I am new to TC but have quickly realized that even at minimal spring time usage, battery life is something to be careful of. Everyone I talk to says a generator is the way to go (and maybe it is), but I also hear some say that solar solves most power issues outside of A/C or running a 110V appliance. I've read Pianotuna's thread and it explains a lot about batteries and solar power that I wasn't aware of.https://freecampsites.net/adding-solar/I'm wondering if there are any preconfigured systems that people have used on their TC's and are happy with. Based on the article, I was leaning towards getting 1 panel and a 40A controller. The panel selection would probably lean towards a flexible one that would not require mounting hardware so I can avoid extra penetrations into the NL fiberglass shell. Thoughts? Links? Pictures? Other threads I should read?

bkenobi wrote:Everyone I talk to says a generator is the way to go (and maybe it is),Well, it's the easiest, for sure. Solar takes more money and work and understanding.I do get a bit weary of those who run a generator to watch TV. Good for you on the solar.200w on TC on luggage rack100w solar on TCMount panels 2011

Yah, solar if possible, but generator as a backup

40 amp controller might be twice what you need.Unless you have a special situation I think most get bored with the portable panels and they end up on the roof eventually.Unless you are going big 24v panels it is not a huge deal to match components. A couple 100 to 160 watt panels and a 20 amp controller will serve you just fine.https://www.solarblvd.com/products/two-solar-cynergy-100-watt-12-volt-solar-panels-with-y-connector/https://www.solarblvd.com/products/morningstar-sunsaver-ss20l-20a-12v-charge-controller/ > Members Solar Installations With Pics

I had a large TC back in the 80's when I'd never even heard of small generators that you could find room to carry with a TC.I'm in the process of doing solar on my smaller 26' TT (which is really just an overgrown TC) but I'm going to put 400W up there.You may want to avoid roof penetrations and are therefore only doing one stick-on panel - I urge you to do more if you have the room. 100W is going to no doubt help, but 200W will be a whole lot better (twice at good, eh?).I have nothing against generators other than the hauling of them and the gas that takes up room, especially in a TC. Try 200W up there before you spend money and room on a generator. And, when the panels are being installed, you might position them to see if there's room to install a third one later.Bill

bkenobi, Do the energy audit.I'm not a fan of flexible panels unless they are UniSolar.I'm glad you enjoyed the articles. Was there anything that you have questions about?

Solar panels/controller advice | Good Sam Community

29 Replies

2oldnslow
Explorer
May 20, 2017
Fishbreath wrote:
Since you have a fiberglass roof, I would recommend using 3M VHB tape to secure panels to your roof. No Holes.

This stuff is amazing. I have had the panels on my Class A roof for two years and no problems. Once you put them down, they are staying put.

Yea, it is scary using the tape. You just can't imagine that the tape will hold, but it does. If you PM me, I will send you a little that I have left over from my last install. Try it, you'll like it.

If people tell you that it won't work, or they don't trust it, ask them if they have ever used it!

Solar is the way to go!

Good luck

Bill

My sister and I put a 400W kit from AMSolar on her converted van a couple years ago. We used 3M VHB tape to mount the panels and they are holding on just fine. That tape is used to bond the skin onto busses and high-end horse trailers. Seriously good stuff. I have experience with that tape at work. We used it to bond small solar panels to stainless steel boxes for a product. Over 1200 in the field with no failures for the tape.

The AMSolar kit was not cheap but it was very complete and very good quality.
Fishbreath
Explorer II
May 20, 2017
Since you have a fiberglass roof, I would recommend using 3M VHB tape to secure panels to your roof. No Holes.

This stuff is amazing. I have had the panels on my Class A roof for two years and no problems. Once you put them down, they are staying put.

Yea, it is scary using the tape. You just can't imagine that the tape will hold, but it does. If you PM me, I will send you a little that I have left over from my last install. Try it, you'll like it.

If people tell you that it won't work, or they don't trust it, ask them if they have ever used it!

Solar is the way to go!

Good luck

Bill
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 19, 2017
Work2much, another solar success story for the disbelievers.
markchengr
Explorer II
May 19, 2017
Another vote for www.amsolar.com. Their website has loads of good information and they sell system kits making installation easy. Pricey but top quality. They also have 100 watt panels which are narrow enough for a truck camper roof. Check it out. -Mark.
bka0721
Explorer II
May 19, 2017
A few years ago I was also wondering how Solar might improve my own life in a Truck Camper. From these questions it was easy to evaluate both sides of the question, "do I really need Solar." After deciding I did, it was important to share these decisions I made and how I came to my resolution. With that, was born an article for Truck Camper Magazine. Some of the things I review might help in your own decisions.

Try the clicky on; Deciding whether Solar is the best solution

b
deltabravo
Nomad
May 19, 2017
www.amsolar.com
fpoole
Explorer
May 19, 2017
bkenobi wrote:
FWIW, I'm north of seattle. I've been talking with Apache mostly for all of my TC questions.
....

Just an FYI,
I got my Fox 990 from Apache-Everett, WA and can't praise them enough. The Service Mgr, Steve and Gen Mgr Karl have been and continues to be extremely helpful while on the road. After 1.5 years, they're still supporting me on questions and solutions.
They did my solar... 2 panels and later added a 3rd and two sets of 6-vt batteries..
bighatnohorse
Explorer II
May 19, 2017

:)
maxum1989
Explorer II
May 19, 2017
bkenobi wrote:
FWIW, I'm north of seattle. I've been talking with Apache mostly for all of my TC questions.

When you say cupping, plastic haze, etc, are you referring to the flexible panels? My biggest concern with them is that they are bonded to the roof rather than fastened. That means no holes, but how would a panel be replaced should it fail?

I had interstate charge and test my batteries. Turns out they are brand new but are a little small (60 amp-hour so they said). They recommended a bigger bank next time. Mine are HD24-DP.

If your main concern is holes in your roof there are ways to secure regular glass panels to the roof with glued down methods.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TEKTRUM-DRILL-FREE-SOLAR-PANEL-ROOF-TOP-CORNER-MOUNTING-KIT-SET-OF-4-/262603057356?hash=item3d245ca8cc:g:NOMAAOSwMgdXxzbo
This is one way.
maxum1989
Explorer II
May 19, 2017
nightshift wrote:
maxum, what brand are your flex panels?

From Windy nation.