installing solar panel on trailer questions..
I am looking to install solar panel on my airstream and was looking at some 195 watt 24 volts units. They are a bit larger than the 100 to 130 watt 12v version and i was wondering if the size would b...
Forum Discussion
The first consideration when thinking of solar power and and an RV is your daily use. You should do an energy audit and also assess any future use.
Here is a special calculator that will help define your power use.
Another consideration is the size of your battery bank. The amount of wattage will be influenced by that.
About tilting: Ask yourself how often you will be willing to get onto the roof of your RV to tilt and then untilt your modules for transportation. It is often easier to just add another module to reclaim the difference in harvest.
About mounting, hardware, and wiring: Solar modules do best when allowed at least 1 1/2" of clearance on the underside to dissipate heat. There are mounting holes, typically, formed in the frame. Using a piece of angle material mounted into those holes and another angle piece mounted to the RV is a good solution as it provides the clearance and makes installation/deinstallation much easier.
Wire size shouldn't be a consideration. Use the largest possible size available since cost is insignificant and you will reap the benefit of larger wire for the life of the installation.
You haven't mentioned controllers, yet. It is an important part of the system and budget. What type of module you choose, will dictate the type and size of the controller.
There are many active solar users in the Tech Issues section of the Forum. Answers and help are readily available there.
Here is a good link to help educate yourself about solar and RV's: Golden Rules of Solar
Here is a special calculator that will help define your power use.
Another consideration is the size of your battery bank. The amount of wattage will be influenced by that.
About tilting: Ask yourself how often you will be willing to get onto the roof of your RV to tilt and then untilt your modules for transportation. It is often easier to just add another module to reclaim the difference in harvest.
About mounting, hardware, and wiring: Solar modules do best when allowed at least 1 1/2" of clearance on the underside to dissipate heat. There are mounting holes, typically, formed in the frame. Using a piece of angle material mounted into those holes and another angle piece mounted to the RV is a good solution as it provides the clearance and makes installation/deinstallation much easier.
Wire size shouldn't be a consideration. Use the largest possible size available since cost is insignificant and you will reap the benefit of larger wire for the life of the installation.
You haven't mentioned controllers, yet. It is an important part of the system and budget. What type of module you choose, will dictate the type and size of the controller.
There are many active solar users in the Tech Issues section of the Forum. Answers and help are readily available there.
Here is a good link to help educate yourself about solar and RV's: Golden Rules of Solar
