2015 Rpod 179 that I will add 160 panel to the roof. I also have a 28' Airstream we use for 3 to 4 month trips. I just put 360 watts of solar from AM Solar on it. Love it! High quality systems at a good price. They have an excellent tutorial on their website about solar. Read it, no matter who you buy from.
Rob ------------- Rob |
Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2015 at 7:43pm
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I'm sure that Zamp is good. But outrageously over priced. You can do the same thing at a fraction of the cost. I like altE.com, but there are other sources that are as good, maybe even better. Solar power has come done in cost significantly over the past few years. |
Posted By: Gavin
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2015 at 7:55pm
Hi Folks, First time poster and about to buy my R-pod 176-t. Anyway, that connection is just fine. I have solar and wind systems for my home and have discovered Solar Panels can be way overpriced. If seriously looking for panels I would seriously consider Sun Electronics in Miami. I have no connection to them other than being a customer who bought 22, 225 watt panels from them and looked everywhere for the best quality/price. They offer a LOT of different sizes, wattages and quality too. You could probably and easily double your wattage for what you pay for that Zamp rig. I don't have their website but you can google them All the best! Gavin |
Posted By: Pooterpod
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2015 at 8:31am
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Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2015 at 1:55pm
You can read about what I and others have done to address this exact issue here. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5017&title=connecting-a-100-watt-solar-panel-to-zamp-port There is nothing special about the 'Zamp port'. It's a standard 2 wire universal connector socket, and you can find connectors at just about any hardware store of any size. The only two sizable components you need to get going with a Zamp-ready plug in are a solar panel and a charge controller. You can get a 100 watt Renogy panel and a 10 amp charge controller on Amazon for under $200. In the thread referenced above, I show how I connected my solar panel with an extension cord to my charge controller and then with a connector from the charge controller to the Zamp port. The connector I used has an in-line 10 amp fuse built in, and the fuses are identical to those used in automobiles. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2015 at 8:07am
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Hi. We just purchased a new RP-178. I'd expect most of our camping to be in a campground with services. I don't expect to do dry camping with the exception of perhaps pulling into a parking lot or service area to sleep for a few hours. Can someone tell me (sell me really), why I would consider the solar option for my type of camping? What is it going to do for me to be worth the additional expense and time of setting up. Perhaps the answer is that it doesn't, but I'd like to know. Thank you in advance for your advice. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2015 at 9:00am
If that is how you intend to use your pod, there is no need for you to have an alternate charge ability, solar or generator. You don't need a second battery etc. You're good. Pod On. ------------- |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2015 at 9:02am
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Howdy from San Antonio. In your scenario, solar is a waste of money. You could use a small panel to keep your battery up between trips during the camp season, but most people just cut the power to prevent the POD drain at idle. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2015 at 9:06am
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That was my suspicion, but I thought I would ask. Thank you again for your quick responses. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2015 at 9:32pm
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Just be sure to charge the battery overnight every 30 days and before/after each trip. Plug in the pod, reconnect the battery, then later disconnect and unplug. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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