Solar Panel Placement on Roof

EsoxLucius wrote:
You could probably get eight GS-100s up there, but that would be $2,000.

If those weren't so damn expensive they would be the hot ticket.

PapPappy wrote:
I bought my RV with the panels already in place, but think that running them with the length of the RV makes the most sense. There are 4 panels on my roof, you can barely see the front one, but that too, is running the length of the RV.

Thanks Pap, I'm thinking that's the best orientation.

pianotuna wrote:

Don't forget to do a 5 degree offset from level for drainage.

The roof slopes to the edges. Not sure how much but that's pretty close.

You could probably get eight GS-100s up there, but that would be $2,000.

I bought my RV with the panels already in place, but think that running them with the length of the RV makes the most sense. There are 4 panels on my roof, you can barely see the front one, but that too, is running the length of the RV.

skipnchar wrote:
I'd prefer having the solar be portable so there would be no need to park the RV in the sun (but that's just me). RV under a shade tree and panels in the sun sounds best.

We camp at or near the coast and the temps are anywhere from 50's to 80's (anytime of the year). Water temps are cold out here so the breezes are cool. Being in the shade is not preferable and in some cases there is no shade. Plus DW and I live in the desert (currently 70F/21C at my house). It's just not hot on the coast.

Snowman9000 wrote:
How about the third one laying N-S to the right of the first two?

I didn't take a pic but a panel will fit but not sure what's under the sealant for the shower skylight. One of the panels mounts could be in that vicinity. Probably no big deal though.

EsoxLucius wrote:
Several observations:
1. You have a lot of room on the left side. I know you may be set on the panels you will use, but I would look at bigger panels to fit that space.
2. You can put panels over those circular vents on the right side.
3. I'd consider two larger 24 volt panels on the right side if they will fit, and two small 12 volt panels in series on the right over the vents and behind. That would make me consider an MPPT controller.

24V panels were my first choice but they're just a bit too long. Two end to end would be under that front A/C's shadow. There's a one foot difference between two 235W panels and two 150W panels. And because of the 24V panel width, two would be it. At least now there's a possible 4th panel option.

I'd prefer having the solar be portable so there would be no need to park the RV in the sun (but that's just me). RV under a shade tree and panels in the sun sounds best.

Pics 1 and 2 are the same just wanted to show the shade. I'm thinking 1 and 3. One behind the other will be the least amount of shade. I can move 1 and 3 back more (might even clear all the winter shade) like 2oldman said. The one in the back (4/5) would see shade in the mornings. It might also see shade if I orient the rig east-west at a CG. Hmmm. All would be wired in parallel. 2oldman I like those AM Solar panel mounts you have.

Several observations:
1. You have a lot of room on the left side. I know you may be set on the panels you will use, but I would look at bigger panels to fit that space.
2. You can put panels over those circular vents on the right side.
3. I'd consider two larger 24 volt panels on the right side if they will fit, and two small 12 volt panels in series on the right over the vents and behind. That would make me consider an MPPT controller.

mena661 wrote:
I'm thinking two oriented north-south in the open space and one in the back (also north-south). Thoughts?

Assuming you mean two end to end as in photo #1 and #3, yes!
I sure don't like the rear locations by the AC though.
How about the third one laying N-S to the right of the first two?

Hi mena,

Don't forget to do a 5 degree offset from level for drainage.