Solar Install Update - 18 Months of Use...
Hi Team,
About 2 years ago, you all were great in supporting me during the design and install of my Solar System on my 5th wheel. We have 3 or 4 design review threads on the wiring diagram. Each had 8 or so pages of inputs from you all. Here is a link to the archived thread with the final instal picts and such:
Final Solar Install Picts and Comments
Well after almost two years of use, I thought I would provide an update on the system.
Overall - We could not be happier. It just works. Probably the biggest compliment is you just forget it is there. It has just silently and reliably provides power.
Some specifics:
1) Solar Panels. Very, Very happy with these. They have performed as advertised. Good in low light, partial shade, and cloudy conditions. They had stuck to the roof very well. Show absolutely no signs of coming up. I truly think even if I wanted to I could not get them up. I often walk on them when on the roof. It sure is nice not to have another trip hazard on the roof.
2) Other components. All have worked real well. With one exception, they simply work and I do not think about them. The one exception is the Samlex Inverter. Just last weekend it died. Sent out a good bit of smoke and crackling sound. Prior to this I had no problems with it. Interesting part was nothing was plugged into it and it was off. Still has two months on the warranty. I am assuming Samlex will replace it.
3) The AGM Batteries. They have worked very well with no maintenance. It sure is nice to not have to think about the batteries. I suspect the real test of the batteries will be the performance in a couple more years.
4) You will notice in the picts, there is no cover on the components. Just last weekend I placed a pelxiglass cover over the component board. Before this I had not used the compartment since completing the install. We are getting ready to spend 10 months on the road and will need the storage space. So I figured I would cover the components. IT is simply a Lexan sheet, cut to shape, with a hole to access the main cutoff switch and placed on 5 inch standoffs.
Thanks to all the inputs and help on the forum, after almost 2 years of use, I really cannot think of anything I would do differently.
Please ask any questions,
Take Care
Dan
About 2 years ago, you all were great in supporting me during the design and install of my Solar System on my 5th wheel. We have 3 or 4 design review threads on the wiring diagram. Each had 8 or so pages of inputs from you all. Here is a link to the archived thread with the final instal picts and such:
Final Solar Install Picts and Comments
Well after almost two years of use, I thought I would provide an update on the system.
Overall - We could not be happier. It just works. Probably the biggest compliment is you just forget it is there. It has just silently and reliably provides power.
Some specifics:
1) Solar Panels. Very, Very happy with these. They have performed as advertised. Good in low light, partial shade, and cloudy conditions. They had stuck to the roof very well. Show absolutely no signs of coming up. I truly think even if I wanted to I could not get them up. I often walk on them when on the roof. It sure is nice not to have another trip hazard on the roof.
2) Other components. All have worked real well. With one exception, they simply work and I do not think about them. The one exception is the Samlex Inverter. Just last weekend it died. Sent out a good bit of smoke and crackling sound. Prior to this I had no problems with it. Interesting part was nothing was plugged into it and it was off. Still has two months on the warranty. I am assuming Samlex will replace it.
3) The AGM Batteries. They have worked very well with no maintenance. It sure is nice to not have to think about the batteries. I suspect the real test of the batteries will be the performance in a couple more years.
4) You will notice in the picts, there is no cover on the components. Just last weekend I placed a pelxiglass cover over the component board. Before this I had not used the compartment since completing the install. We are getting ready to spend 10 months on the road and will need the storage space. So I figured I would cover the components. IT is simply a Lexan sheet, cut to shape, with a hole to access the main cutoff switch and placed on 5 inch standoffs.
Thanks to all the inputs and help on the forum, after almost 2 years of use, I really cannot think of anything I would do differently.
Please ask any questions,
Take Care
Dan
