gpelectric.com | [page 11]
3. PLANNING LOCATIONS
3.1 PLAN YOUR SOLAR SYSTEM SETUP
1.
Take a few minutes before commencing any installation work to layout your solar system on paper first. Use the diagrams
within this manual (pages 20-26) to help.
2. Complete a simple block diagram identifying the key components and connections of your solar charging system: Solar
Panels, MC4 Positive and Negative Extension Cables (80W & 20W), GP-PWM-10 Solar Charge Controller (20W&80W) and
your Battery Bank as detailed in the diagrams.
3. The 10W Eco kit is a direct connect kit from the solar panels to the battery (See system Diagram on Page 20). This kit in-
cludes a built in 10A Fuse on the positive cable from the solar panel. This kit does not require a solar charge controller and
does not include a solar charge controller.
4. Identify and prepare easy/safe access to possible installation locations in the 3 key installation
areas within your RV;
• Roof
Solar Panels
• Instrument/Controls
Solar Charge Controller and/or Inverter Remote
• Storage Compartments
Inverter, Converter/Charger, Transfer Switch
5. Identify on your RV if you have a
Cable Entry Plate (CEP) see Fig 3-A
pre-installed by the
RV Manufacturer. The Cable Entry Plate makes the Solar Panel to Solar Charge Controller
installation simpler. (After market purchase of GP-CEP available)
6. If you do not have the Cable Entry Plate pre-installed on your RV, you will be following the
‘Routing Power Cable through the Refrigerator Vent’ steps.
7. Whilst on the roof of your RV identify the refrigerator vent and investigate the vent-fastening
hardware.
3.2 PLACEMENT OF SOLAR PANELS
1. Remove the solar panel from the box.
Set aside the box as they will be used in the instructions to follow.
2. Using the solar panel box, plan the layout of the panel on your RV rooftop. Once you have positioned the box
• Select a location where the mounting surface is at least 1/2” thick and strong enough to support the solar panel
mounting hardware.
• Solar panels should be located a minimum of 3’ from the front of RV to reduce wind load on the panels.
• Avoid internal wiring when selecting the solar panel mounting locations for drilling the mounting holes.
•
Ensure fixed obstacles, such as air conditioners, will not shade the solar panel. Shading can greatly reduce the
performance of the solar system.
•
Ensure there is enough room to access the panel and other fixed obstacles for future inspection and maintenance.
FIGURE 3-A: CEP
