Solar on roof vs. "movable" panels

[varankins3]

don't know how to research this but here goes: has anyone installed solar on a movable board instead of on their roof? We plan on being at a secure CG all winter (NAS Key West) and wonder if it is viable to do such? It would seem one would get a better angle if you can move the panels or at least set them up where you could get better angles than trying to pick a spot to park. It is a major PIA to circle a CG trying to find the "perfect" spot...really leaning towards solar for this winter

[vsheetz]

I have one portable 100w panel I can set out if desired. Enough to keep the batteries up during storage but not enough to dry camp with. Another 600w on the roof for dry camping.

No reason you can't do several smaller or a couple larger panels ground mounted. Shading, damage, theft, etc are concerns of course.

[LEMO]

I' be done both if you are in a area were there is a lot of blockage of the sun for a long portion of the day then portable units that can be moved are good. I have found I require 2 135 watt panels to keep me going, due to the problem and weight and size I have elected to mount them on the roof. I can tilt them for a better yield. Last year while on a beach I had them flat, my batteries topped out at 11 AM, I tilted them and my batteries topped out at 9:30. At dark I was at 100%. either way. I bought my portable unit from ebay, it was a 120 watt unit, built in stand and caring bag.

Lemo

[jablair]

My personal preference, assuming one has room, is to simply add an additional panel to the roof. It will provide the same or more then you would get from either tilting or strategically positioning portable panels.

[Dunner]

2 old Siemen's 48 watt panels bolted together. On a bright day they put out ~7 amps. Enough to top off my batteries when I am out playing in the dunes. I used 10 ga outdoor lighting wire that plugs into a water-proof socket and goes directly to my house batteries. Bob says small systems don't need a controller. The back post is PVC and pivots in for storage in my enclosed.

[Ramblin]

Originally Posted by Dunner

2 old Siemen's 48 watt panels bolted together. On a bright day they put out ~7 amps. Enough to top off my batteries when I am out playing in the dunes. I used 10 ga outdoor lighting wire that plugs into a water-proof socket and goes directly to my house batteries. Bob says small systems don't need a controller. The back post is PVC and pivots in for storage in my enclosed.

Do you have a pic taken during the daytime?

[Dunner]

No. My flash wasn't working.

[Ramblin]

Originally Posted by Dunner

No. My flash wasn't working.

Freaky. when I viewed this thread a while ago, those pics were solid black.

[Dunner]

Either Imageshack or your computer/monitor. I never saw black. Soooo....

[terry735001]

just dont go as nuts as i did LOL thats if you go on the roof

but keep this in mind how many things brake in the bays of a rv going down the road

safer on the roof

[terry735001]

Originally Posted by Dunner

2 old Siemen's 48 watt panels bolted together. On a bright day they put out ~7 amps. Enough to top off my batteries when I am out playing in the dunes. I used 10 ga outdoor lighting wire that plugs into a water-proof socket and goes directly to my house batteries. Bob says small systems don't need a controller. The back post is PVC and pivots in for storage in my enclosed.

??? at 7 amps i would really be running a controller


7x5= 35 amp hrs so i hope you are pulling 40 amp hrs at night

[kellylipp]

Just don't drive off without putting them back in the basement.

They kept up for a mile or two...

[elkhornsun]

I researched the amount of gain from tilting the panels and decided it was not worth the cost and effort. If the flat mounted panels recharge your batteries 100% during the day that is all that is needed. Does not really matter whether it takes 4 hours or 5 hours to recharge the bank.

Having the panels on the roof keeps them out of harms way and they are working even when we are driving down the road. No need to find a place to store portable panels and the wiring or worry about damage or theft with them on the ground.

[varankins3]

lol