Airstream Solar Upgrade | Airstream Solar Install

In this video Garret details some upgrades we recently completed on a 2022 Airstream Globetrotter including a beefed up solar system that abandons the 8ga. factory prewire in favor of a new 4ga. wire run. Upgrading the cabling allowed us to install an additional 400W of solar power on their roof, which required a larger solar charge controller to handle the additional wattage. This is the type of upgrade AM Solar frequently installs for Airstream clients who want a more robust system than the factory install provides, and will allow them to spend more time off-grid. Let us know if you are interested in an installation or a DIY option at amsolar.com.
AM Solar specializes in off-grid solar power system installations for a wide variety of rigs. Airstream solar installations are one of our most popular projects. Upgrade your Airstream today to take full advantage of a boondocking power system. Our expert installers will ensure that the installation process is smooth and effective. Looking to do a DIY install instead? We also offer all the parts you need to complete your solar installation, including solar panels, inverters, charge controllers, batteries, and more!
Get your custom quote today! amsolar.com/quote
Products Used:
AM Solar Complete Solar Charger (50A):
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Victron MPPT Charge Controllers
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Grape Solar Noir 100W Solar Panel:
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Zamp 90W Long Solar Panel
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AM Solar Roof Combiner Box (C-Box):
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Roof Wire - AMS Custom 10ga. Duplex
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Duplex-4/2
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AM Solar 35mm Rocker Foot Mount Set
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Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor:
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[@JohnnyLawBMC]

Nicely Done.

[@jimhanty8149]

You do good work… thank you..

[@5stardave]

If you ran the two sets of panels in series instead of parallel wouldn't that allow the 8 gauge wire?

[@GarretTowneAMS]

With a series pairs array, when one panel has partial shade on it, the blocking diodes of that panel will bypass the shaded section. This allows the rest of the cells in the panel, and the string to maintain current, but it reduces the voltage output of that string. Then when it meets an unshaded string of panels at full voltage, the two strings are forced to operate at a weighted average voltage, which typically not near the ideal operating voltage of either array.
In other words, yes, you can use 8ga, but series pairs is a bad idea if you deal with partial shade.

[@mikeeeeee555]

I thought for 2023 airstream allows you to use AGM or Lithium and therefore Li seems to just be a drop-in solution, no?

[@GarretTowneAMS]

It mainly comes down to how well your charger/converter works with lithium batteries. Some are perfectly compatible (have a lithium mode), some will damage lithium batteries, and some people prefer more powerful aftermarket options.