Did you try Mex's trick for recovering from having the plates exposed, using Epsom salts?
The Unisolar docs do say not to walk directly on the little bumps down the sides which are diodes, if some of them broke you could drop capacity (but I think it would be shaded capacity only). But it sounds like you are getting a lot more solar now that the sun is higher in the sky.
It should be normal for cells with a lower specific gravity to bubble less. They are still working on converting lead sulphate to acid. The other cells are done with their chemical reaction to they use the energy toward hydrolysis. Does a long equalizing session get them closer to the same specific gravity?
Leaving your engine battery in parallel with them is what is convincing your alternator to put out more in the morning. The engine battery is lower voltage, and triggering the alternator to higher voltage output, until it charges back up.
When using this trick, I always l liked to keep a jump start battery in the coach on its AC charger. I never needed it, but it was good insurance. If you cycle the 5 year old engine battery too deep for too long, it will take a vacation on you. A shorter cycle in the morning or shortly before driving should achieve a similar effect but be More SLI battery friendly (a quick recharge after a discharge).
Jim
