Solar suggestions
I am about to pull the trigger on some panels and controller. I have around $600 dollars to spend. I should have my maggie rack installed next week which I am going to use to mount the panels to the r...
Forum Discussion
DieselBurps wrote:
I am about to pull the trigger on some panels and controller. I have around $600 dollars to spend. I should have my maggie rack installed next week which I am going to use to mount the panels to the roof of my 2011 Northstar truck camper. Currently I am thinking about going with g**** solar 100 Watt panels. I think I can fit 3 panels on the roof. For the controller I was also thinking about the ecoworthy mppt. Does this sound like a good combination?How should I wire the 3 panels? series or parallel ? Another option is going with two panels on the roof and one 100 watt g**** solar bendable panel that I can move around so it's always in the sun if I am parked in the shade, I could add a cheap PMW type controller for that.
How does this set up sound?
Forgot to add that I have what looks like 10 gauge wiring from the fridge vent to the batteries ready from the factory.
I did not spend a lot of money on my solar mounts. I bought about 2' of 2" angle aluminum at Home Depot, and cut it into 6" long mounts. I drilled three holes 3/16" for #10 screws into my roof. It is actually more the robber roof sealant that holds the mounts to the roofing material. It is really sticky! And a 5/16" hole for a 1/4" bolt into the panel frame.
I would recommend a couple of 20 amp PWM controllers. They will save a lot of money, and you could buy more panels, or more of them.
SunElec.com sold $229 140 watt solar panels a few weeks ago. I do not know if 2 or 3 will fit on your roof. But if you only can fit two, they can be wired in series for use with the MPPT controller, or parallel for the PWM controllers.
Good luck with your project! Nothing better than parked near a lake or canyon overlook, and charging all day silently, while camped for free on BLM land!
Fred.
