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Topic: Solar terminal on Trace Inverter /Charger (Read 1411 times) previous topic - next topic
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Solar terminal on Trace Inverter /Charger

Yahoo Message Number: 22054
I have a Trace Engineering Model RV2012 inverter charger. In behind the the terminal cover is a decal identifying the terminals. Does any one know if the SOLAR + AND SOLAR- are viable for direct solar panel inputs, and what the Max Solar current that said will terminals will take if they are indeed inputs?

I have use three semi portable solar panels that I took off my other coach, which I will be hooking up to the Intrigue. With a bit of luck and If the terminals are for Solar inputs I will not have to use a additionl controler and the internal charge discharge status will read what the panels are doing.

Marv Swenson

2001 intrigue 36' #11314

Re: Solar terminal on Trace Inverter /Charger

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22060
Marv,

I asked the same question when my inverter (same model as yours) was repaired. The technician told me the terminals were intended for an inverter feature that was never implemented in the product.
However, it might be worth a call to Xantrex (who bought out Trace) to be sure that information was correct. I didn't follow up because I had already installed a high quality solar charge controller.
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Tom Harsch 2002 Allure #30791
 

Re: Solar terminal on Trace Inverter /Charger

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22078
Tom

Thanks for the feed back

I did call Xantrex and they gave me the same story, that the terminals were there because of an original plan to build in a solar controller into the unit which they never did.

I did some testing on the solar terminals and found that they would be a likely place to input the output of an external solar (will pick up the shunt) controller however I didn't do it.

For what its worth: I simply installed the controller in the bay with the two disconnect switches. In that same bay is a fuse panel that is the domestic 12v distribution. it's fed with a #4 wire and has a built in ground buss, which I connected to chassis ground then fed the out put of the controller back into the system through a 20 amp spare fuse slot in the distribution box. By using the chassis ground and not the battery ground this picked up the shunt that's built into in the converter / charger and the charge current shows on the RC7GS monitor inside the coach as well as on the solar controller.

posted a photo if you are interested

Marv Swenson

2001 Intrigue #11314