Eco-Worthy 12v solar panels, Now drifting to... mono vs poly

You're welcome (for not that much it seems :)).

I had thought about using linear actuators, both for ease of use when tilting and the added structural stability but I'm glad I didn't get that OC on the installation (I have the actuators so a bit of wire and some pins would get it done). In real world use, the roof mounted panel remains flat and it's only when in storage during Winter that it proves it's meddle. For today's pricing, adding an additional module to make up for the shortfall from no tilt makes economic sense. A user also has the availability of the increased power harvest.

Next, we will have to discuss diversion loads and use of excess harvest. ;)

Thanks for the link, westend... I was actually just there a few minutes ago.

Yes, I saw Tom's side mount...very cool.

My roof is perhaps lower than most rigs, but yes, still a pita.

Forum members' solar installations

I'll agree with Pianotuna, getting onto the roof to adjust tilt is a PITA and soon loses it's magic. Although I've never used portables, I would think the same thing happens there, too much hassle with moving them in and out.

A roof mounted installation can be install and forget it, you also gain harvest while traveling during the day. A mounting system like Tom M's where he has the modules hung on the side with easy deployment or the option of detaching for portability may be the best.

FWIW, I leave my panel tilted most of the time while in storage. That is more for snow load than needing to extract the ultimate power. I have a four-way tilt so can park in any direction if I'm willing to adjust the tilt. If I was a user that traveled in theft-prone areas, I'd secure most of the array on the roof and/or have connection point for additional portable panels.

Yeah, I hear ya, but the whole bus likes to suck up the heat, especially the front end, where there's no insul, and through the windshield (which of course I fill with a reflective panel.)

I'll look into the installs,

thanks!

Ahhh I forgot portable vs mounted in the this vs that post. As with everything else, 6 in one hand, half a dozen in the other.

Personally I have no intention of dealing with tilting panels when I mount ours. Getting up there to put the panels up and down is at least as much work as the portables, and much more dangerous. Should the Bosch set not be enough flat, I continue using a portable to augment.

Hi,

If your RV is under a "roof" of solar panels is it in the sun? *grin*.

There is a thread with pictures of solar installs. Don't reinvent the wheel for the mounts.

I would only consider having powered tilt myself. One axis is enough.

Thanks PT. Yes, because I still work mon.-thurs., and park at job sites, malls, public lots, etc., theft is indeed a big concern for me. But I'm hoping I can design and make mounts that could be used in several different locations on the camper, and be locked in place, for when I do have to leave the bus unattended. At other times I could simply set them out.

I can usually be on the road within 5 to 10 minutes, and that's mostly getting the interior road worthy. And another 10 minutes wrapping up cords and such would be a welcome trade-off to charging with the gennie.

A roof mount would mean I would have no choice but to park in the sun, and seeing as my bus is essentially one big metal box, I try to avoid that whenever possible. I did, however buy a cool little powered roof vent that still needs to be installed, but I'm confident that will make a significant difference.

Lots to consider... thanks for your input!

Hi jrnymn7,

Folks usually give up tilting after seven times doing so.

Since there is a lot of roof space add an extra panel or two and forgo the tilt. The savings from not having a tilt may pay for about one extra panel.

Permanent mounting on the roof pretty much eliminates the "five finger discount".

A fixed installation also means that any trip will start with a bursting full battery bank.

Having portable panels is almost, from my point of view, like tent camping. You have to put them up, and take them down. In my case, I jump into the driver's seat, turn on the key, and leave.

Mr Wizard, you guys in california have it all! Legalized pot, great weather, cheap solar!!! Yes, I'm jealous! :)

Pianotuna, thanks for the advice, especially in regards to going temp compensated. (I have ordered a 12v digital temp meter for temp compensating charging voltages on the psu, but clearly that would not help the solar controller do its job best.)

Real estate is not really an issue for me, as I have a wide open space of about 6 1/2' x 9 1/2'; easily enough room for six 2' x 4' panels. But if I did roof mount, I would want it fully functional, with tilt and swivel capabilities that can be easily managed. And on one hand, roof mount would eliminate the extra needed storage space of portables, but otoh, it would limit my parking choices. So I think portable is the way for me to go, until such time a I conclude otherwise; at which time the portables can always become permanently mounted.

these are Unisolor thin film poly? panels

excellent in low light conditions

but newer mono panels can get almost double the wattage per sq ft of roof space

i bought all mine off Craigslist here in So Calif