solar panal
would it be smart to get this? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005LR9IOG
Forum Discussion
Check out this website too.
SunElec.com
You basically want a solar panel with a 'frame' and in the 12 volt 'nominal' voltage rating (actual voltage should be 20-22 'open circuit volts'. )
12 volt solar panels range from $1.25 to $2 per rated watt at this site. You would also need a simple PWM controller (about $20 - $35 for a 20 amp model) and can install a 200 watt system for about $300 including the regulator, mounts, and wiring.
Wire is from Home Depot, UV rated #10 grey wire. I think they sell it in 25' and 50' rolls, or by the foot for a little more money per foot. Each 'run' can handle about 15 amps (though rated at 30 amps, the voltage loss becomes excessive above about 18 amps).
For mounts, I cut 6" long 2" angle aluminum (also Home Depot) and drill three holes 3/16" for #10 screws into the roof, and a 5/16" hole for a 1/4-20 bolt into the panel frame.
I wanted my panels about 1" above the roof surface, so that air can get under it to keep it cool as possible. Also the panels act to shade the RV roof a little bit too!
I ran my #10 wire down the back of my refrigerator, using the vent to go through the roof, and to the controller, then to the battery. It works great, and will silently charge my batteries.
I started with a 90 watt system, and installed a 75 watt panel. When I got a satellite dish, I also installed a pair of 120 watt panels and upgraded to a 50 amp controller.
Your RV will consume about 35 amp hours daily, not including any lights or other loads. That is about what one of my 120 watt panels will produce in one day.
Also don't order 300 watt panels, they are to large! Measure the space up there, and try to locate the panels away from any shade, so about 4" from the A/C unit, and away from the TV antenna too!
Have fun camping!
Fred.
SunElec.com
You basically want a solar panel with a 'frame' and in the 12 volt 'nominal' voltage rating (actual voltage should be 20-22 'open circuit volts'. )
12 volt solar panels range from $1.25 to $2 per rated watt at this site. You would also need a simple PWM controller (about $20 - $35 for a 20 amp model) and can install a 200 watt system for about $300 including the regulator, mounts, and wiring.
Wire is from Home Depot, UV rated #10 grey wire. I think they sell it in 25' and 50' rolls, or by the foot for a little more money per foot. Each 'run' can handle about 15 amps (though rated at 30 amps, the voltage loss becomes excessive above about 18 amps).
For mounts, I cut 6" long 2" angle aluminum (also Home Depot) and drill three holes 3/16" for #10 screws into the roof, and a 5/16" hole for a 1/4-20 bolt into the panel frame.
I wanted my panels about 1" above the roof surface, so that air can get under it to keep it cool as possible. Also the panels act to shade the RV roof a little bit too!
I ran my #10 wire down the back of my refrigerator, using the vent to go through the roof, and to the controller, then to the battery. It works great, and will silently charge my batteries.
I started with a 90 watt system, and installed a 75 watt panel. When I got a satellite dish, I also installed a pair of 120 watt panels and upgraded to a 50 amp controller.
Your RV will consume about 35 amp hours daily, not including any lights or other loads. That is about what one of my 120 watt panels will produce in one day.
Also don't order 300 watt panels, they are to large! Measure the space up there, and try to locate the panels away from any shade, so about 4" from the A/C unit, and away from the TV antenna too!
Have fun camping!
Fred.
