Please help me with solar setup
I have been reading a lot about solar on here and finally decided to take the plunge or come to the dark side as some would say. Sunny side makes more sense, but whatever. :) We do not use a lot of...
Forum Discussion
Hi,
My E-Meter says that a modern RV will consume 35 amp hours daily to run just the CO meter, propane detector and refrigerator or about what 1 of my 120 watt solar panels will produce.
I would recommend a pair of panels in the 100 - 150 watt range. Larger than 150 watts, and they become massive, and difficult to locate on the roof within the space between the vents and sidewall, and still be able to move around the roof for maintenance.
I made solar mounts with 6" long 2" angle aluminum from Home Depot, and UV rated grey romex #10, run down the back of the refrigerator vent. I ran 2 of the 120 watt panels on each #10 wire.
While I have a $350+ (1999 prices where pretty high back then) Solarboost 50 amp controller, I would recommend a simple 12 volt PWM because they are in the $20 - $35 range today.
Prices for solar panels at this place are in the $1 - $2 per rated watt. You want a panel that has a frame, and 12 volt nominal voltage (21 volts open circuit).
SunElec.com
Good luck,
Fred.
PS: For more details, you can click on my name and 'view posts' then search my posts for 'solar' and you will get several results, and find more details in one of them.
My E-Meter says that a modern RV will consume 35 amp hours daily to run just the CO meter, propane detector and refrigerator or about what 1 of my 120 watt solar panels will produce.
I would recommend a pair of panels in the 100 - 150 watt range. Larger than 150 watts, and they become massive, and difficult to locate on the roof within the space between the vents and sidewall, and still be able to move around the roof for maintenance.
I made solar mounts with 6" long 2" angle aluminum from Home Depot, and UV rated grey romex #10, run down the back of the refrigerator vent. I ran 2 of the 120 watt panels on each #10 wire.
While I have a $350+ (1999 prices where pretty high back then) Solarboost 50 amp controller, I would recommend a simple 12 volt PWM because they are in the $20 - $35 range today.
Prices for solar panels at this place are in the $1 - $2 per rated watt. You want a panel that has a frame, and 12 volt nominal voltage (21 volts open circuit).
SunElec.com
Good luck,
Fred.
PS: For more details, you can click on my name and 'view posts' then search my posts for 'solar' and you will get several results, and find more details in one of them.
