solar "wing" on drivers side

[pianotuna]

Hi,

I've moved to being full time in the RV.

I'm in the first stages of planning a solar "wing" for the driver's side of my RV. I want to hinge at the top so I can tilt when stopped.

I'm open to all ideas about doing this. I will probably use MPPT with the panels in series.

I'm 100 inches wide so I want to keep it "thin".

I'll have to avoid the furnace/water heater so there will be a gap.

The panels will double as awnings for the bedroom and dinette windows.

[MrWizard]

i know that 'IF' i hung my panels on the side of this RV, in the manner of the previous pictures
they would NOT extend past my mirrors, when folded and stored

[bka0721]

MrWizard wrote:
DOT legal limit in the USA is 'BODY' 102"

mirrors and awnings, do NOT factor into the DOT width limit
as they are 'addon & removable'

For enforcement rule of thumb for us Statey guys, if an item extends past the farthest most portion of an OEM mirror, then it is citable. (After market or extensions won't cut it, so don't even suggest it) Also, if an item is deemed (the opinion of the officer, as presented in court)to be dangerous to the motoring public, it is citable. Example recently, two kayaks attached to the side of a truck camper going down the road of a narrow two lane highway.

PT, make sure you do a walk around, before driving away, to ensure something is not forgotten and when stored, the items is stored securely as it is citable for an item to be unsecured or unsecured in a safe manner. Also, I have mentioned before, smaller panels make it easier to tilt and survive higher wind events.

I like the idea of a group of panels mounted to the side of a camper, and or trailer, to capture even more solar.

Have fun, on your new travels, PT.

b

[pianotuna]

Hi BFL13,

I do have a Blue Sky 3024di. I'd go Rogue or Morningstar depending on the wattage I can install.

[BFL13]

PT ISTR you are a Blue Sky guy. Sale on here $242 but not for long I guess (discontinued item?)

http://www.wegosolar.com/categories.php?category=Inventory-Clearance

[pianotuna]

Hi,

It was the University of Alberta. They are years away from being commercially available and use zinc. Much lower output per square foot. But yes it would be great.

buta4 wrote:


Greetings .. as an FYI ... a university (name escapes me) has invented a SPRAY ON photovoltaic membrane onto any surface, even FLEXIBLE surfaces.

PRO:
Imagine your awnings coated with this film. Humungous area for generating electricity.

CON:
Still in development phase and voltage output is still low at this point.

Don't hold your breath though and go with your ideas that you have now.

Regards,
Ray
🙂

[buta4]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

I've moved to being full time in the RV.

I'm in the first stages of planning a solar "wing" for the driver's side of my RV. I want to hinge at the top so I can tilt when stopped.

I'm open to all ideas about doing this. I will probably use MPPT with the panels in series.

I'm 100 inches wide so I want to keep it "thin".

I'll have to avoid the furnace/water heater so there will be a gap.

The panels will double as awnings for the bedroom and dinette windows.

Greetings .. as an FYI ... a university (name escapes me) has invented a SPRAY ON photovoltaic membrane onto any surface, even FLEXIBLE surfaces.

PRO:
Imagine your awnings coated with this film. Humungous area for generating electricity.

CON:
Still in development phase and voltage output is still low at this point.

Don't hold your breath though and go with your ideas that you have now.

Regards,
Ray
🙂

[Fishbreath]

Thanks Tom


Bill

[Tom_M1]

I was fortunate enough to get some #10 stranded wire at a local surplus store for 12 cents a foot. I made up a 50ft. cable and terminated it with Anderson SB50 Powerpole connectors.

[Fishbreath]

Tom M.

Your setup is pure genius! Can you please explain what you use as an "extension cord" when you remove the panels from the rig and place the panels on the ground?


Thanks

Bill

[Tom_M1]

There's about a 1/4" space between the panel and side of coach. I seldom leave them attached when I'm camped. They remove easily. Just pull the lower pins and lift them off. I think of it as more of a place to store the panels with the benefit of supplying power when they are facing the sun. I prop them up on the ground and move them occasionally to track the sun.

[Almot]

JiminDenver wrote:
Is the heat from the panels a concern? I notice Tom has his a bit off the body with the way he mounted them.

I was also wondering about the heat on the window seals.

On the photos I see it mounted pretty close to the body, with very small clearance under the panel, 1" maybe. Besides, the heat is flowing up. But they won't get much current when vertical. If Don mounts it this or similar way, even there far North, in a vertical position they will collect about same little as in horizontal. I think, using less power and more propane should be the priority, in kitchen particularly.

[JiminDenver]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi Jim,

Ummm the seals should be cooler than they would be in direct sunlight? Am I missing something? (easy for me to do)

Don

You probably are not missing anything, I just try to look at all angles and know my panels can kick some heat off the back sides.

Maybe you could turn that heat to your advantage. Enclose the back and run it like a heat exchanger to help heat the rig.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

SOLAR HEATING. Open window for fan effect.

[pianotuna]

Hi Jim,

Ummm the seals should be cooler than they would be in direct sunlight? Am I missing something? (easy for me to do)

JiminDenver wrote:
Don

Is the heat from the panels a concern? I notice Tom has his a bit off the body with the way he mounted them.

I was also wondering about the heat on the window seals.