Hey everyone! I just got a 2025 Transcend One 151rd travel trailer equipped with a Solar prep package, which includes a 600W panel, 30AMP solar controller prep, 2000W inverter prep, along with solar and battery disconnect switches. I'm not really familiar with how this all works, and I'm curious about the 30AMP controller—wouldn't that limit the setup? If I'm understanding correctly, the 600W panel could generate up to 50 amps (600W/12V). Can someone help me figure out why it has a 600W setup with a 30AMP controller? What do I need to upgrade to really take advantage of the full capacity of this solar prep? Is it just the wiring from the roof to the controller that needs to be addressed?
2 Answers
You're right to question the capacity here! The 30AMP controller indeed poses a limit for your setup. Even if the panel could produce 600W, in real-life conditions, you'll likely see closer to 80% of its rated output, especially when mounted flat on the RV. This setup is generally meant for topping off batteries rather than powering major appliances. If you really want to maximize your solar usage, consider a more robust MPPT controller—going with about 400W to start would probably be a good plan!
Yeah, the 600W is more of a marketing promise than a practical output. With flat mounting, you might be lucky to produce somewhere around 30 amps of usable charging, given the environmental factors at play. Most RV solar packages are designed to provide basic functionality instead of true power needs. Often, the wiring is also underwhelming, so just getting the right thickness is crucial if you plan to upgrade.
Definitely sounds like I need to do my own research and possibly upgrade things! Thanks for shedding light on this!
Thanks for the tip! I’m leaning toward the 30AMP MPPT controller and starting with 400W to get my bearings. Appreciate the advice!