Solar Array Install on a Lance 1995
I've been installing a Solar Array in the RV and thought maybe someone would like to see the progress. Got all the solar hardware from Renogy. and some screws, wire clips, and 10 AWG wire from Lowes. ...
Forum Discussion
Final thoughts...
Just finished a week long camping trip that took from El Paso to Van Horn to Monahans to San Angelo, to Balmorhea back to El Paso. 3 nights (including Thanksgiving) was spent at San Angelo. Single nights elsewhere.
My cabling did not even flutter during travel. Clamped my iPhone up there with a view of the cables from the curbside panel to the fridge vent. There is no slack there at all, and didn't budge. Highway travel speed was 65MPH. Couldn't clamp the phone in a spot that had a clear view of the cabling between the 2 panels, but there is no evidence on the roof that there was flopping. I think if I spent more time and dropped the filter screen for the front vent cover I could clamp the phone with a clear shot of those. Maybe some other time. I think that vent cover deflects most of the harsh stream from hitting those. Panels show no sign of stress at the mounting locations. At first I checked them at every stop. On the way back from San Angelo I didn't bother. I checked them one final time when we made it back home. All held well as expected.
First night (Van Horn) we spent off the grid (but handy in case it didn't work). dipped into the 40s at night giving the furnace a work out, kept the temp at 70º. Water heater also kept on all night (gas). Fridge on gas mode as well. 3 hours of sunlight had the batteries back up to full according to the bars. I know that aint an accurate reading, but good enough for me and my uses. After that we stayed on the grid. We did use up an entire grill size propane bottle.
My only concern is the plastic cable clamps. They will get brittle in cold and sunlight will diminish their strength. I'll end up replacing them with metal clamps with the rubber surround.
I'll label this a success.
Just finished a week long camping trip that took from El Paso to Van Horn to Monahans to San Angelo, to Balmorhea back to El Paso. 3 nights (including Thanksgiving) was spent at San Angelo. Single nights elsewhere.
My cabling did not even flutter during travel. Clamped my iPhone up there with a view of the cables from the curbside panel to the fridge vent. There is no slack there at all, and didn't budge. Highway travel speed was 65MPH. Couldn't clamp the phone in a spot that had a clear view of the cabling between the 2 panels, but there is no evidence on the roof that there was flopping. I think if I spent more time and dropped the filter screen for the front vent cover I could clamp the phone with a clear shot of those. Maybe some other time. I think that vent cover deflects most of the harsh stream from hitting those. Panels show no sign of stress at the mounting locations. At first I checked them at every stop. On the way back from San Angelo I didn't bother. I checked them one final time when we made it back home. All held well as expected.
First night (Van Horn) we spent off the grid (but handy in case it didn't work). dipped into the 40s at night giving the furnace a work out, kept the temp at 70º. Water heater also kept on all night (gas). Fridge on gas mode as well. 3 hours of sunlight had the batteries back up to full according to the bars. I know that aint an accurate reading, but good enough for me and my uses. After that we stayed on the grid. We did use up an entire grill size propane bottle.
My only concern is the plastic cable clamps. They will get brittle in cold and sunlight will diminish their strength. I'll end up replacing them with metal clamps with the rubber surround.
I'll label this a success.
