So I lashed out and bought a 200w panel ($230), the plastic mounting kit ($120) and a I had 20a regulator I bought some time ago ($100). I have a few question for anyone who has done this before, particularly someone who has run the wire themselves.
Mounting kit: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/171015380556?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
Panel: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/180991506985?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648
Regulator: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SOLAR-RE...AU_Boat_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53e6adac15
My intention is to re-route the fridge electrics directly to the load connectors on the solar regulator then run a 6mm pair from the house battery to the car. My thinking is that the solar regulator, Setek and the car battery isolator all monitor the battery so shouldn't cause any issues with the house battery.
- Where exactly do you run the wire from the roof? I am thinking I want to run the wires down the kitchen side near the antenna and my approach was to be drill up from in the van through the first layer then check for internal cables then finish the hole through the roof. I have a fitting that then goes on the outside of the roof for the cables, I was going to just Silkaflex it on. Should I put a joiner in the external fitting?
- How to mounting the panel? I was thinking of attaching the mounts to the panel with SS self tappers and Silkaflex then just Silkaflex to the roof. Would that be sufficient or should I screw to the roof as well? How deep should the screws penetrate into the roof if I do that?
Mounting kit: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/171015380556?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
Panel: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/180991506985?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648
Regulator: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SOLAR-RE...AU_Boat_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53e6adac15
My intention is to re-route the fridge electrics directly to the load connectors on the solar regulator then run a 6mm pair from the house battery to the car. My thinking is that the solar regulator, Setek and the car battery isolator all monitor the battery so shouldn't cause any issues with the house battery.