My Solar Install

The cables are routed through vent for the refrigerator like a lot of other posted here. Unfortunately the fridge is about 2/3 of the way back on the trailer, but is the cleanest way to run wire (I gave this a lot of thought, and couldn't figure out a better way). I then wired under the bench for the kitchen table, back under the frame, and up into the cabinet behind the battery.
I didn't really take any pictures of that part of the install. The wire is 10awg solar wire, so was easy to work with. The long run was partially why I chose to run the panels in series vs the more popular parallel.

Almot wrote:

bka0721 wrote:
As for the cables the OP was working with, some of his issues with routing the wires could have been alleviated with using wire/cable from a welding supply center. Having the flexible wire/cable will aid in longevity in a vibration filled environment, of an RV. The OP will need to recheck the cable and connectors more often, than someone that used a more flexible cable for their install.

I don't see where and how his panel cables go on the roof and through the roof, or how they are connected on the roof, but it looks not unlike #10 or #12 that came with panels. It's a pretty thin cable, more "springy" than flexible.

I didn't see them either. I suspect you are probably correct, but you are just guessing. I was referring to the cables/wires the OP was referring to and had in his pictures. The OP did some really good work and I like the panel that was used in organizing it.


b

bka0721 wrote:
As for the cables the OP was working with, some of his issues with routing the wires could have been alleviated with using wire/cable from a welding supply center. Having the flexible wire/cable will aid in longevity in a vibration filled environment, of an RV. The OP will need to recheck the cable and connectors more often, than someone that used a more flexible cable for their install.

I don't see where and how his panel cables go on the roof and through the roof, or how they are connected on the roof, but it looks not unlike #10 or #12 that came with panels. It's a pretty thin cable, more "springy" than flexible.

Almot wrote:

bka0721 wrote:
Are you only watching your television at night? You certainly don't want to have that shadow on your new solar panel instal.

Yes, there will be shading from antenna at some times, and from A/C at other. It's difficult to fit that much solar in that little space without shading. Keep in mind that this shade is not 100% opaque, so the shaded cells will still contribute something. Or - would have, if panels were parallel, so it would still be better than less panel area.

With panels in series like in this install - don't know, there were many debates, but again, the shade is not opaque - maybe somebody with more brains than me will chime in.

Much of what you are sharing is true, some not. In looking at the pictures, there were other locations that the panels could have been installed. I don't have an issue with what the OP did with their install, but using Bigfootford's suggestion of using cardboard cut to the size of the solar panels, to test for locations, a future (there are lots of lurkers) that get ideas from post's like the OP did. It is up to some of us to help those future installers to consider alternatives. I have often stated that there is a problem with going the "Super Size" route of solar panels, on RVs. Yes, you can get a lot of $$$ per watt this way, but the downside to using larger panels often out weigh the gain. Yes, Opacity is important in how a Solar panel works, or doesn't work. In my install (900watts) I don't have any shadows from my A/C, Sat Dish or Maxx Covers. So yes, a person with good planning may avoid some of these pitfalls found on an RV roof. For the amount of Television watching, as stated by the OP, it seems to work for him, but might not for others. Ultimately that is what a post like this is a really good Solar Install template for others to use.

As for the cables the OP was working with, some of his issues with routing the wires could have been alleviated with using wire/cable from a welding supply center. Having the flexible wire/cable will aid in longevity in a vibration filled environment, of an RV. The OP will need to recheck the cable and connectors more often, than someone that used a more flexible cable for their install.

BFL13 wrote:
Wow, heck of a job! Hope it gets added to the solar installation library thread.

Done! and very nice job so far. I like your crimper! and your battery switches and your batteries and the way you mounted it all on that board!! Smart idea about the sawzall too. It can be tough to get a clean cut on those big wires.

If you get a chance, some more pics and words about the rail system and how it mounts to the trailer would be very interesting, to me anyway.

TIA,
Eric

Great install!

What was the smaller controller you were using with one panel?

"Are you only watching your television at night? You certainly don't want to have that shadow on your new solar panel instal. "

:-) To be honest, I don't even know if the antenna works, I have never used it. We rarely watch TV at home, so while camping hasn't been a priority. I have my laptop and will watch a movie one night if it rains.

I am concerned about the shadowing from the AC, but so far hasn't been an issue (it's note as close as in the picture)- I've been lucky with how the sites are arranged. I know the debate on series vs parallel- we'll see how it all works out, so far hasn't been an issue as I have more power than I need for a typical days use.

bka0721 wrote:
Are you only watching your television at night? You certainly don't want to have that shadow on your new solar panel instal.

Yes, there will be shading from antenna at some times, and from A/C at other. It's difficult to fit that much solar in that little space without shading. Keep in mind that this shade is not 100% opaque, so the shaded cells will still contribute something. Or - would have, if panels were parallel, so it would still be better than less panel area.

With panels in series like in this install - don't know, there were many debates, but again, the shade is not opaque - maybe somebody with more brains than me will chime in.

Just trying to think either/or or maybe the wind at the rear of the RV, near the ladder. Just looking and collecting info like the guy who just did the awesome job with his solar.