Community Forums

roadtraveler · 07-30-2014, 08:04 AM

We are considering a solar panel on our 2903 Bay Star. Curious if anyone out there has solar panel on there roof and how they like it. We have 2 - 6volt batteries and I am told by Newmar that it is equivalent to 3 to 4 12 volt batteries. We go quite a few places with out shore power and am told that with solar we can have TV's, lights and the receiver going and not have to use the generator to charge the batteries. We normally run it a couple of hours a day and it would be nice if solar would take the place of it. Thanks

MandG-Fun · 07-30-2014, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadtraveler

We are considering a solar panel on our 2903 Bay Star. Curious if anyone out there has solar panel on there roof and how they like it. We have 2 - 6volt batteries and I am told by Newmar that it is equivalent to 3 to 4 12 volt batteries. We go quite a few places with out shore power and am told that with solar we can have TV's, lights and the receiver going and not have to use the generator to charge the batteries. We normally run it a couple of hours a day and it would be nice if solar would take the place of it. Thanks

Since you dry camp and you are looking for an alternative to running the genny, solar is a great option. If you were just looking to keep the batteries charged when not in use a single panel may be sufficient. For keeping the batts charged from normal living use you will need more wattage than a single panel will provide.

At this point it turns into a bit of fuzzy math to figure out your power usage per day and match the panel installation accordingly. There is a wealth of information posted in the RV Systems sub-forum that you can search on. Some people are the DIY'er type and put together a system themselves. I like to do a lot of the upgrade work on my coach but in the case of a total solar install I personally defer to those who I consider to be experts (my opinion only) for components and installation.

Many people have had very good results using the folks from AM Solar (Welcome to AM Solar_Your RV Solar Specialists since 1987). Again my opinion... they are one of the most respected companies specializing in RV solar, and consequently you pay a premium for the expertise. Their web site also has a wealth of information so you can begin to educate yourself before making an investment. In addition to all of the posts on iRV2 that you can search, there is also very good info provided by Jack Mayer on his website (Jack and Danielle Mayer).

Good luck in your quest for free power from the sun, just be prepared to spend some dough to get it.

Glenn

**TonyDi** · 07-30-2014, 08:39 AM

You need to determine how much power you need. First tally up the appliances that you will be using. Then look to see what the wattage of everything adds up to. This would be the minimum you would need. Remember that at night you will be drawing down the batteries and the solar panels will not be charging at that time.Rrecouping that power will require more power. Remember that cloudy days will degradate your panels efficiency. The panels will never be facing the sun 100% of the time so even though it may be rated at 100watts you will not get 100 out of it. A professional service will help you out with your needs. Good luck and Happy Trails!

DavidP · 07-30-2014, 08:48 AM

We put solar panels on our Canyon Star. I posted a bit of info about our system here: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/introduction-and-thanks-from-new-newmar-owner-211421-2.html#post2146057

Jack Mayer's site does indeed have excellent information. Jack is also active on the SKP forums. Technical Tips and Tricks - Escapees Discussion Forum

Another good source of information is Handy Bob. He points out why some solar installs aren't effective. HandyBob's Blog « Making off grid RV electrical systems work

AM Solar did our install and we were pleased with the results.

David

"007" · 07-30-2014, 04:39 PM

Thanks for those links DavidP I have added your post in QT's # 3.

vsheetz · 07-30-2014, 05:16 PM

Here is a write up on my solar installation, including inverter setup. Suggest to also check the education section of AMSOLAR's web site.

jimbo2013 · 07-30-2014, 05:53 PM

The KISS system & answer

Get about 400 watts of panels that's about $500

2 more 6 volt batteries at least.

A controller I use the KID by midnight for about $350

An inverter 2000 watts, $320-up get pure sine wave

So about $1,300 - 1600

Now you can go off grid, I'm at 21 days w/o any elec.

No AC, that can't happen off a battery

roadtraveler · 07-30-2014, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbo2013

The KISS system & answer

Get about 400 watts of panels that's about $500

2 more 6 volt batteries at least.

A controller I use the KID by midnight for about $350

An inverter 2000 watts, $320-up get pure sine wave

So about $1,300 - 1600

Now you can go off grid, I'm at 21 days w/o any elec.

No AC, that can't happen off a battery

Can you run any appliance, toaster or blender? Just curious if 4 - 6volt batteries would be enough for that or not. Sounds like you are glad you have it. I was going to make an appointment with the dealer I bought my RV from and have them put solar on and they suggested 200amp panel. Maybe he said 200 watt. I will check but 400 is the way to go it sounds like. Thanks

roadtraveler · 07-30-2014, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Here is a write up on my solar installation, including inverter setup. Suggest to also check the education section of AMSOLAR's web site.

Very detailed. Thanks for the information. Sounds like you can run a few things off your system such as coffee pot etc. Very nice.

jimbo2013 · 07-30-2014, 08:55 PM

with 400 watts or more U will run it all, but need 4 6v batteries

chboone · 07-30-2014, 09:25 PM

Since your in Idaho you should contact AM Solar in Oregon. Everything I have read about them, they do first class work. I have talked to Dave for technical advise and was very helpful. Since the dealer only suggested 200 watts of solar I wouldn't trust them with the install. Good luck.

Chuck

roadtraveler · 07-30-2014, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chboone

Since your in Idaho you should contact AM Solar in Oregon. Everything I have read about them, they do first class work. I have talked to Dave for technical advise and was very helpful. Since the dealer only suggested 200 watts of solar I wouldn't trust them with the install. Good luck.

Chuck

Thanks I will call them.

allynne · 07-31-2014, 12:45 PM

Roadtraveler, not sure who your dealer is, but I would not have them do Solar. It is a bit more complicated than normal MH issues. I don't have Solar so I am no expert.
Just sayin.

Al Sawyer
'05 MT.Aire