Solar on a small TT

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.

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.

I am a huge fan of solar power......it's FREE after the initial costs are paid.

But.......solar requires sunshine to work.
If you like a nice, cool shady spot.....the output will disappoint.

You cannot easily move the trailer around to get some sun with a rooftop, but with a 15' cable from a portable panel, finding a sunny spot becomes less of a challenge.

A typical 100W solar panel is 47" long by 21" wide.

Microwave generally requires 2000 watts sine wave inverter and 4+ batteries and then 400+ watts solar. You might get by on less but it will have compromises.

Otherwise it is just about fitting panels on the roof while minimizing shadow issues from vents, A/C, antenna etc. 200 to 300 watts should serve well with two batteries for off-grid camping.

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https://www.solarblvd.com/12-volt-solar-panels/

You were probably on the low energy use side of things until you mentioned microwave. It isnt that the micro will consume a ton of amp hours, it's that it has a high current draw. Battery, inverter and cable sizes all go up when trying to power something like that. Having an idea of how may amp hours you use will help determine how much solar you need. If you carry a small generator that could be used for running the heavy items and also cover times of poor sun. A generator and a GOOD converter are an effective means of putting in the heavy amps that the battery wants early in the charge.