PV panel selection? (long)
Hello, all. I’m looking for some feedback on PV panels before embarking on the next upgrade to our electrical system. To establish the background, we will be mostly boondocking, and moving frequent...
Forum Discussion
mchero - OP says that big panels won't work well. Only 2 would fit, and there will be some shading from A/C.
Though it's hard for me to imagine that a 29ft Class A would have less roof space than my 26ft trailer - where I put 2*250W with zero shading from (single) A/C, and still have room left for one more 250W. It is easier to install a few 24V than a bunch of 12V.
If you are in doubt, cut a few cardboard templates the size of 250-260W panel, and see how those pieces will fit when raised 3" above the roof. This is where panel surface will be, more-less. Most of them are about 40" by 65" by 1.5", and you need at least 1" space below the frame, for heat dissipation. When raised, it is enough to move 14"-16" away from A/C to avoid shading in all but very early and very late hours when there is so little sun that it doesn't matter.
You want some walking space between the panels and other roof structures in case if you need to do some work later.
Though it's hard for me to imagine that a 29ft Class A would have less roof space than my 26ft trailer - where I put 2*250W with zero shading from (single) A/C, and still have room left for one more 250W. It is easier to install a few 24V than a bunch of 12V.
If you are in doubt, cut a few cardboard templates the size of 250-260W panel, and see how those pieces will fit when raised 3" above the roof. This is where panel surface will be, more-less. Most of them are about 40" by 65" by 1.5", and you need at least 1" space below the frame, for heat dissipation. When raised, it is enough to move 14"-16" away from A/C to avoid shading in all but very early and very late hours when there is so little sun that it doesn't matter.
You want some walking space between the panels and other roof structures in case if you need to do some work later.
