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SES - Solar Electric Specialties

I have a 2-panel system. However-- as complete as the manuals were that came with the Coach, I have no documentation for this system. It appears to be working (see pictures), but I have two questions. Does anyone else have this system and do you know if it is trickle charging both the Chassis and house batteries?

When sunny, it seems to peak at about 13.5 volts and 1 amp. I've also seen the charging light go out -- even with the Sun -- and assuming that means it has reached the threshold point (full charge).

I tried to find this exact system and Manufacturer online, but had no luck.

All the best,

Michael
Michael
1995 U300SE CAT 3176B Build # 4612 ("Marvin")

Re: SES - Solar Electric Specialties

Reply #1 –
Here is a link to the story about the company and it's new owner.  Maybe they have some info.

Keith


Applied Power Corporation Acquires Assets of Solar Electric Specialties - Free
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: SES - Solar Electric Specialties

Reply #2 –
Although not specific to yours you may want to check out Handy Bob's blog HandyBob's Blog « Making off grid RV electrical systems work about solar and batteries. I found it very informative. It's a bit long and redundant but worth the read.

Regards, Phil
1999 U320
Mount Dora Fl

Re: SES - Solar Electric Specialties

Reply #3 –
Quote from: geomm –
I have a 2-panel system. However-- as complete as the manuals were that came with the Coach, I have no documentation for this system. It appears to be working (see pictures), but I have two questions. Does anyone else have this system and do you know if it is trickle charging both the Chassis and house batteries?

When sunny, it seems to peak at about 13.5 volts and 1 amp. I've also seen the charging light go out -- even with the Sun -- and assuming that means it has reached the threshold point (full charge).

I tried to find this exact system and Manufacturer online, but had no luck.

All the best,

Michael


Wow have not seen that in over twenty years.  I hooked them up to the 12 volt at the refer as it was always connected to the house batteries.

Not sure on this one but I started using a ses panel on an adjustable mount in 1987
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: SES - Solar Electric Specialties

Reply #4 –
If they installed your system correctly it will only charge the house batteries but there's an easy way to tell.

1) Park in the sun with your engine off. Might help to let the unit sit there for a couple hours but keep it in the sunlight. Turn the boost switch OFF.
B) Make sure your solar system is actually charging (the light is ON - I guess).
III) After a few hours use a digital voltmeter to measure between the terminals of the house batteries and then the starting batteries.
4. Compare them. If both house and starting batteries are reading above 13vdc  then the solar panels are charging both sets. If the starting batteries are reading 12.6 (or less) then they are not being charged by the solar system. If both house and starting batteries read less than 12.6vdc then you have some issue with the charging setup somewhere.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: SES - Solar Electric Specialties

Reply #5 –
Michael,
I have the same panel in my '91 but there's a nylon screw where the LED is (maybe because I only have one solar panel).  Same as you, no documentation in my manuals. I'm guessing it must be OEM from Bob's comments and I bet they hook up just the same to the refrigerator power.  I have checked mine and it only charges the house batteries.  I can remember having my house batteries out of the coach (boost off) and still finding voltage on the leads.  It was a higher voltage than the chassis batteries too.  Puzzled me for while until I figured out it was the solar.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho
 

Re: SES - Solar Electric Specialties

Reply #6 –
Quote from: JohnFitz –
Michael,
I have the same panel in my '91 but there's a nylon screw where the LED is (maybe because I only have one solar panel).  Same as you, no documentation in my manuals. I'm guessing it must be OEM from Bob's comments and I bet they hook up just the same to the refrigerator power.  I have checked mine and it only charges the house batteries.  I can remember having my house batteries out of the coach (boost off) and still finding voltage on the leads.  It was a higher voltage than the chassis batteries too.  Puzzled me for while until I figured out it was the solar.


Not oem I did them as the local sales manager versus have dead coaches on the lot
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4