Yet another Solar Install thread
I've read most of the numerous install threads related to the subject but wanted to start my own:B I'm in the beginning planning stages and want to start with panel selection so I'll just start by ...
Forum Discussion
When solar panels where over $5 per rated watt, and a 90 watt system with controller, wiring and wiring diagrams cost $750, the extra $20 for tilt brackets was worth it to get the extra 15% in power IF you stay in one location more than a few nights. (going sightseeing with the RV each day meant that this was no longer a advantage).
Now that you can buy solar panels for around $1 - $1.50 per rated watt, it is not worth it to tilt the panels. Just buy another 100 watts, and not worry about climbing onto the roof.
I made my brackets with 2" angle aluminum. I cut it at 6" long and drilled 1 - 5/16" hole for the bolt into the panel frame, and 3- 3/16" holes for #10 screws into the RV roof with a lot of RV roof sealant.
Tilt arms where made from 3/4" thin gauge aluminum about 18" long.
I used 1/4-20 "Nutserts" that pop rivit into the solar panel frame. I used stainless steel tamper resistant bolts into the panels, to keep them from walking away.
I used #10 - 2 UV resistant grey romex running down the refrigerator vent to the controller, it is good for about 15 amps each run. If you have more than 2 panels, run two wires. (Home Depot) If you have 4 panels that are identical, you can pick to run them at 24 volts IF you have a MPPT controller. MPPT controllers can take in up to 60 or some models 150 volts and convert it to 12 volt "Nominal" output. Then you will have less voltage loss through the wiring.
I have my system set up with 12 volt nominal voltage - the panels put out about 21 VDC. This goes to a 50 amp controller that puts out 13.5 volts to recharge the battery.
I have a pair of golf cart batteries. My first pair lasted 13 years and I gave them to a friend who kept using them. My second set only lasted 6 years, I forgot to add water a few times.
SunElec.com has panels from $1 per rated watt. Look for 12 volt panels if you want to use PWM controller, or any voltage if you want to use a MPPT controller.
I just bought a couple of 10 amp PWM controllers for $13 each. AliExpress.com
SolarOnSale.com is where Ihad my Trace inverter repaired in 1999 and bought my pair of 120 watt panels. THey also do installations in Victorville CA.
Fred.
Now that you can buy solar panels for around $1 - $1.50 per rated watt, it is not worth it to tilt the panels. Just buy another 100 watts, and not worry about climbing onto the roof.
I made my brackets with 2" angle aluminum. I cut it at 6" long and drilled 1 - 5/16" hole for the bolt into the panel frame, and 3- 3/16" holes for #10 screws into the RV roof with a lot of RV roof sealant.
Tilt arms where made from 3/4" thin gauge aluminum about 18" long.
I used 1/4-20 "Nutserts" that pop rivit into the solar panel frame. I used stainless steel tamper resistant bolts into the panels, to keep them from walking away.
I used #10 - 2 UV resistant grey romex running down the refrigerator vent to the controller, it is good for about 15 amps each run. If you have more than 2 panels, run two wires. (Home Depot) If you have 4 panels that are identical, you can pick to run them at 24 volts IF you have a MPPT controller. MPPT controllers can take in up to 60 or some models 150 volts and convert it to 12 volt "Nominal" output. Then you will have less voltage loss through the wiring.
I have my system set up with 12 volt nominal voltage - the panels put out about 21 VDC. This goes to a 50 amp controller that puts out 13.5 volts to recharge the battery.
I have a pair of golf cart batteries. My first pair lasted 13 years and I gave them to a friend who kept using them. My second set only lasted 6 years, I forgot to add water a few times.
SunElec.com has panels from $1 per rated watt. Look for 12 volt panels if you want to use PWM controller, or any voltage if you want to use a MPPT controller.
I just bought a couple of 10 amp PWM controllers for $13 each. AliExpress.com
SolarOnSale.com is where Ihad my Trace inverter repaired in 1999 and bought my pair of 120 watt panels. THey also do installations in Victorville CA.
Fred.
