Solar Charge Hub Bundle
Starting at $350.00
THE MOST RUGGED AND EASY-TO-USE MPPT SOLAR CONTROLLER
Say hello to energy freedom with the easy-to-use KC Solar Charge Hub, a versatile 12-volt/24-volt system to charge your vehicle using Solar Panels for adventurers seeking energy independence. Compatible with all battery types, it adapts to your needs - whether in storage, on a camping trip, or a UTV trip.
Utilize the full KC Energy lineup by pairing it with the KC Portable Solar Panel kit for the ultimate, go-anywhere package, or use it with your existing solar panels. The Solar Charge Hub is more than a battery tender; it is a Plug-N-Play solution to charge and maintain your 12V/24V battery that also allows you to use your vehicle's battery like a battery bank to charge phones, laptops, and more.
FEATURES
- Portable: Plug and Play solution to charge and maintain your 12V/24V battery.
- Additional Ports: Charging Hub to use your vehicle's battery like a battery bank.
- Designed for Simplicity: Adapter cables included for a hassle-free setup.
- Rugged: Built from heavy-duty materials to withstand tough conditions.
- Smart Charging: Automatic load disconnect of Hub-Connected Accessories to prevent over-discharging.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Built-in Bluetooth for wirelessly monitoring and controlling your system.
- Magnetic Feet: Portability made easy with high-strength rubber-coated, removable magnet feet.
- Charge Everything, Lithium Included: Works on any 12-volt/24-volt battery system including Lead Acid, AGM, Gel, Deep Cycle, Lithium, and more.
Unpacking the KC Solar Charging Hub
Charge on the Go: The Portability of KC Solar Charger
Solar Charge Hub FAQs
Does the Solar Charge Hub have an internal battery?
No, the KC Solar Charge Hub itself does not have a battery and instead orchestrates the flow of electricity between your solar panels and your vehicle battery and other accessories.
Is the Solar Charge Hub an MPPT?
Yes, the KC Solar Charge Hub is powered by a Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 Charge Controller. We built a durable, rugged case with easy SAE connectors around the reliable Victron MPPT Solar Charge Controller.
What is an MPPT?
In a nutshell, MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking. This is a type of controller to extract the most power from a solar panel.
An MPPT also protects the potential pitfalls of connecting your solar panel directly to your battery.
MPPT solar charge controllers are more efficient than Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controllers because they adjust the electrical operating point of the solar panels to extract maximum power, especially in varying weather conditions.
What is the app used with the Solar Charge Hub?
It is the VictronConnect App and can be found on Google Play and the Apple App Store:
What are the differences in the different charging terms shown on the app?
- Bulk Charge: This is the initial stage when the battery is very empty. Charging occurs at the maximum safe rate until the voltage approaches full (around 80-90% charge). Voltage typically ranges from 10.5 volts to 15 volts.
- Absorption Charge: In the second stage, the voltage remains constant while the charging current gradually decreases. In this stage, the charger outputs maximum voltage.
- Float Charge: After the batteries reach full charge, the charging voltage is reduced to a lower level. This stage is often called maintenance or trickle charging, as its main purpose is to prevent a fully charged battery from discharging.
What are the connectors on the Charge Hub?
Each port on the Solar Charge Hub uses standard SAE connector plugs.
What do I connect to each port on the Solar Charge Hub?
- “12V IN”: Connect your 12V or 24V battery using the supplied alligator clips or ring terminals to the SAE plug.
- “SOLAR IN”: Connect your KC Portable Solar Panel or other < 220W solar panel via the supplied SAE to MC4 harness.
- ”12V OUT”: Connect your desired accessories, such as DC plugs, USB plugs, etc., to this. This is the load output and power is supplied by the connected 12 or 24V battery.
How can I mount the Solar Charge Hub?
There are multiple different mounting options for the most versatility. Included with the Hub are four rubber-coated magnetic feet that thread into the housing. These can also be removed and threaded through another mounting surface (such as the KC Universal Mounting Bracket SKU: 5002) for a more permanent mounting solution.
Does the Solar Charge Hub support solar panels with optimizers?
