Solar panel system advice/personal experiences please

I wanted the inverter and an MPPT charge controller helped with me wanting fixed panels. I found these large plastic corners and middle pieces that allow you to mount the panels on the roof, but remove them if necessary without disturbing the mound of sealant on and in each screw hole. That also prevents heat buildup, since the panels are slightly off the deck itself. I spent some time trying to guess where the shadows from the AC and vents would be, but you never know what you're going to get.

I wired them in series after seeing that my wire size could have been larger up top, the series doubles the voltage and mitigates the wire size problem, but a shadow on one panel then affects both. Every design has its compromises, right? I recommend a remote control/monitor panel for the inverter and the solar controller. You also may want a power transfer switch for the inverter, I did.

I think solar is a natural for an RV. You'll love it.

Solar basics

Is an inverter part of your plan?

Thanks for the link to that GREAT spreadsheet!

Here is a simple flow chart.

Budget-->Energy Audit-->Battery bank size-->number of watts-->PWM or MPPT. What ever type of controller is chosen, make sure it has adjustable set points and a temperature probe that is on the battery.

One rule of thumb is between 60 and 150 watts of panels per 100 amp-hours of storage. The smaller the battery bank the higher the wattage needed (per 100 amp-hours). Here is a link to the rather special spreadsheet which includes an energy audit, that N8GS has created to help size solar battery charging systems!

Solar Spread Sheet by N8GS

6 hours of TV = 180 watts

Controller = there are several excellent models

232 amp hour battery bank = between 140 and 348 watts of panels

wind turbine = storage and noise issues

sunelectric and solarblvd and (sometimes) amazon or ebay

running an absorption fridge on 120 volt setting = 600 watts of panels

running the furnace on a 50% duty cycle = 250 watts of panels

232 amp-hours is a small battery bank for boondocking. I'd recommend 350 watts of panels. Consider increasing the storage capacity.

My biggest mistake was not allowing for my solar farm to grow--so in order to do so I'll have to replace and upgrade the charge controller. That will cost more that 33% of total upgrade price.

You don't mention an inverter. Unless the Television is 12 volt you may need one. I'd suggest 300 watts.

I hope to upgrade to 1320 watts from what I have now (256 watts). My system behaves exactly as I designed it. However, I had not contemplated full time in it--so it no longer meets my needs.

brad2504x4 wrote:
Hello I am seeking information from those that have these installed. How many panels/watts do you need for the load your using?
What controller do you recommend?
I will be using 2 - 6 volt batteries, which ones do you recommend?
Wind turbine a good idea?
Where can i get the best prices? (money is the issue as always lol)

I have already swapped too led lights which will save me a lot.
Also use a led TV for 2-6 hours a day.
And I have a catalytic heater to avoid much furnace fan operation.
Would like to use the furnace if the solar panels can keep up with usage, would like to run the fridge on electric as well if it can handle it, if not no big deal.

Looking forward to everyone's experiences and advise :)

I recommend about 200 to 300 watts from Solarblvd.com

> Forum Members Solar Installations With Pic

I use one 235w module.
I recommend a good quality controller like Morningstar.
I bought two 6v GC2's at Sam's club. They work fine. If you want better, buy Trojans for an additional $75. I also have another 100AH in AGM.
I run a small electric dorm fridge and 1202V entertainment devices. My furnace, alarms, water heater use no power. I have a water pump lights and fans that use 12V. Calculate your usage in watts or amps and allow for a cloudy day.

Wind turbines are impractical unless parked for a season. I have a small wind setup at my house. It doesn't make enough power to do much.

Solar Blvd has good pricing for modules. E Bay and Amazon can also be good. The Renogy modules w/free shipping can be a good bargain.

Your RV will consume about 35 AH daily to run the CO meter, propane detector and refrigerator on gas.

Anything more like lights, furnace and TV will consume even more power. My 120 watt solar panels can put out about 35 AH daily, each.

I would recommend checking this site for panels, they have great prices. Look for a panel with aluminum frame, 12 volt 'nominal' 20 volt output.

SunElec.com

Good luck!

Fred.

Do SEARCH on RV SOLAR over 10,000 HITS

Please go read ALL the links as your questions have been answered many times.
1) Calculator
2) Jack Mayer
3) Various installes

4) Az Solar and Wind

Running the refrig on "electric " is the most inefficient way there is , You will have to run the 12 volts thru an inverter to get 110 volts A C . Leave it on propane , twenty pounds will run twenty days or so !