Started Solar Array

[Firelime]

I have to few lose ends to tie up but overall it came together good. The system will eventually have up to 5 panels totaling 800 watts and 4 EGC2 batteries. I have not yet decided if that will include 2 SC-2030's or a TriStar MPPT 60. We'll have to see when we get there.
The system currently includes:
- Trimetric 2030
- SC2030
- 1 Solar Cenergy 160 watt panel

First was to build the bus bars and panel mounts. The panel mounts use nylon washers to add some tension to the pivot end while allowing it to pivot freely and not gouge.




The combiner box on the roof has plenty of room to expand.


The 1st panel mounted up. The wires will be held down with tan Eternabond tape (all I currently have is white). The panel tilts at 5° on the roof now; so I need to build some risers to tilt the panels to 30°.


Trimetric mounted up.


The SC-2030 wired up. I need to cut and re-crimp the phone cable so there is not excess. I'm really digging the hydraulic crimper. I makes very nice crimps.


I'm looking forward to not having to take the generator to the places we only need it for charging.

[hedge]

Nice neat job, I'm jealous of you guys with bigger trailers that have all the room to lay out the wiring nice and tidy. I have a truck camper so things are tight.

[scrubjaysnest]

Nice job. When I did the portable portion of ours all exposed wiring was run in split tubing. Plan to start the roof panel mounts today. Like your tilt mounts.

[Firelime]

That is a good idea, thanks. I think I have some lexan lying around. I also need to build some for the combiner box

[westend]

Nice work, you have good skills to work in detail!
One suggestion: If you can, make covers for the bus bars/shunt. Maybe Lexan, formed with heat and drilled/bent to allow for cable entry. I know most folks will say, "I'm never going to put anything metal in there..." Never is a long time and just one inadvertent contact can make for a miserable day.