RV NET solar install?

bka0721 wrote:
This is a really great post, for someone starting out and has maximum landscape to install a great array.

While it has been mentioned, briefly before, about the larger panels and lift, it should be also pointed out that you should consider Snow Load, especially with you being in New Hampshire. Whether using the panels there, going south for the winter, this is still an issue with larger panels. Many parts of the country you also are met with wind loads. (Death Valley - Colorado - Kansas) While panels are rated for specific wind speeds/gusts, the fact is the panel's grains (glass) will be strained (elastic) the larger the panel surface. Research has shown this stress reduces longevity of the PV cells.

Smaller panels are often suggested for areas of landscapes that are fraught with obstructions (vents, antennas and AC units), so as they can be moved and fitted around these issues. What is always a consideration is something that I have not seen mentioned, tilting panels. Which for a future Full Timer is a possibility. Of course you might consider installing additional panels for making up the loss of not tilting.

Then you have the issue of 4 season solar collection. The majority of contributors are not versed in this area, as they are in locations and uses that do not use solar all times of the years. Thus they are not considering in the colder months you will be using power more (being inside longer periods than when the weather is nice and being outside more) and harvesting less Solar (shorter sun times and sun angle). One should gird for the times you have the less opportunity for solar harvesting. Then excited with "overtopping" when the solar is producing more than you can use.

Guessing is never a good thing, just like going to a cafeteria. When you go through the line, you want that, then that, then this, and when you get to the cashier, that is when you find out the true tally. Having a good idea of what you are going to use/demand will keep you from being in a place you didn't build your program big enough for or with room for expansion, with out throwing out dollars and spending more. I have monitored my use and collection for 4 years now and my average AmpH use is 150 to 200 AmpH a day. I am very conservative with my usage, but use Direct TV and Computers. You are considering a large RV and I am in a Truck Camper. You do the math, for your own uses.

For instance, you mentioned a Direct TV. Most require a receiver and if you are full timing you might have a DVR Receiver. These units take approximately, 4 amps an hour, 96 amps for a 24 hour period. Are you ready for that surprise? A furnace will use considerable battery power for winter, from your battery bank. Are you ready for that, knowing what your AmpH consumption is? Fridges use more power for summer time, so the loss of not using the furnace in the colder months is now negated for summer fridge and fans. It is work to full time and preparing to live off the grid is challenging, but also a wonderful way to live too.

Just like a laptop is one of the biggest power hogs a RV'r can use. It often increases in winter time, due to being indoors more. I switched to a desktop an LED monitor (27") a long time ago, for a fraction of the power demand of a laptop. Find ways to conserve, as well as ways to generate more power.

Consider a power survey and possibly not going for the biggest solar panels. I have been full timing for many years, written about it often in many different sources. It can be done and done well, but plan and execute well, too.

I have two battery banks, in case one fails. As well as two generators, inverters and the list goes on with redundancy. I do this as I boondock in remote locations, far from places where you are able to get repairs or parts. That is what I planned for. I wish you the very best too.

Have fun and yes, you can do what you are planning to do. Just learn from others here that learned it the hard way.

b

Thanks for the information!

One of the reasons I titled this tread as such was to try & start an install thread from start to finish! I indeed have the capital to purchase, jus would like the most BANG for the buck. We have a TON of people on this site using Solar and I'm all ears!

I'm very aware of loads during boondocking. Currently replacing ALL incadesent bulbs with LED. The DirecTV box will NOT be a DVR, standard def. box, No harddrive.


I'm hoping to get thru

Panels
posistioning, possible tilting.
Brackets
Wir to controller & bet route to take
Charge Controllers and batteries.

So, from start tio finish!

Should be a real fun ride!


Oh, Snow load..... Ran across some articles about snowload on panels here in New Hampshire... Basically, sun will melt of the snow (at an angle, not flat). I HOPE not to be in the snow while fulltimming.

RM