Technically, you can directly plug in a very small solar panel without a controller. By very small, I believe 1-2% of your batteries amp hour capacity. So if you have a 100 amp hour battery, you could theoretically plug in a one or two amp solar panel without a charge controller. Frankly, I wouldn't. Charge controllers aren't that expensive, especially for the peace of mind they provide.
Our new 2019 Minnie is also "Solar Ready" and I traced the wires. All Solar Ready means is that the Zamp connector has been installed and wired to feed directly to the batteries. I should also mention that I've read Zamp reversed the standard polarity on the connector to force people to only use their way-overpriced products.
I added a 100 watt mono solar panel with MPPT controller and Xantrex battery monitor to my sailboat and it was a great addition. I've just added a Victron battery monitor to our Minnie and anticipate adding solar in the not-too-distant future. I'm already leaning heavily toward a pair of 100 watt Renogy slim-line panels and a blue-tooth capable Victron 75 volt/15 amp MPPT charge controller. My plan is to hinge the panels together myself so they fold and store in the pass-thru. Having them angled properly toward the sun is too important to permanently affix them anywhere on the trailer so a good length of wire is also going to be needed.
But solar is about third on my current priority list. Next up is a cell-signal booster. After that, a 1500 watt inverter. Then I'll be ready to add the solar.
FWIW
Jim
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