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Re: Shadow Cruiser S185 FBR Solar Install/Upgrade
Another update awhile later. The roof panel (shattered) still works. I was gone all winter so I couldn't pull the batteries but the roof panel kept them charger (thankfully the snow melted). Then this summer I couldn't keep it plugged in and just the roof panel did plenty to recharge it each day with the fridge running. Just traveled quite a ways with the RV and did a few trips before then. I really like having the portable panel since I still like to park in the shade. I do this the upgraded controller does a better job keeping the batteries "healthy" than m old cheap controller did. Additionally, the wife really understands "percent battery" versus the 4 "dot lights" which go on/off with the pump draw. While I still believe the system is over engineered, I have never used a generator and never run out of juice in multiple days of boondocking. Most of the time I'd be back to full batteries before lunch and even on multiple cloudy days never had an issue.993Views0likes0CommentsRe: Solar component(s) help needed
johnm1 wrote: Smketter ... thanks for that. I think I'm sort of, kind of, starting to understand ... a little. I've been pondering the Bogart 2030 (?) units for the PWM charge controller and battery monitor (sorry, on cellphone and don't have part #'s) since they talk to each other which is nice. I just upgraded to the two Bogart units. So much more information and control even on my small system. I started with a super generic Renogy controller. johnm1 wrote: Just so much info out there and lots of people disagree on what's best for this or that. It's hard to find my way through the forest sometimes. That is because best is super dependent on: future growth, panels you have (will buy), which controller you're buying, wire runs, etc. As you've seen even in this thread there are good PWM and crappy PWM controllers and similarly there are good MPPT and crappy MPPT. If you go all PWM you probably want to keep panels run parallel vs MPPT you can run them in series (which can then cause issues with shading). Obviously this can be really complicated but buying the two bogarts definitely is not a bad way to go. Similarly, an MPPT isn't too bad either but to get the same level of control/knowledge you'll probably still need a battery monitor and then the controller.536Views0likes0CommentsRe: Question on Multiple 12V Battery Connections
I use one of these Single stud junction blocks. I actually use 3 of them in my setup. 2 are used to combine the solar panel inputs in parallel and then one is used in a weatherproof box near the battery for exactly what you are talking about. All the inputs/outputs go to it and then it goes to the battery. If you want to see how I used them/them in action here is my solar install which features pictures of them.630Views0likes0CommentsRe: Solar component(s) help needed
Correct, there are no problems using MPPT for a small array. Most people just say its a cost vs. performance thing. You pay for the extra cost of MPPT without all of the gains of a high voltage or massive array. With that said, I think your plan is solid. I also have never used 120V beyond at the house where I needed to run tools and such.497Views0likes0CommentsRe: Replacing the kitchen faucet - anyone done that?
I know this is an older post but I thought I would put some detail onto how I did this. Supplies: - 1x Glacier Bay faucet (pretty much the cheapest I could find at Home Depot that met the requirements and wasn't all plastic). - 2x SharkBite Fittings Equipment: - Screwdriver - Clipping tool (knife) for the PEX line. I didn't use a knife but it definitely would have worked, I had a different tool that worked well - Electric multitool (to cut the hole for the weight) What I did: My wife really wanted a sprayer. I really wanted a steam of water that was somewhere other than where the silly plastic faucet put it. I removed the old faucet using a wrench meant to reach up behind the sink and loosen the plastic retaining "screws". If you don't have one, and aren't going to reuse the sink, you could almost just cut the thing out. Once removed I was able to dry fit the new faucet. In the process I found that the "gasket" under the plate to cover the other 2 holes needed slightly larger right and left holes to be flush. I used a dremel with the sanding attachment to widen just the part needed. If I had known the faucet was going to work I would have just trimmed the gasket itself. With the faucet now flush I knew where I needed to trim the pex tubing to take the longer supply lines. A quick cut and that was ready. I then just used the two SharkBite fittings to reconnect the lines. They were very easy and required no tools. With everything connected I fully attached the facuet. Now i needed to find a way for the weight and hose to swing freely. I used my multitool to cut a rectangular hole that the weight and hose fit through. It worked but kept getting caught on the hot water line heading to the outdoor shower. To fix that I tucked it out of the way and then anchored it to the wall. Here is a picture of the underneath both above and below the cabinet shelf: The good news is the supply lines connected directly to the existing PEX hose/fittings. After I dewinterized I tested it out. The good news is the RV pump has enough pressure for the faucet to work with both regular flow and spray. Additionally, it actually uses less GPM than the stock faucet. Regular flow: And spray: Overall not a difficult project that will make doing dishes much easier. Also, this will actually save water both from the flow aspect and also based on the fact we won't need to have the water on as much since the spray is flexible.1.9KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Solar component(s) help needed
I did a portable panel (100W) with a cheap PWM controller for 2 years running just 12V stuff and never had a low battery issue. This year I just upgraded to a better controller and added a flat panel to the roof (mainly for when I'm parked at home). The portable always worked well for me (until 60mph winds and a rock). Great charging capabilities. The only extra thing I do now is either weight with a water jug or stake down one corner of the panel. My setup. A nice list to get ideas from.498Views0likes0CommentsRe: Portable solar panel storage
I put mine face down on the carpet in the basement. It fits right through the smaller access door. Once in I just stack all my camping chairs on top of it. Been doing it this way for 2 years and traveled all sorts of roads. Works great for me. I believe I could even store it face up based on the allowed loads but I believe it would scratch the glass as things shift.36Views0likes0CommentsRe: Voltage vs. PWM controller & wire size
grizzzman wrote: Calkidd wrote: Thanks again for those who were informative and encouraging. I'll let this thread die. I'll update it later with my installed, inefficient, underrated system. For what its worth, If in the same situation i would do the same. Please keep us informed. Me too. Go for it you have nothing to lose, some to gain, and the possibility to upgrade at a later date.491Views0likes0Comments
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