Community Forums

ralper · 07-19-2015, 11:24 AM

To learn how a proper solar system should be installed and how well it should work go to this blog:

"HANDY BOB SOLAR"

Read it carefully. Pay special attention to the voltages and wire sizes discussed. I did and now, after I renovated it in 11/2009, my solar system, that was installed by "experts", works as the books say it should . I carry NO generator and I am a full timer that boondocks a lot. ( 400 watts and 4 - T104 batteries).

Walt Bennett · 07-19-2015, 11:36 AM

Installed my own a year and a half ago, same size & batteries. Total cost was only $2,700, including a way larger than I was looking for inverter - seller on eBay apparently didn't know about starting prices or reserves. Followed most of Bob's advise and found I saved a huge amount by using smaller panels & PWM charger. We do carry a generator, but only for running the AC when stopped dry camping for the night & it's too hot. Took it with us last year on a nine week trip to the Southwest and never needed to use it. Going to Northern CA this year on another long one.

jackfish · 07-19-2015, 01:55 PM

Temper Bob with some Jack.

RV Electrical

Walt Bennett · 07-19-2015, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackfish

Temper Bob with some Jack.

RV Electrical

He's too far over on the spend more than you need to side.

vsheetz · 07-19-2015, 03:59 PM

I'll toss my system details in here. Works well for us, good bang for the dollar methinks. A few different right ways to do RV solar, many wrong ways to do RV solar...

Forest Grump · 07-20-2015, 04:49 PM

480 watts 27 amps, 2 Trojan J105H 6v 360 Ah batteries, 3,000 watt Xantrex MSW inverter, addition 120v panel for inverter circuits, additional transfer switch for inverter for idiots. Inverter to batteries 2/0 cable. Panels in parallel with 8 g solar wire through roof into closet. 2 g wire from closet to Morningstar T45 controller. 2 g wire direct to batteries from controller. All hot wires are fused closest to source, all cable and wire runs are in conduit. Remote controls for inverter and controller.

Designed from source listed, oversized cable because that's what I could get in red and black for about same price resulted in minimal calculate losses and actual losses. Adsorption voltage set to 14.6 volts vs 14.8 as Bob does.

Solar cost approximately $2K. Labor by me with help from son in law. Took 2.5 days of slow work.