Solar on a small TT
I'm looking at a small travel trailer (starcraft satellite 17rb) which is only about 20ft long. Roof is composite one piece without much of a flat area. One thing that I absolutely want on my next R...
Forum Discussion
eflyersteve wrote:
Thanks for the replies everyone! I was thinking I would shoot for 400 watts minimum of solar. More curious how easy it is to get 400 watts on such a small roof. Probably isn't easy based on the size of panels. I was looking at 250-280 watt panels which are larger than the 100 watt panels (of course), but it actually might be easier to fit smaller, lower output panels on a small roof so this gives me some ideas.
I'll see if I can get on the roof of one and see what available areas I have. If needed, I could always try and install as much rooftop and then make up the rest with a portable setup that I would deploy in the mornings and stow before heading out. Second concern will be where to store batteries. I'll likely start with lead but move to a self-built lithium battery eventually.
Microwave use is not an important requirement compared to all the other things I would like to be able to run, so optionally I can just plan to cook with propane instead in trips without shore power.
Yes, 24 volt panels have fantastic prices but 12 volts will often fit the footprint better. Look at panel dimensions then cut out some cardboard shapes and go up and see what fits. As mentioned look for potential shading issues. I can tilt in either direction but of course try to place the awing to the south. Consider where you will places a combiner box if you use pwm and where you will send the cable down. Frig vent, stack or roof termination.
