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Footprint hero likes version 1 but not version 2, Why?

Juniper

Juniper

New Member
Joined
Aug 31, 2023
Messages
23
Location
Central Oregon
The roof area of the RV has room for 2 160 watt panels, and 2 200 watt panels. 4 panels total.

specs: Vmp/Imp
12 volt 160 watt: 18.53/8.66
12 volt 200 watt: 18.60/10.76

Version 1:
simple 2s2p, Footprint hero says great!, losing only 0.21% less than 1 watt. 720 down to 719.

Version 2:
BUT, if I substitute in 24 volt versions of the 200s, (37.2/5.38) and parallel them with the series’d 160s, (is that 2s3p?)
Footprint hero says huge losses. But I would have gained shading mitigation, but have to add 3 fuses, right?

Is version 2 workable?
 
What's footprint hero?

2P 200 (37.2Vmp)

in parallel with

2S 160W (18.53Vmp, 37.06Vmp total)

Version 2 looks good to me. Basically the same Vmp.

1 MC4 per "string" (1 for the 2S and 1 EA for the 2P 200W)
 
Thank you for that. Footprinthero.com is an online solar calculator that someone on here recommended.
Happy to know it will work! So probably what, 10 amp fuses on the 24v 200s, and a single 15amp on the series’d 160s.
Thanks again!
 
Sun is low in the winter. Flat on roof is fine with overcast, but on clear day, better to aim at sun.
Can you mount panels with a hinge and a rod to raise, lower while standing at side of RV?
Mount a couple panels on the side, tilt up to angle? Or front slope of camper (but more subject to rocks on the road, might need plywood cover.)
 
Yeah, we just don’t use the camper in the winter. Just took delivery a month ago and just trying to get it rigged up for spring, summer and fall. 700+ watts should be fine for our use. A 12 volt dc fridge and a Keurig is about it. It’s just a small non slide truck camper, so don’t need much. Even with 4 panels I still have the entire front cab over available if 700 doesn’t do it.
 
The other thing is parking in the shade for comfort vs. panels in the sun for production. Ladder on the back of that cabover, easy to reach the roof?
Maybe a quick-release mount to put one 200W panel at a distance.
 
I do have a ladder. Might think about that…, but up here in Oregon if it gets warm you go up in the Cascades or to the coast. Ain’t got no A/C.
 

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Yet you keep showing pictures of it in the snow.

Up to 2250 lbs. dry, less than the 4000 lbs. some weigh. Then you add 250 lbs. of water and 160 lbs. of propane.

My K2500 could handle that with fluids at 50%. If the people got out and walked. (according to specs; axle ratings total 10,000# but GVWR 8500# due to brakes.
Oh well, I have just used it for hauling. Might get something ultralight for camping.
 
Hedges said:
Yet you keep showing pictures of it in the snow.

Up to 2250 lbs. dry, less than the 4000 lbs. some weigh. Then you add 250 lbs. of water and 160 lbs. of propane.

My K2500 could handle that with fluids at 50%. If the people got out and walked. (according to specs; axle ratings total 10,000# but GVWR 8500# due to brakes.
Oh well, I have just used it for hauling. Might get something ultralight for camping.
Click to expand...
The pictures are at my house, notice no tie downs? Just backing it into the shop, it was front in. Weighed it in the way home, about 3200 lbs. dry and winterized from the dealer. Just need to keep it under 4000 lbs. road ready.
 
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