Home solar panel on RV...anyone attempted?
Okay, I have one extra solar panel from my home system. The panel is 66.5" x 40" in size see the specs below. I have looked online and haven't been able to find many people who have done this. Am I mi...
Forum Discussion
You're welcome.
Just know that once you get everything with solar installed, the system is pretty much set and forget. Batteries are the only real maintenance item.
I have a Victron battery monitor, large analog meters, and computer interface with the controller, all of which I mostly disregard. While in storage, I'll check the Victron and every once and a while, hook up the laptop. It is fun to see what the panel and controller are doing in real time with all of the parameters. My controller, Morningstar MPPT-15, has temp compensation for the batteries so the first couple of years I monitored that.
Here are some things you may not have thought about for your installation: Use large wire. The cost of larger wire will be returned in added harvest, later. I use a manual Bussman circuit breaker between panel and controller. It's easy to shut off power from the panel if wiring maintenance is necesary. A good alternative to tilting and moving around loose solar modules is to add another flat mounted panel. It's just a few more brackets and a wire connection. Never has to be fooled with again. Solar power gets addictive. That free electric power can be used for a lot of tasks. If you only install one module, plan the installation for upgrading in the future. I installed a roof mounted connection box for this purpose.
Just know that once you get everything with solar installed, the system is pretty much set and forget. Batteries are the only real maintenance item.
I have a Victron battery monitor, large analog meters, and computer interface with the controller, all of which I mostly disregard. While in storage, I'll check the Victron and every once and a while, hook up the laptop. It is fun to see what the panel and controller are doing in real time with all of the parameters. My controller, Morningstar MPPT-15, has temp compensation for the batteries so the first couple of years I monitored that.
Here are some things you may not have thought about for your installation: Use large wire. The cost of larger wire will be returned in added harvest, later. I use a manual Bussman circuit breaker between panel and controller. It's easy to shut off power from the panel if wiring maintenance is necesary. A good alternative to tilting and moving around loose solar modules is to add another flat mounted panel. It's just a few more brackets and a wire connection. Never has to be fooled with again. Solar power gets addictive. That free electric power can be used for a lot of tasks. If you only install one module, plan the installation for upgrading in the future. I installed a roof mounted connection box for this purpose.
