Solar help

ChopperBill wrote:

ReneeG wrote:
We are not experts by any means but we just had a 300 watt system installed and are very pleased with the performance and that's just sitting in our driveway. We know our limitations so we had it professionally installed but we first read this article and as a result we were more informed and requested to have the solar panels installed down the driver's side to allow walking room up on top. Note the cost/charge in this article. We paid about half that amount. We can run everything but the AC, MW, on board vacuum system, and fireplace. We also took the plunge and replaced all our bulbs with LED's which use a fraction of the power as the regular. We had over 43 lights in our fifth wheel, so it wasn't cheap to replace them but it's going to be worth it when we're out dry camping, which we do a lot of, or boondocking which is our preferred camping method. When we did the walk through of the new system, we took our Honda eu2000 generator to the dealership and ran it to ensure that all system work with the solar installed. We have a Trav'lr Dish and it will turn on and set with the solar system! Neat. Good luck.

When I first read your post I thought you mounted yours down the SIDE of the RV. Couldn't figure that one out. LOL

Oh, ha ha, yes, I can see what you mean.

ReneeG wrote:
We are not experts by any means but we just had a 300 watt system installed and are very pleased with the performance and that's just sitting in our driveway. We know our limitations so we had it professionally installed but we first read this article and as a result we were more informed and requested to have the solar panels installed down the driver's side to allow walking room up on top. Note the cost/charge in this article. We paid about half that amount. We can run everything but the AC, MW, on board vacuum system, and fireplace. We also took the plunge and replaced all our bulbs with LED's which use a fraction of the power as the regular. We had over 43 lights in our fifth wheel, so it wasn't cheap to replace them but it's going to be worth it when we're out dry camping, which we do a lot of, or boondocking which is our preferred camping method. When we did the walk through of the new system, we took our Honda eu2000 generator to the dealership and ran it to ensure that all system work with the solar installed. We have a Trav'lr Dish and it will turn on and set with the solar system! Neat. Good luck.

When I first read your post I thought you mounted yours down the SIDE of the RV. Couldn't figure that one out. LOL

I went with Renogy 100 watt 12volt panels because of the small width of the panels. With 24 inch width I can put maybe 8 panels on my roof and still be able to walk around. Right now I have four.

I decided on a 30amp MPPT controller and ran the panels in series so I don't need heavy gauge wire for the run to the batteries and with MPPT some of extra voltage is converted back to extra amps.

Whether you buy MPPT or PWM get a charger with extra capacity so you don't reinvent the wheel every time you add another panel, and you will buy more its addicting. And, even if you do have to buy another controller its not the end of the world they all can piggy back on each another at the main battery connection.

Ron W.

I have installed two systems, both from AMSolar.com, on two different trailers. They sell high quality kits that come with everything you need. For our new trailer (2015 Jayco Jay Flight 26BHS), I just installed their SunRunner Signature 25MPPT/6/PRO Core kit with two 160 watt panels. The system works great. You can find it at http://www.amsolar.com/home/amr/page_196_68/sunrunner_signature_25mppt6pro_core.html. The nicest part is that this kit comes with a full battery monitor. It shows you charging rates, but best of all how many amps you have used and what percent charge your battery has. Very helpful information. Let me know if you have any questions. Also, the people at AM Solar are very helpful. Call them and ask any questions you may have.

Just a note that at times they offer 20% off of the kits. You might try calling them and ask if they can do that for you now or if you need to wait for the offer.

I am sold on Solar. I had it on my camper and loved it.

I have checked out Norther Arizona Wind and Solar and was leaning towards one of their packages, but upgrading the wiring.

Any thoughts on this package:

solar package

Not sure I have the real estate on the roof or if I want only one panel. Does it leave room for adding a panel later?

I have used a solar system on my trailers for years. I have been using two 74 watt panels and have moved them to two new trailers over the years. They work great in non-shady areas, but in very shady areas they will not work much at all. I am absolutely sold on solar and dry camp almost exclusively. With just those panels I don't waste light use, but watch a couple of hours of TV most nights and rarely worry about charging. I have thought seriously about upgrading to a new panel that puts out more juice, especially since the newer panels are far less expensive, and mine are reaching the end of their projected 20 year lifespan.

My only concern about the new panels is that many are made in China and I don't know how their quality rates. As I always prefer to buy products 'Made in the USA' I know you can find them. I also know that some of the solar systems sold hide that they are made in China with at least one I found misleading customers into believing they were made 'Made in the USA' I don't know who rates the reliability of the different panels, but I'm sure someone does.

The absolute best things about solar systems are:
Free charging
Silent charging
Charging before a trip not necessary- Batteries always topped off
Longer battery life
Seamless, easy use

Down side of solar: Initial cost- Nothing else

I'm absolutely sold on solar.

After much reading on solar and shopping around. I contacted Northern Arizona Wind & Sun. They were very helpful. I would highly reccommend them.
There Number

928-526-8017


Lillyputz

no expert at all, din my 250 watt install myself I use a house type 250 watt panel 35 volt and a MPPT charge controller with a separate read out works great at times puts out 15 amps batteries are always fully charged and I do not keep it plugged in to house power anymore. I have to 6volt deep cell batteries would like more but no room cost something around $400 a couple of years back. my roof is curved where I had to mount in so I put down two lengths of uni strut and attached the panel on top of the uni strut, the solar panel dealer had some really nice hold down for uni strut like they use for houses. Four holes in the roof with stainless steel screws and sealant.

clotus wrote:
I was thinking the ballpark of 300 watt worth of solar. Here is where I get lost, what charger, series vs parallel, etc.

In general you need to stick with 12 volt panels in parallel to use a low cost PWM controller. If you want to use lower cost large 24v panels made for home solar installs you will need a more expensive MPPT controller.

You need to price out some components from a local seller to save shipping if you can. Post the stuff here before you buy and you will get a ton of suggestions.


> Forum Members Solar Installations With Pics

Thanks for the quick reply. The 5er (2015 Heartland Sundance XLT 245) came with almost all LEDs and I will be replacing the non with LED (pretty much just the outside scare light). I was originally thinking I might want 4-bank of batteries, but only plan on running a small LED LCD TV, radio, and lights. I figured with the LEDs I should be fine with the 2-bank of batteries.