I had AM Solar install a system for my 2013 Leisure Travel Vans Unity MB back in June, 2013. Here are the components:Four Fullriver DC220-6 6-volt AGM batteries for 440 AHFive GS100 100-watt solar panels, Vmpp=17.7 volts Impp=5.7 amps, wired in parallelRoof C-Box combiner box10 gauge UV resistant wire, panels to C-Box4 gauge wire C-Box to charge controllerBlue Sky Energy Solar Boost 3024iL MPPT solar charge controller w/temperature compensationBlue Sky Energy IPN Pro-Remote controller remote and battery meter w/shunt kit2 gauge wire w/ 50 amp circuit breaker and disconnect switch, charge controller to batteriesMagnum Energy MS2000 pure sine wave inverter/charger w/temperature compensation and ME-RC50 Remote Control120 volt sub panel2/0 gauge wire with catastrophic fuse and disconnect switch, inverter/charger to batteriesDuring installationTwo Fullriver DC220-6 batteries replacing the stock batteries under the top entry stepTwo Fullriver DC220-6 batteries in reinforced storage compartment just to the left of the entry steps, 120 volt subpanel immediate left, inverter/charger farther leftInverter/charger and solar charge controllerAll components in reinforced compartment to the left of the entryTwo solar panels aft on the passenger sideThree solar panels on the drivers sideMagnum ME-RC50 remote amongst the other control apparatuses on the panel above the entry doorIPN Pro-Remote controller remote and battery meter to the right of the microwave/convection oven

Very Nice......you certainly got the full package!

Nicely planned out, and installed.I see how you can get away with the batteries in the compartment with the inverter/charger when the batteries are AGM. Can the inverter get enough cooling air with the door closed?

Good I'd guess, if you're happy w/ it.To me, looks like a lot of expensive overkill.And to give up a whole storage compartment, and then some, for some solar components,....not for me.

Curious to see how those 100watt panels do with regards to actually producing 40amps at the battery.How are they wired? Series Parallel or a combination

My RV solar system. | Good Sam Community

bka0721
Explorer II
Jan 08, 2015
Has your setup served you well, during the time you have had it? If you could, would there be something you would modify or change from the original install?

b
EsoxLucius
Explorer
Jan 08, 2015
I added a 135 watt panel from AM Solar this past October for 635 total watts.
NinerBikes
Explorer
Oct 30, 2013
From small battery power seeds grow huge electrical solar panel needs under the sun.

While I am glad to have the option of Honda generators for my electrical needs, I also like to have the option of peace and quiet for all on those sunny days from a set of solar panels.
RoyB
Explorer II
Oct 30, 2013
JimInDenver - Thanks for running those tests with me in mind. I learned from it as well..

Having a great BATTERY MONITORING system panel is the answer for me. I will be able to watch what is happening as I go along...

I was just outside earlier this morning and we are socked in big time in the Northern Neck of VA. I can see my yard lights are not going to be charged today. I have two pet graves where we have an eternal solar light going so guess they wont have a night light tonight haha...

I think I may have found another area on my POPUP roof where I can add another solar panel across the roof in front of the air conditioner mount if I use the two smaller 100WATT panels on either side of my fantastic fan position. This will give another 120WATT or maybe a 140WATT panel to help out.

If I had hard sides the fold down solars panels over the windows would be a nice touch as well after you setup.

Again appreciate the efforts on your part...
Roy Ken
JiminDenver
Explorer II
Oct 30, 2013
Roy

I've learned some in the two years since I bought my panels and the biggest thing is that all of the formulas, charts, graphs etc. only give you a educated guess as to what you need. Until each user puts what they have chosen into use, it's a******shoot.

I thought my 230w set up was overkill until we had a 99% cloudy day and I watched the battery gain ground painfully slow.

Running the 8-D test to more understand the power you use and have to replace daily was a real eye opener. In the end it's a numbers game, amps out have to be replaced and the 220w panel didn't put out enough to do the job in the time frame, it would have taken both panels if not a third to do it. Not only wasn't there enough time, the 12a the 220w panel put out just wasn't enough to really get the beast going. Then again 12a x 6 hr = 72ah and I needed 120ah at least.

Both my panel run at 30a and a third closer to 45a. That would di it but that's a big system.
RoyB
Explorer II
Oct 30, 2013
I see alot of my fears brought out in this overall discussion. I must be thinking right in some of the areas of discussions here.

AS always what ends up on the battery terminals is what matters. How it gets there is where everyone will differ in some respect.

Once you figure out the science of how a deep cycle battery "MUST" be charged then everything hopefully falls into place. I know how many amps I need to use for re-charge of my batteries which i can get in three hours from my on-board converter/charger. These high currents of course will hard to get from just two or three panels but adding more hours of charge in the HIGH SUN DAY can make it work it appears.

Hopefully next season I can get started on my OFF-ROAD POPUP solar add-on project.

great readings for me...
Roy Ken
mena661
Explorer
Oct 30, 2013
SCVJeff wrote:
So whoever sent this thread to Deb over at AM Solar, THANKS!
They sent me a note that they just got 4ea. 21v VOD AM100 panels in trade from someone wanting to expand their system and had to replace all their panels since these are no longer made. Good for me.. :)
Sweet!!
SCVJeff
Explorer
Oct 30, 2013
So whoever sent this thread to Deb over at AM Solar, THANKS!
They sent me a note that they just got 4ea. 21v VOD AM100 panels in trade from someone wanting to expand their system and had to replace all their panels since these are no longer made. Good for me.. :)
NinerBikes
Explorer
Oct 27, 2013
Seems like good design to me, in parallel. Any panels get shaded, the others in full sun are still putting out the volts and the amps to the batteries. Hopefully the electrical runs with the heavy gauge wire are short...

In my opinion, that's shear simplicity for what the owner is trying to achieve, seems very well thought out to me... I'm a KISS type of guy.
bka0721
Explorer II
Oct 27, 2013
Very nice install. I agree as posted before, we don't know from the OP what the power demands that they need, to understand whether the solar output will meet their needs, so how something could be overkill, is a puzzle. But, sometimes posters believe their use and needs SHOULD be the same as others. I am a fan of AM Solar and the focused work they do for the RV lifestyle. Yes, they are a bit expensive, but not everyone is knowledgeable or willing to piece together a system they don't know will be compatible. But, if you are a DIY person, this forum is an excellent resource.

I have no conflict with fixtures interfering with my solar panels, as the OP does. If this is the reason for additional solar panels, I would say this speaks volumes for AM Solar to plan for this deficiency rather than what many, here, would try to tell the OP in; BIGGER PANELS! Working within your topography is a better solution, well played; AM Solar.

b