2008 Contessa solar panel/controller

[Todd Franklin]

So we've had our 08 Contessa 42' since new and never really gave solar a thought since we are in campgrounds mostly.  We are planning to do more remote stays and in the process of placing Lithium Ion batteries.  Along with those would like to start utilizing solar.  So we have a panel from the factory on top (solar prep but no controller?)  I am assuming it is just pre wired and no controller present since nothing is connected to our battery bank.  Where would the controller be mounted if it was initially provided by Monaco?  I'm looking for the wires that we can add a controller to.

 

[Chuck Jackson]

I have the single solar panel also. Next to the inverter is the Helitrope HPV 30DR controller. I believe this is factory installed also.

[Todd Franklin]

The only item I have inside the coach is the Magnum controller and the tank monitor.  No other controller so I'm wondering if they just wired it and didn't put a controller.  Our Windsor had one there.  Maybe I need to take panel off and see if there are any extra wires behind.

[David T. Richelderfer]

The solar controller in our coach is attached to the back wall inside the fixed (but openable) curbside door that accesses our waste tanks.  There are a few Aladdin modules on the wall as well.

[Joel Ashley]

If you have a solar panel from the factory, standard as in ‘07’s or optional as in ‘09’s, then you have a controller.  They wouldn’t tout a new rig as having that sort of feature if it wasn’t complete and operational.  On ours and many others, the controller is on the sidewall of the waste tank bay, behind essentially a handleless panel immediately in front of the curbside rear wheels.  Many owners are not aware of that door panel, as it fastens underneath.

But my guess is since yours is similar, the controller is in near the inverter like Chuck’s.  Ours is a cream colored box maybe 6”X6”X2”, perhaps bigger?  It is a Heliotrope HPV-30D, similar to the image below.  Chuck may say his is a different model.  Heliotrope was a company near the Oregon coach factories.  It has morphed into AM Solar:  https://amsolar.com/solar-panel-rv-company

In addition, I believe we have a solar manual available for HPV-45D models in our Private BAC Members Only section, Coach Assist area.

Joel

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Todd,
Irf it's like an 07, the 08  has the inverter mounted on the ceiling of the 3rd bay back on the passenger side.
Steve

[Chuck Jackson]

Joel - mine looks just like your picture.

[Todd Franklin]

Thanks everyone for the info.... as you can see on the 42 the curbside bay in front of the wheels is our propane bay.  The third bay only has the Magnum inverter and the transfer switch....  Still perplexed where that controller could be...

[Bill Lampkin]

See if you can trace the location of the solar controller by using wiring diagrams in Coach Assist. The wiring diagram will also tell you where the solar controller output connects to the coach DC electrical bus (likely in rear run bay).

[Todd Franklin]

This is all I got from the wiring diagram....

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Todd,
The other place they liked to hide it is in the water bay. There should be a removable panel to access the water pump area. The controller may be mounted on the wall.
Steve

[Todd Franklin]

Thanks everyone for the tips.  Location found.... behind the panel in the last bay, mounted on the ceiling.  Shows charging from the garage lights and all wires lead successfully back to the new LIB bank....  on to the next fix...