Community Forums

Clayhammer · 11-01-2012, 11:14 AM

Global Solar Energy out of Tucson, AZ just launched a new PV system specifically designed for RVs. I just inatalled their 200W system on our Cougar High Country 321. The panels are made in Tucson and the kit comes with all the components needed. One of the best things about it that it doesn't use screws to hold the panels to the roof and they're only about an inch tall. The whole system was under $1500.

I'm running 2 Trojan T-125 (6V) at 240Ah for batteries

www.PowerFLEXMobile.com

LandKinaMoho · 11-01-2012, 12:09 PM

Nice system, 12.5% efficiency..... pretty good for a flex panel .

Ed-Sommers · 11-01-2012, 02:13 PM

For the majority of people, these "PANELS" are crap, best suited for a backpacker.

Ed
Who tells them like he sees them

Clayhammer · 11-01-2012, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed-Sommers

For the majority of people, these "PANELS" are crap, best suited for a backpacker.

Ed
Who tells them like he sees them

And that opinion is based on what exactly?

datrbone8 · 11-01-2012, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clayhammer

And that opinion is based on what exactly?

I was wondering as well

Gary - K7GLD · 11-01-2012, 02:54 PM

DUNNO - unless that type construction is less durable over the long haul - like some of the cheaper Asian small panels commonly used for solar powered yard lights and such - about 2 years max life expectancy...

I don't see any lifespan claims on their webpage or spec pointer - I have a standard type panel that's well over 30 years old, and still puts out full power, and a GE panel over 5 years old, doing the same - not sure if the flex stuff will do the same...

BirdDoggin · 11-01-2012, 03:22 PM

That system could be exactly what I've been looking for as far as price, output watts, and ease of installation. I do have a couple questions....

Did you install it yourself ?

Do you think you could remove the entire system and mount it on another RV?

I'm not a full timer (nor am I going to be any time soon) and will not be buying a new RV that would serve our needs for 10-15 years, so I would like to know if I make a $1500.00 investment, can I mount it on my next RV. I plan on keeping my current RV (which I bought used) for the next 5 years, and would like to get the remaining usefulness of the solar system on our "upgraded" future RV.

I really like the Idea of no screws, it also means no holes left behind in the roof to reduce the value of the RV when I do wish to sell it, or if the solar panels just go bad.

Sincerely,
The minority

Clayhammer · 11-01-2012, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BirdDoggin

That system could be exactly what I've been looking for as far as price, output watts, and ease of installation. I do have a couple questions....

Did you install it yourself ?

Do you think you could remove the entire system and mount it on another RV?

I'm not a full timer (nor am I going to be any time soon) and will not be buying a new RV that would serve our needs for 10-15 years, so I would like to know if I make a $1500.00 investment, can I mount it on my next RV. I plan on keeping my current RV (which I bought used) for the next 5 years, and would like to get the remaining usefulness of the solar system on our "upgraded" future RV.

I really like the Idea of no screws, it also means no holes left behind in the roof to reduce the value of the RV when I do wish to sell it, or if the solar panels just go bad.

Sincerely,
The minority

The Global Solar panels for the RV are the same construction as the ones they make for the commercial roofing market and they're made in Tucson, AZ including the solar cells. The commercial version has a 25 year warranty and the mobile version has a 5 year warranty (including the charge controller). They've been making those as well as a portable version for the US Army and USMC for years.

The adhesives are very strong and make the installation pretty permanent. You could use screws instead of the adhesive but, that would somewhat defeat the purpose.

I think anyone that's comfortable/competent with RV electrical systems could install it. The hardest part was routing the wiring.

Shadowcatche · 11-01-2012, 04:19 PM

Unisolar 124W flex panels on ebay for about $140.
"Kits" in every instance I have seen are grossly over priced and usually not as good quality components. See Solar That Really Works on this forum.

Clayhammer · 11-01-2012, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowcatche

Unisolar 124W flex panels on ebay for about $140.
"Kits" in every instance I have seen are grossly over priced and usually not as good quality components. See Solar That Really Works on this forum.

Uni-solar went out of business a few month ago so there's no warranty at all. They quit making the 124 long before that. Also, the Amorphous Silicon cell technology isn't that well suited for battery charging due to the lower max current output.

Kits are for those that can't or don't want to spend hours researching and then still guessing if all the components will work together. I agree that some kits are overpriced (especially from some of the RV Dealerships) but, I don't think this one was. And, I believe it's also available as just the panel and mounting stuff without the controller.

Walter5555 · 11-01-2012, 05:11 PM

One question, do you have a rubber roof or a fiberglas one?

Gary - K7GLD · 11-01-2012, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clayhammer

Uni-solar went out of business a few month ago so there's no warranty at all. They quit making the 124 long before that. Also, the Amorphous Silicon cell technology isn't that well suited for battery charging due to the lower max current output.

Kits are for those that can't or don't want to spend hours researching and then still guessing if all the components will work together. I agree that some kits are overpriced (especially from some of the RV Dealerships) but, I don't think this one was. And, I believe it's also available as just the panel and mounting stuff without the controller.

WELL, as far as I'm concerned, a 5 year warranty on so expensive a setup (compared to 20 years for the more conventional types) would be the deal-breaker for me, especially with as many pop-up solar outfits going bankrupt or otherwise vanishing from the scene in our current economy...

Guess we'll just continue with our 30 year old conventional setup for the foreseeable future - but a full RV rooftop made outta solar panels sure would make a dandy boondocker setup!

OR, on a house, for that matter!

ALL it takes, is $$$$$$$$...

Clayhammer · 11-01-2012, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry Walter

One question, do you have a rubber roof or a fiberglas one?

My TT has an EPDM rubber roof. Works on fiberglass as well though.

Clayhammer · 11-01-2012, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary - K7GLD

WELL, as far as I'm concerned, a 5 year warranty on so expensive a setup (compared to 20 years for the more conventional types) would be the deal-breaker for me, especially with as many pop-up solar outfits going bankrupt or otherwise vanishing from the scene in our current economy...

Guess we'll just continue with our 30 year old conventional setup for the foreseeable future - but a full RV rooftop made outta solar panels sure would make a dandy boondocker setup!

OR, on a house, for that matter!

ALL it takes, is $$$$$$$$...

No worries. Global Solar has been around since the mid 90's and is the world leader in this type of cell technology. I like this system because I wasn't about to use screws through our new roof. I also like the fact that you can't see them so, I don't have to worry about them getting stolen.

There are a LOT of conventional panels out there that have a 25 year warranty when put on a building that becomes void when put on an RV or boat.