How to connect suitcase solar panels? (1 Viewer)

[offagen]

A friend of ours has just moved from caravan to motorhome. With the caravan he connected his suitcase solar panels to the easily accessible leisure battery using crocodile clips. However, the motorhome has its leisure battery below the driver's seat so it is not easy to access and connect the crocodile clips. He's looking for a way to conveniently connect the suitcase solar.

It seemed to me that there should be a way to run cables from the leisure battery to some sort of socket, perhaps mounted on a side skirt, so that the solar cable can be plugged in (replacing the crocodile clips). Is there something suitable available to do this, or any other tried and tested method? Has anyone here done this?

 

[ChrisL]

Anderson plugs and sockets come in various current ratings and are reliable connectors. Have a look at www.12voltplanet.co.uk

 

[Wh05apk]

We have just got 200w folding panels and run through a second victron controller installed in a side locker, connected with an Anderson plug.

 

[brynric]

Depending on the size of the panels a charge controller may be needed.
We had a suitcase panel many years ago when we caravaned. It was very lightweight. When we switched to a Moho we decided the tiny charge it gave us didn’t compensate for the setting up hassles, especially compared to a larger panel permanently wired into the roof.

 

[Ditcha]

I have used these before nice and neat.

Linkstyle 2Pcs SAE Cable Connector, 12AWG Solar SAE Socket Weatherproof Sidewall Port, 2 Pin SAE To SAE Cable Plug Quick Connect Solar Panel Mount with 4 Screws for Solar Generator Battery Charger https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B4KB993W?tag=mhf04-21

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[Carpmart]

I use xt60 connectors and a second MPPT controller in the battery locker…

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BTLP9Y82?tag=mhf04-21

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

I use xt60 connectors and a second MPPT controller in the battery locker…

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BTLP9Y82?tag=mhf04-21

Ditto.

 

[offagen]

ChrisL, Wh05apk, brynric, Ditcha, Carpmart and Jimbohorlicks many thanks for all your helpful suggestions, I'll look at them with my friend to see what might best suit him.