Where to mount solar panels on roof?
Where would you guys mount 2 100 watt solar panels on this trailer? Plan on mounting another 2 100 watters in the future.
Forum Discussion
The "ideal" locations are where no roof shading occurs, as close as possible to controller with the least distance to battery bank. Choosing a location because of an easy entry point through the roof isn't one of my considerations since there are fittings and methods to lead any top-side wiring through the roof or along the TT's walls to accomplish connections.
IMO, it's s good exercise to plan with future expansion in mind and if the connection to modules will be totally parallel or a series-parallel configuration. If the latter, a roof combiner box makes a lot of sense. Also, depending on your module->controller connections, a combiner box may allow for the easiest spot for diagnosing a solar electric issue.
There are lots of ways to get this done and a good plan going forward will make the physical installation that much easier.
Edit: Also, will you have any of the panels tilted? I live in snow country where tilted panels make a lot of sense, particularly when in storage mode. A tilted panel allows any snow to melt off in a day. A flat panel may keep the snow on for weeks or months.
IMO, it's s good exercise to plan with future expansion in mind and if the connection to modules will be totally parallel or a series-parallel configuration. If the latter, a roof combiner box makes a lot of sense. Also, depending on your module->controller connections, a combiner box may allow for the easiest spot for diagnosing a solar electric issue.
There are lots of ways to get this done and a good plan going forward will make the physical installation that much easier.
Edit: Also, will you have any of the panels tilted? I live in snow country where tilted panels make a lot of sense, particularly when in storage mode. A tilted panel allows any snow to melt off in a day. A flat panel may keep the snow on for weeks or months.
