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

EXPLORIST life Mobile Marine & Off-Grid Electrical

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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....

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1 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 72

@EXPLORISTlife Год назад

➤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 Год назад

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 Год назад

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: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FuBAKTCCnt4.html

@WillProwse Год назад

That's a fun idea! Nice

@EXPLORISTlife Год назад

Thanks! 🙂🙌

@jonimiller1954 Год назад

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...

@michaeld1959 Год назад

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

@joshedcostanza Год назад

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?

@JamesReid-gf7vw Год назад

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.

@hannahtanner514 Год назад

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!

@awesomedee5421 Год назад

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 Год назад

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.

@AaronGeller Год назад

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

@paulverroche9458 Год назад

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

@patricktrier4503 Год назад

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?

@Flash1857 Год назад

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

@desertdog2282 Год назад

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.

@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity Год назад

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.

@LolaandPooch Год назад

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 Год назад

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.

@999herbalist Год назад

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

@michaelskeels4442 23 дня назад

What if your doing a Travel Trailer application. There is no sheet steel thin singlewall attachment point in the exterior wall. Can you show that as well?

@EXPLORISTlife 23 дня назад

If you were faced with that scenario, based on your DIYer ingenuity, how would you solve that problem?

@michaelskeels4442 23 дня назад

@@EXPLORISTlife I just used MC4 leads off the solar disconnect in the Storage bay and took the solar wires through the drain port in the floor. Not elegant but until I wear out the MC4 connections it will have to do.

@EXPLORISTlife 23 дня назад

The solution for the question asked would be to make a small plate, 4" by 4" or so, install the gland for the video onto the plate; then mount the plate to the side camper wall through a hole slightly bigger than the port.

@ClarkyMalarky Год назад

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 Год назад

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: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gcDYiYgUCzg.html

@RobbyRobison Год назад

Any recommendations on good ground deploy solar panels?

@johncarr123 Год назад

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 Год назад

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.

@anyalpine Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@jerrydebaca8697 Год назад

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 Год назад

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.

@weasleyoc Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@chrisgibbons6527 Год назад

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

@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity Год назад

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

@sveu3pm Год назад

it should have a key lock

@cycleoflife7331 Год назад

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

@EXPLORISTlife Год назад

They are IP67 Waterproof connectors.

@robbiemorrison89 Год назад

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 Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@MrCKM1962 Год назад

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

@EXPLORISTlife Год назад

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

@charlevoix418 Год назад

@@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 Год назад

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

@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity Год назад

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 Год назад

@@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.

@RedBatteryHead Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@RedBatteryHead Год назад

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

@EXPLORISTlife Год назад

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

@JackFalltrades Год назад

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 Год назад

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 Год назад

@@EXPLORISTlife Point well taken. 😊 Thanks.

@JackFalltrades Год назад

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

@EXPLORISTlife Год назад

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.