Community Forums

wbputerwiz · 01-26-2020, 11:24 AM

We are about to buy a Newmar Bay Star 35' MH. Want 800 to 1200 watts of solar. Since space is limited looking for 200 Watt Solar Panels, can't find any anywhere. When I search it just gives me 2-100 watt panel options. HELP!

rarebear.nm · 01-26-2020, 11:39 AM

Grape Solar makes a 180 watt panel that might work for you.

mythplaced · 01-26-2020, 11:52 AM

Northern Arizona Wind & Sun has 325's
[URL="REC325NP

https://www.solar-electric.com/rec-solar-rec325np-monocrystalline-panel.html (the dimensions are: 66x40 inches)

SLP180S-12

https://www.solar-electric.com/solarland-slp180s-12-180-watt-12-volt-monocrystalline-solar-panel.html

(the dimensions are 59.06" x 26.57" x 1.38")"]REC325NP

Agesilaus · 01-26-2020, 11:52 AM

Wouldn't a 200W or a 180W for that matter just be twice as big as a 100W? I don't think they commercially make panels that produce twice the energy in half the area.

Yup 840 sq in vs 1560 sq in roughly 1:2 for 100W:180W

jcussen · 01-26-2020, 11:56 AM

Look at the 300+ watt models, more efficient size and probably cheaper per watt.

twinboat · 01-26-2020, 11:58 AM

If your limiting your search for 12 volt panels, you may not find higher watt ones.

You can use 24, 36, 48 or 56 volt panels with a MPPT controller. That may open up all sorts of different size and wattage panels.

Don't get stuck on " RV " panels, grid tie panels will last as long.

rarebear.nm · 01-26-2020, 01:46 PM

As stated above I have 1050 watts in three 350 watt panels with a metered 44.5 volts output all run in parallel. These panels are much larger in physical size than common RV 100 watt panels. Approximately, 49 x 72 inches, if I recall correctly. Not all RV roofs can accommodate this size of panel. I ended up using taller Z brackets to mount one panel above a couple of roof vent pipes. No problem from doing that in four years. My panels are commercial grade made by Silfab. I've seen newer panels in this size range rated between 400 and 500 watts.

There are very real differences in different classes and makes of solar panels. What you end up with may depend on what your uses/needs are, your budget, the RV roof space and who is doing the work. Some RV solar installers may baulk at working with something different and installers for S&B probably should not touch an RV. I did all my own design and installation work, so issues.

I wish someone would make a line a panels for RVs sort of like Leggo blocks. That come in a variety of sizes and shapes to be wired together as needed. This would allow much better utilization of some of the weird roof spaces we all have. For the really serious DIYer, you can buy individual solar cells and build your own panels, no thanks.

vsheetz · 01-26-2020, 02:24 PM

Suggest to start with a scale layout of all the stuff on your roof. Thinking about shading from antennas, air conditioners, etc. - offset to minimize shading. Dont forget to leave walk space.

Then figure out how to o6ut as many watts on you can.

I have lots of stuff all down the center - 3 air conditioners, etc. So went with 15 narrow 100w panels, primarily positioned along either side with a couple across the rear.

monitormix · 01-26-2020, 10:40 PM

I've used this vendor for 175w panels and they've been great. Built really well. Would purchase again.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-200-Watt-...wAAOSwwZtacRkO

Fossil one · 01-28-2020, 09:26 AM

I bought 3 200w panels from “FRED480v” on eBay a year ago. He is the manufacturer, great price, great service. By the way, 600w feeding 4 batteries (410AH) has proved to be plenty for my 34’ Montana 5th wheel because I followed ‘Handybob’ blog advice TO THE LETTER. If you plan on boondocking in northern latitudes in the winter consider tiltable mountings (avoid 30% efficiency loss).

twogypsies · 01-28-2020, 01:30 PM

Try to get at least 300w up there. That's what we had and didn't need the generator. It was very sufficient.

rlh1957 · 01-28-2020, 05:32 PM

I understand all are saying what they have has been just enough or satisfied their power needs. What all do you run with your setup? I realize device watts and how long you run it each day figures differently for everyone.
I'm just curious what all you run with your setup. Looking where you budget to keep from going over your storage capacity each day. Thanks

jcussen · 01-28-2020, 05:44 PM

I run microwave, induction cooktop, lights, stereos, tv's, and everything else on coach except ac's. You cannot have too much solar, solar charge controllers cannot overfill your batteries, so not a problem, and if you get less then good sun every day, nice to have a little more solar to compensate.

Itinerant1 · 01-28-2020, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlh1957

I understand all are saying what they have has been just enough or satisfied their power needs. What all do you run with your setup? I realize device watts and how long you run it each day figures differently for everyone.
I'm just curious what all you run with your setup. Looking where you budget to keep from going over your storage capacity each day. Thanks

Besides having solar which is just a charging source or if your batteries are full you can run misc items from it, it will depend on the amount of batteries (ah) and size of inverter.

Some of us live very comfortable with the use of all 120v items in the rv with no worries away from hook ups, with enough batteries and solar to feed them it shouldn't be a problem to forget you're not on hook ups.