I'm looking at getting a solar setup from Renogy Solar off Ebay. I was all set to pull the trigger, but then saw a note on the ad talking about it being a "positive ground" setup. They also sell a negative ground system, which is about $100 more. See below for the systems and the relevant wording about the grounding.

I'd be wiring this into a stock SMB setup, which has a 1500w inverter/charger, three batteries (315ah), and from what I've seen a standard 12v negative chassis ground.

The question is, if I'm wiring these into my existing 12v house system through a charge controller, does the grounding matter? (I assume it does.) Is the fix as simple as changing to a different controller?

Here are the Renogy systems I'm looking at, and their grounding notes:

Positive Ground System

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281061525755?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

This is a Positive Ground Charge Controller. If grounding is necessary, it must be completed on the positive line. If the controller is to be used on a vehicle which has battery negative on the chassis, loads connected to the controller must not have an electrical connection to the vehicle body.

Negative Ground System

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solar-Panel-Kit ... 461ed84ba8

This is a Negative Ground Charge Controller. If grounding is necessary, it must be completed on the negative line. If the controller is to be used on a vehicle which has battery positive on the chassis, loads connected to the controller must not have an electrical connection to the vehicle body.

Ford and Sportsmobile us a negative ground system. You want the negative grind system. Am not sure what vehicles use a positive ground.

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Larrie
Read detailed trip reports, see photos and videos on my travel blog, luinil.com.
Current van: 2002 Ford E350 extended body camper with Colorado Camper Van pop top and Agile Offroad 4WD conversion.

I would go with the negative ground system, which is listed for RVs (and other vehicles).

From the description:
"Please Note: This is a Positive Ground Charge Controller. If grounding is necessary, it must be completed on the positive line. If the controller is to be used on a vehicle which has battery negative on the chassis, loads connected to the controller must not have an electrical connection to the vehicle body.
If you want to connect this solar system to a negative ground battery bank, you can upgrade to the ViewStar Charge Controller, or choose Renogy RV kit."

So, looks like the panels are the same, but the contoller must be a different type.



Also, I got a Renogy 100w kit from Amazon and have been very happy with it. I hope to upgrade the controller one day but the kit is a good one IMO.