Solar panels are a factory installed option on Flying Cloud, Signature, Serenity and Classic models. Standard on Land Yachts. The solar option consist of the following:
- 53 Watt Solar Panel(s)
- Charge Controller
- Monitor/ Display
- AGM Battery (s)
*53 watt Solar Panel(s)
- Tempered solar glass
- 53 Watt output
- Hail and weather proof, tested to 2″ hail stones @ 100KM/H
- Heavy duty frame for added strength and durability
What is a Solar Panel?
A solar panel is a series of energy collecting wafers called cells. These cells use radiated energy from the sunlight to produce DC (12 Volt) electricity. Solar panels are rated in Watts. At solar noon, a 53 Watt solar panel has the maximum
output capacity of 4.4 amps. All models 25 and above will have 2 solar panels installed when the solar option is selected.
*Controller
*Senses when the battery is fully charged and disconnects the PV charge current to avoid over-charging the battery.
*Resumes charging the battery when the battery voltage has dropped sufficiently to accept additional charge current.
*Checks the availability of PV charge current, by cycling the relay every 4 minutes. If there is insufficient charge current available, it will disconnect the battery.
*It compensates for battery temperature and adjusts the charge threshold voltages when mounted in battery case.
*Its microprocessor reduces the charging rate of fully charged batteries to minimize water addition requirements.
*Monitor/Display
Monitors
- Battery Voltage
- Solar Charge Amps
- Solar Amp Hours
- Battery % remaining
*AGM Battery(s)
Unmatched Life-Cycles-
When discharged to the BCI recommended 50%, Lifeline batteries provide nearly 1000 life cycles, which is significantly more than other technologies. Other flooded and gelled batteries fall between 300 to 450 life cycles at 50% discharges.
Rapid Recharge-
Lifeline Batteries facilitate a significant increase in recharge rate, with amazingly high current limitations when you properly regulate the charging voltage. Customers charge 100ah batteries with 500amp chargers routinely.
Low Self Discharge-
Much better charge retention rate when compared to flooded and gelled technologies. Lifeline Batteries self discharge around 2% per month vs. 10% for other batteries.
Maintenance Free-
With proper charging, Lifeline Batteries require no maintenance. Lifeline Batteries do NOT accept addition of water nor do they corrode their surroundings.
Pre-wired
All current Airstream trailers are pre-wired for Solar panel (s). Pre-wired means the 12 Volt wires and Cat 5 cable are installed during the production process and terminated at precise locations. Since the trailers are pre-wired, solar panels can easily be added at any time.
Typical wiring termination points are as follows:
Cat 5 Cable (Blue) Used for Monitor / Display panel.
End 1– Terminated behind Tank monitoring system
End 2- Terminated at the battery disconnect solenoid
12 Gauge DC Wire (Green and Yellow) used for power distribution
End 1- Terminated behind Fantastic vent interior trim ring
End 2- Terminated at the battery disconnect solenoid.
Another reason why Airstream = Value!
