New RV installing solar

[CountryFit]

Originally Posted by TechWriter

I wouldn't bother with an energy audit because you'll never have enough solar.

There are sooooooo many de-rating factors -- trees, summer vs winter sun, cloudy days, off-angle sun, . . .

My advice is to put (or at least plan) as much solar as your roof will bear. ... with a MPPT controller.

Even though you may not be able to afford everything at once, you can wire for it. Otherwise, upgrading can be a PITA.

what said

[TechWriter]

Originally Posted by computerguy

I worked with Handy Bob on my last RV in 2011. It had 390 watts on the roof. 4 6v batts, Morningstar PWM controller and a Trimetric.

I think you (and other Handy Bob devotees) need to look at higher voltage panels and MPPT controllers -- 2 things Bob does not like.

Suggest you check Jack Mayer's blog and his 2016 HDT rally solar presentation. BTW, Jack knows Bob Shearer (aka Handy Bob).

Originally Posted by computerguy

LOL, well, don't totally agree. I 'spose if you had an unlimited budget this would be just fine.

Plus no sense having 2000 watts of panels and only 2 batteries that can hold 200 amp hours worth of juice.

Your comments are "interesting" . . . I suggested a phased install for those on limited budgets + please tell me how to get 2000W of solar on my Class A roof.

[computerguy]

I've read through Jack's stuff. He has good info.
My comment on 2000 watts was not literal but here's 1600 watts on a class A:
Class A 1600 Watts

Actually Bob recommended bigger panels for me this time but I prefer the smaller panels. It is easier to find space to mount without shadows. He did recommend a MPPT controller based on the size of the system. I now understand why he doesn't post anymore.
So much for offering real life experience and advice to someone asking for it. I'll unsubscribe from this thread. Best of luck to the OP.

[TechWriter]

Originally Posted by computerguy

Actually Bob recommended bigger panels for me this time but I prefer the smaller panels. It is easier to find space to mount without shadows. He did recommend a MPPT controller based on the size of the system. I now understand why he doesn't post anymore.

Maybe Bob has mellowed, but he used to preach and demean people on forums like this. It was classic my way or the highway sort of "advice".

He didn't like being challenged by anyone -- that's why he left.

[LarryW21]

I agree with TwoGypsies that 300 watts is enough for our TT but others use more electric power.

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by TechWriter

please tell me how to get 2000W of solar on my Class A roof[/I].

Correct, a limiting factor as to how large a PV array can be mounted is not enough roof real estate. Elevated racking to loft the panels over the existing equipments on the roof is one way. I opted not to go this route. I am currently in process of installing a 1500 watt system - pretty much using all the available roof area.

[CountryFit]

Originally Posted by computerguy

I've read through Jack's stuff. He has good info.
My comment on 2000 watts was not literal

why not? i have 2160w on my roof, do i feel unnecessary? not a bit!

[jackfish]

Jack Meyer's stuff is good. Here is more relevant reading:
RV Solar Education
The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)
The 12volt Side of Life Part 2

[harryn]

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Correct, a limiting factor as to how large a PV array can be mounted is not enough roof real estate. Elevated racking to loft the panels over the existing equipments on the roof is one way. I opted not to go this route. I am currently in process of installing a 1500 watt system - pretty much using all the available roof area.

Not everyone will want to do this, but since solar panel pricing has dropped so much compared to the past, it is possible to put panels on the side of a rig to help capture early morning / late afternoon sun. Probably this makes more sense to do with a frame less panel rather than a framed version.

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by harryn

Not everyone will want to do this, but since solar panel pricing has dropped so much compared to the past, it is possible to put panels on the side of a rig to help capture early morning / late afternoon sun. Probably this makes more sense to do with a frame less panel rather than a framed version.

I saw one motorhome with panels mounted on the sides, hinged near the roof line. Folded down for travel, tilt up for use. Not something I would do, but is a way to mount more watts.

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by harryn

Not everyone will want to do this, but since solar panel pricing has dropped so much compared to the past, it is possible to put panels on the side of a rig to help capture early morning / late afternoon sun. Probably this makes more sense to do with a frame less panel rather than a framed version.

You'd really have to orientate your RV properly for this to work or constantly move your RV during the day for the sun exposure.

[harryn]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

You'd really have to orientate your RV properly for this to work or constantly move your RV during the day for the sun exposure.

Perhaps. Some panels in the normal locations on the roof, and a few panels on the west facing side could generate some power. My house naturally has a vertical wall that gets a ton of late afternoon sun, in many cases better than the roof.

As you know, power consumption timing is not always when generation is ideal.

[YosemiteBobR]

I have 600w of solar power on the top, Trimetric controller and batter minder, 4 - 6v golf cart batteries, 2000w inverter, TrueCharge2 battery charger just in case needed, hardwired into the system. Just came back from 7 days of boon docking with a residential refrigerator. Used heater all night, movies before going to sleep, and had all the power I needed. By dark I had 90% charge every day. I did run generator for two hours when I got up in the morning, and then let solar take over after that. Only one day it was cloudy and rainy. All interior lights are LED's, and outside lights too. Had my coffee every morning from an electric maker. When the Battery tender told me I had an excess of power to use, I would charge our computer and phones, usually in the late afternoon.

[CountryFit]

Originally Posted by YosemiteBobR

I have 600w of solar power on the top, Trimetric controller and batter minder, 4 - 6v golf cart batteries, 2000w inverter, TrueCharge2 battery charger just in case needed, hardwired into the system. Just came back from 7 days of boon docking with a residential refrigerator. Used heater all night, movies before going to sleep, and had all the power I needed. By dark I had 90% charge every day. I did run generator for two hours when I got up in the morning, and then let solar take over after that. Only one day it was cloudy and rainy. All interior lights are LED's, and outside lights too. Had my coffee every morning from an electric maker. When the Battery tender told me I had an excess of power to use, I would charge our computer and phones, usually in the late afternoon.

curious - are you tilting your panels? flat install n' forget may not be the same.