Have a portable solar panel that you’re trying to use on your RV? How you need to connect solar to your Anderson plug will depend on whether you have a Blue Anderson or Grey Anderson plug. This input line will be under the Road-Side of the RV if fit to yours.
It’s important to note that not all brands or models will have this installed from the factory.
If you do not have a portable solar input, please refer to our article “I don't have an external Anderson for solar, how can I use my portable panels?” for information on how to add one.
Blue Anderson Plug:
A Blue Anderson plug is most commonly used when a BatteryPLus35 Battery Management System with a built-in solar regulator has been installed. If you have a Blue Anderson Plug, this is connected directly to the input of your solar regulator. The Blue Anderson is used to indicate and warn that this is an unregulated line and potentially live at the same voltage as the rooftop solar is creating. Your solar panel should be unregulated with a VOC of less than 25 volts and a VMP of greater than 17·5v (the higher, the better for the VMP).
Ensure that the Anderson plug is Blue, as each colour plug is keyed differently.
When used with a Trek or Odyssey screen, the input from this will show under “Solar”, as a combined figure with what is being produced from the roof.
Grey Anderson Plug:
A Grey Anderson Plug is used when the Battery Management System requires an external solar regulator, such as happens with the BP35PM or Genius-II. The Grey Anderson Plug is connected directly to the 12v system after being reduced to 14v. Lines connected this way MUST have a solar regulator used. In this case, the ratings of the panel do not matter as long as the regulator is suited to your battery type.
Ensure that the Anderson plug is Grey, as each colour plug is keyed differently.
When used with a Trek or Odyssey screen, this will show under “Solar” combined with what is coming from the rooftop solar.
When used with a Drifter it will show as a charge but will not separate rooftop, plug-in or mains charge.
In some older installs, or when stock levels have been prohibitive, alternate colours including Grey Anderson plugs have been used in place of the Blue Anderson. If you have a BP35, BP35SR or BP35HA and have a Grey Anderson on the chassis, check the voltage of this line in full sun. The line will be around 20v if connected to the rooftop solar and will require no regulator as per the Blue Anderson details above. At 14v, it will be connected to the output side of a regulator or directly to the battery and will require a regulator as per the Grey Anderson directions.
Should you have any issue with the use of portable solar, please contact us with the ratings of the panel and details on the regulator being used on 03 9303 7033, support@cespro.com.au or by leaving us a message using the help button in the bottom right of your screen.