Post by sparty047 on Mar 28, 2015 9:43:02 GMT -8
Hello to the forum! Let me paint you a picture of our solar needs....both now....and in the future.
We live in South Central Michigan (not that solar friendly - LOL) and have just taken delivery of a new hybrid trailer. Both still working full-time for another few years....but plan weekend trips in-state....dry camping at state and national forest (spelled shaded with open patches of sunlight) campgrounds. For these trips we have no interest in the AC, Microwave or TV. All lighting is LED. Fridge has a control setting for "only LP" and the balance of our 12V draw is minimal. Kids show up with their cell phones and laptops to charge, and there are built in USB ports for this. I did upgrade from a single 12V to a pair of 6V deep cycle batteries with ~250 maH capacity. I've mounted a DeeZee low profile aluminum tool chest (60 inches wide and intended for smaller pickups) over the existing battery rack...properly ventilated. ..so have storage to add yet another 2 (or even 4) of the 6 V batteries...but wish to avoid the expense unless absolutely indicated (see comments on CPAP device below)
If we do not trade up to a larger RV when we retire in 4-5 years, this RV could find itself spending a winter month or more in the southern US. We might want to use the TV or AC; so a larger solar array to support inverter use would need to be added. I also wear CPAP for sleep apnea....so might need to immediately add a sine wave inverter (more on this later)....should a trip be longer than 1 or 2 nights.
Trailer came "solar ready" with a single "Zamp" external plug located low on the sidewall just aft of the hitch. From the Zamp site, I quickly realized this was merely the terminal end of the tray cable.....and at this point do not see any particular advantage to having it there....other than sparking an interest in adding solar.
Based on our current situation, and my survey of available information, here's what I have concluded so far:
I like Renogy, for it's stated mission/position and as a supplier who's likely to be here long term.
Due to fore and aft fold-out beds, can't attach a ladder..... roof top array will not be accessible...w/o a step ladder.
When we park amongst trees, roof array efficiency will suffer mightily especially with fixed panel.
So a portable solar panel seems more practical for a start....but I may wish to move it rooftop and add more panels in the future; especially for any prolonged trip to the sun belt.
My first thought was the 100W suitcase as our first venture, for foldup storage and ability to reposition.
On further analysis, I am now leaning more toward the 100W RV Kit as our "startup" for the following reasons:
Eventually maybe move it to the roof, with additional solar panels added; possibly keeping the same charge controller.
It comes with 40 ft adaptor kit and 16 ft of tray cable. I should be able to encase the charge controller in a waterproof case; which would allow us to position the panel 30-50 ft away from the battery compartment in the sunniest spot.
The stowed 47 x 22 panel would be encased by the 6 inch thick mattress. When any one of the three hybrid bunks is closed, the mattress folds in two and is held firmly with the opening straight up. With 3 bunks we could store a second and third portable 100W panel if we want to stay at ground level.
Here's where I would value some tech advice.
Is the 100W mono solar panel robust? Would you advise the addition of some type of artist portfolio with egg crate insert, or with the aluminum frame and tempered glass, is this overkill?
I have not yet found a good DIY lightweight aluminum stand to attach to the 100W mono solar panel. I understand you need to adjust tilt, and provide enough suppot to prevent wind from tipping the panel over. I could use either the Z backets or attach via the 8 pre-drilled holes. If anyone has engineered a good stand, can you point me in the right direction?
Any advice on placement of the controller? There are outside access panels on the trailer that would allow me to place it inside. Any thoughts about incorporating the "solar ready plug" already present? The RV kit comes with a 40 ft adaptor kit. How much additional length can be added between the solar panel and the controller before loss of current outweighs what would be gained by improved panel placement? Can I join a second solar panel adaptor kit to place the panel further out or would 4ga wire be advised?
And finally, I need to verify the power consumption of my CPAP device. I wear it about 6-7 hours each night. I can go a couple of days w/o it, but would prefer to wear it. I am thinking a 500 or 1000 W sine wave inverter would meet my needs but may be sadly mistaken. Do I need a larger battery bank? Will a single portable 100 W panel be able to recharge the DC supply?
That's all the questions I have.....but may be overlooking some obvious traps or benefits......so please feel free to state your knowlege in any of these areas....I am a total neophyte in this ...but wish to learn how to proceed correctly....and would be happy to report back on outcomes.