No, the MPPT charge controller does not support the use of panels with optimizers. Also note that you should not connect different types of solar panels at the same time, as this could lead to inefficiency or damage.
Can I use the Solar Charge Hub as a DC-DC charger?
No, the MPPT controller cannot be used to charge a 12V/24V battery from a battery bank or vice versa.
Portable Solar Panel FAQs
What are the plug types on the Solar Panel?
Our panel, developed by Sunflare, uses the industry standard for solar panel connectors: MC4 connectors, one male and one female.
How do I connect the Portable Solar Panel to my battery bank?
It depends on the exact power unit, so it's best to refer to your owners manual but here are the common connector types:
- Goal Zero:
- 8mm to MC4 connector
- Anderson Powerpole to MC4
- Jackery:
- 8mm to MC4 connector
- DC7909 to MC4 connector
What's the suggested way to store the solar panels?
Store in a dry environment, out of the elements, and folded closed when possible. However, it is EFTE-coated for increased durability on long outdoor adventures.
What’s the suggested way to clean the panels?
With a clean, damp rag wipe down the front and back of the panel. Do not use any chemicals, especially petroleum-based products.
Universal Hub Bracket FAQs
How can I mount the Solar Charge Hub?
The KC Solar Charge Hub can be mounted to the Universal Hub Bracket in two ways:
- Use the four rubber-coated magnetic feet for a quick attachment.
- Alternatively, unscrew the four rubber-coated magnetic feet and use the supplied countersunk screws to securely mount the hub directly to the bracket.
Where can I mount the Universal Hub Bracket?
The Universal Hub Bracket offers versatile mounting options, including:
- Attach to MOLLE panels using the included MOLLE anchors.
- Hard mounting to roof rack cross rails.
- And many other locations, thanks to the various holes and slots in the bracket that accommodate different setups.
SOLAR HUB
ENGINEERED TO BE EFFORTLESS
Designed for Simplicity
The Solar Charge Hub gathers energy from your solar panels and directs it to your 12V/24V vehicle battery for easy charging and maintenance. For a hassle-free setup bundle with the KC Solar Panel or your existing panel for everything you need.
SmartCharge System
Built-in Bluetooth allows you to wirelessly monitor and control your system and use your vehicle's battery like a battery bank. Take advantage of automatic load disconnect, usage trends, and more with the VictronConnect app.
Rugged and Adaptable
The Solar Hub’s IP67-rated housing ensures it performs in any weather. Its hybrid design allows for portable use with magnetic feet or hard-mounted installation using the optional Mounting Bracket. SAE connectors make it easy to integrate additional accessories.
SOLAR HUB
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
CREATE THE ULTIMATE SOLAR BUNDLE
Bundle the Solar Charge Hub with the Mounting Bracket and KC's Portable Solar Panels for one of the easiest on-the-go solar setups that emphasizes portablility and simplicity.
Portable Solar Panel
Harness the sun's power on any trail or at any campsite with the KC 150W Portable Solar Panel. This bi-fold solar panel is rugged, durable, highly portable, and efficient. Whether setting up camp or exploring remote trails, it's time to embrace energy freedom.
Solar Charge Hub
The centerpiece of the KC Energy lineup. The Solar Hub is the portable power conductor that orchestrates the flow of electricity between solar panels and your vehicle battery.
Hub Mounting Bracket
Secure your Solar Hub setup with this Universal Bracket, a robust and versatile mounting solution designed for ultimate adaptability. This bracket integrates flawlessly, allowing for both permanent and quick-detachable mounting options.
Solar Panel
BUILT FOR THE OUTDOORS
ADVENTURE GRADE
Constructed with ETFE-coated panels and developed by Sunflare, this offers excellent resistance to the elements across a wide temperature range.
PORTABLE POWER
Lightweight yet robust, the KC 150W Portable Foldable Solar Panel is your go-to choice for outdoor energy needs, easily fitting into your vehicle and ready to deploy at your next stop.
EMBRACE ENERGY FREEDOM
High power conversion efficiency to ensure maximum power output from available sunlight.