Materials are Coming in

[memtb]

.....For our solar panel project on our class c. We will be installing 4 - 100 watt, adjustable angle panels, a mppt controller, a 2000 watt inverter with built-in 30 amp transfer switch, and add an additional 2 (total of 4) group 27 batteries. We’ve had the panels for almost 2 years....many issues prevented us from completing the job! Maybe soon, we’ll be looking at a different project! 😉 memtb

[memtb]

ivbinconned wrote:
True, but I am pumping a lot of water.
It’s a 24 volt pump and pumps about 34 imperial gals a minute.
Maybe the pump doesn’t draw that much.

34 gpm (imperial) is a pretty impressive pump output.! I have a friend (that I haven’t talked to in awhile) that owns a company that installs solar pumps in wells in very rural areas....I’ll try and learn some specifications on pump flow rates vs energy consumption!
I’m “blown away” by 34 gpm.....our home water well only produces 11 gpm. At 34 gpm, we’d pull our well down pretty fast! memtb

[memtb]

ivbinconned , I can only speak from personal use of panels in RV use., since around 1992. On our present 5th wheel, which coincidentally has a -20 F guarantee, has six (6) 125 watt panel which are angle adjustable for the season and six (6) batteries. Because of short periods (about 4 hours) optimum sunlight for the panels .....the panels cannot keep up with our consumption! When we fall/winter camp with lows in the single digit to a little below zero F, we still have to supplement the panels by running the generator on an average of two (2) hours per day. Granted we are not being energy conscious, we run the forced air heater, freely use lighting ( all LED), and watch television for an average of 3 hours per day, and run a 5 cubic foot chest freezer while camping. If our 5er were smaller, and we did not enjoy the “creature comforts” we may get by on panels only....even in cold weather!

When summer camping, we have more than enough wattage! Long daylight periods, and with minimal power consumption.....the generator doesn’t see any use!

With the Class C being much smaller (26 feet), and our boondocking stays much shorter ( likely less than a week/outing), in zero or below temps (ice fishing for example) I don’t think we’re going to be “over-paneled”! I suspect, the generator will still see some occasional use! memtb

[ivbinconned]

True, but I am pumping a lot of water.
It’s a 24 volt pump and pumps about 34 imperial gals a minute.
Maybe the pump doesn’t draw that much.

[memtb]

ivbinconned wrote:
I see these projects and installs on RV’s of hundreds of wattages. In this case 400! And I ask ...why so much?
I’ve been watering cattle with a solar system for 17 years. Watering as much as 350 head (2000 to 3000 gals a day) with four batteries and two 64 watt panels.
Do RVer’s tend to overbuild?

I guess it depends upon how many days you boondock, and how “little” you want to run a generator! We often spend 3 + weeks in fall/winter in our 5th wheel using the generator sparingly! When we’re away from camp for extended periods.....the panels are busy keeping the batteries charged so the heater can continue keeping the camper warm. A forced air heater pulls pretty hard on batteries! Running water, warm showers, etc. are nice to come home to when the temps are in single digits to teens! memtb

[ivbinconned]

I see these projects and installs on RV’s of hundreds of wattages. In this case 400! And I ask ...why so much?
I’ve been watering cattle with a solar system for 17 years. Watering as much as 350 head (2000 to 3000 gals a day) with four batteries and two 64 watt panels.
Do RVer’s tend to overbuild?

[memtb]

Lwiddis wrote:
Keep track of how many times you adjust the panels. That gets to be a pain quickly. Any opportunity to just add another panel and skip adjusting?

As we probably won’t be doing extended fall/winter stays in the class c....the extra materials (perforated angle), may be a waste.....though, they have to be mounted with something. Adding more panels is a little impractical, because of roof space availability! Angle adjustment is pretty easy, taking little time....unless the roof is covered with snow.

We have adjustable panels on our 5th wheel. For extended stays, they are pretty effective, and worth the effort. Where we fall/winter camp, the panels most be elevated to ourabout 22 degrees for maximum benefit! memtb

[memtb]

Lwiddis wrote:
“Irons in the fire” for me are not worrying about recharging my batteries most days, not getting out and starting the generator etc.

Yep! Trying to maintain 40 acres, large lawn, garden, 2 rv’s, boat, and lots of equipment.... makes me question why I have an RV! 😄 memtb

[Lwiddis]

I get the idea you are guessing regarding RV solar. Do it once, do it right.

[Lwiddis]

“Irons in the fire” for me are not worrying about recharging my batteries most days, not getting out and starting the generator etc.

[memtb]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Does the inverter/transfer switch also have a charger ?

Keep us posted !

No! There was a model available, but I figured that I’d merely charge the batters via the panels/charge controller!

This may take a while.....low priority, and “lots of irons in the fire”! 🙂 memtb

[Lwiddis]

Keep track of how many times you adjust the panels. That gets to be a pain quickly. Any opportunity to just add another panel and skip adjusting?

[theoldwizard1]

Does the inverter/transfer switch also have a charger ?

Keep us posted !