Solar panel and snow load
I would like to put a solar panel on a RV that I leave in North MN. Will a panel take the snow load and -40 temps? I know it will not charge under the snow but should charge in the fall and spring.
Forum Discussion
colliehauler wrote:Good deal. Then all you have to figure out is how permanent of a mounting aspect you wish and what will work easiest. If the rig is parked and no one is going to be hauling it on a regular basis, you could probably get by with a pole mount of some kind and wire into the controller, situated close to the batteries. If you can figure out an easy detachment method (Anderson power pole fittings come to mind), anyone that is up there and wants to move the rig can store the panel and detach the module-to-controller wiring within minutes.
Westend-I have a battery disconnect switch on the trailer, the panel is just to keep it topped off.
I have my tilted module set at 59 degrees. If you're up around Lake of the Woods or similar latitude, you can even tilt more. More tilt is better since it helps to shed snow. The MNDOT accessory road sign modules are tilted to about 80 degrees, for reference.
I just took a gander at my module and what was previously a cover of 8" of wet, frozen snow is now 1/4 gone after a day. Even at 5f, the module will have melted most of the snow off in a day or two. It's not critical to me because I'm not using the trailer and the batteries are fully charged.
Good luck with your solar charging, it is really a great thing, once setup properly.
