Setting up my solar system

bpounds wrote:
When I was planning my system, I remember having bold plans before I did a layout of my RV roof. Once I learned how much space I really had to work with, then I started seriously shopping for panels that would work within that space, and how to mount them. So I consider working on a layout very important.

Some guys will say to do an energy audit to figure out how much solar you really need. I guess when panels were very expensive it was important to figure out the minimum you needed. Now I don't see that as a particularly important step. We have a lot of shared experiences as to how much solar works in various locations with XYZ battery banks. I think it is much more important to do your roof layout, figure out what you can fit and afford today, and try to layout space for more panels if/when needed.

Those 200w 12v panels you are looking at are a bit on the expensive side, at $1.50 per watt, compared to their 100w 12v panels at about $1 per watt. For 800w of panel you would be looking at $1200 for 4@ 200w, versus $825 for 8@ 100w. Now, that might well be worth it if the larger 200w fits your available space better than 8 of the smaller 100w. You'll also need fewer jumper cables for 4 panels versus 8. Just as an example of why you need to do a roof layout. There are things up there you really need to avoid, like the A/C shroud (casts a big shadow), vent covers, TV antenna...well a whole bunch of **** up there to avoid.

I did a very rough layout, but I really do need to do a more accurate and thorough layout, as some of the panel setups I've been looking at truly may not fit.

One thing I really like about the larger panels is that they will require less holes in my roof, which is worth the extra cost to me, assuming they'll fit and do what I want them to do.