Dennis
We live in South Central Michigan (not that solar friendly - LOL) and have just taken delivery of a new hybrid trailer. Both still working full-time for another few years....but plan weekend trips in-state....dry camping at state and national forest (spelled shaded with open patches of sunlight) campgrounds. For these trips we have no interest in the AC, Microwave or TV. All lighting is LED. Fridge has a control setting for "only LP" and the balance of our 12V draw is minimal. Kids show up with their cell phones and laptops to charge, and there are built in USB ports for this. I did upgrade from a single 12V to a pair of 6V deep cycle batteries with ~250 maH capacity. I've mounted a DeeZee low profile aluminum tool chest (60 inches wide and intended for smaller pickups) over the existing battery rack...properly ventilated. ..so have storage to add yet another 2 (or even 4) of the 6 V batteries...but wish to avoid the expense unless absolutely indicated (see comments on CPAP device below)
If we do not trade up to a larger RV when we retire in 4-5 years, this RV could find itself spending a winter month or more in the southern US. We might want to use the TV or AC; so a larger solar array to support inverter use would need to be added. I also wear CPAP for sleep apnea....so might need to immediately add a sine wave inverter (more on this later)....should a trip be longer than 1 or 2 nights.
Trailer came "solar ready" with a single "Zamp" external plug located low on the sidewall just aft of the hitch. From the Zamp site, I quickly realized this was merely the terminal end of the tray cable.....and at this point do not see any particular advantage to having it there....other than sparking an interest in adding solar.
Based on our current situation, and my survey of available information, here's what I have concluded so far:
I like Renogy, for it's stated mission/position and as a supplier who's likely to be here long term.
Due to fore and aft fold-out beds, can't attach a ladder..... roof top array will not be accessible...w/o a step ladder.
When we park amongst trees, roof array efficiency will suffer mightily especially with fixed panel.
So a portable solar panel seems more practical for a start....but I may wish to move it rooftop and add more panels in the future; especially for any prolonged trip to the sun belt.
My first thought was the 100W suitcase as our first venture, for foldup storage and ability to reposition.
On further analysis, I am now leaning more toward the 100W RV Kit as our "startup" for the following reasons:
Eventually maybe move it to the roof, with additional solar panels added; possibly keeping the same charge controller.
It comes with 40 ft adaptor kit and 16 ft of tray cable. I should be able to encase the charge controller in a waterproof case; which would allow us to position the panel 30-50 ft away from the battery compartment in the sunniest spot.
The stowed 47 x 22 panel would be encased by the 6 inch thick mattress. When any one of the three hybrid bunks is closed, the mattress folds in two and is held firmly with the opening straight up. With 3 bunks we could store a second and third portable 100W panel if we want to stay at ground level.
Here's where I would value some tech advice.
Is the 100W mono solar panel robust? Would you advise the addition of some type of artist portfolio with egg crate insert, or with the aluminum frame and tempered glass, is this overkill?
I have not yet found a good DIY lightweight aluminum stand to attach to the 100W mono solar panel. I understand you need to adjust tilt, and provide enough suppot to prevent wind from tipping the panel over. I could use either the Z backets or attach via the 8 pre-drilled holes. If anyone has engineered a good stand, can you point me in the right direction?
Any advice on placement of the controller? There are outside access panels on the trailer that would allow me to place it inside. Any thoughts about incorporating the "solar ready plug" already present? The RV kit comes with a 40 ft adaptor kit. How much additional length can be added between the solar panel and the controller before loss of current outweighs what would be gained by improved panel placement? Can I join a second solar panel adaptor kit to place the panel further out or would 4ga wire be advised?
And finally, I need to verify the power consumption of my CPAP device. I wear it about 6-7 hours each night. I can go a couple of days w/o it, but would prefer to wear it. I am thinking a 500 or 1000 W sine wave inverter would meet my needs but may be sadly mistaken. Do I need a larger battery bank? Will a single portable 100 W panel be able to recharge the DC supply?
That's all the questions I have.....but may be overlooking some obvious traps or benefits......so please feel free to state your knowlege in any of these areas....I am a total neophyte in this ...but wish to learn how to proceed correctly....and would be happy to report back on outcomes.
Dennis
