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Topic: Mini Solar cell on refrigerator compartment vent. (Read 431 times) previous topic - next topic

Mini Solar cell on refrigerator compartment vent.

I have a 2"X 5" solar cell on top of the roof vent. The wires (2) drop into the firg compartment, into the bay below, and into the central wire way. The wires were disconnected from the cell and lying on the floor of the frig compartment. I do not think the solar cell and wiring are of any consequence.

My curiosity is being challenged..

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks
Tim

Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: Mini Solar cell on refrigerator compartment vent.

Reply #1 –
New rigs have started coming with small panels like that from the factory to maintain the battery on the lot. At some point it became cheaper to wire in a solar panel than replace the battery at the time of sale.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Mini Solar cell on refrigerator compartment vent.

Reply #2 –
I can't imagine a 2" x 5" solar cell that could put out sufficient power at 13-14 volts to even maintain a big battery on our coaches...much less charge the battery.

Perhaps it powered a small ventilation fan, or a LED light, or something similar.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Mini Solar cell on refrigerator compartment vent.

Reply #3 –
I'm think it is sensor that tells something that the sun is up......
Any ideas what that something is?

Tim
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: Mini Solar cell on refrigerator compartment vent.

Reply #4 –
I had a similar setup on a Camper. The solar panel powered a small fan on top of the frig coils to help with the cooling efficiency, it also had a 3 way switch =  On Battery Power / Off / Solar Power. That particular frig wasn't worth a pinch of Monkey Chit on 12 volt. The little fan made it usable in 12 volt mode and a lot better during hot weather on propane.
Mike & Donna Mariana + Angel & Rusty
2003 U295 3620
Build# 6118
2021 Jeep Wrangler 392
 

Re: Mini Solar cell on refrigerator compartment vent.

Reply #6 –
I think the solar driven fan is the answer. Over 25 yrs a number of things could have vanished.

Thank you....

Tim
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel