scrubjaysnest trial and error method of RV solar installs

[scrubjaysnest]

Started messing with solar in 2012.
1st RV install was a solar kit of 2 80 watt panels and Sunsaver 10. 1st error was made when I added a second 105aH deep cycle. ooops not enough solar and the PWM controller was too small.
updated to this. 2 80 watt panels moved to the roof with tilting system and add 2 100 watt panes as portable. Also added TS-45 PWM for CC. Since the batteries were at the very back of the trailer, wiring was up graded to 8 AWG from the tow vehicle in parallel with existing 10 AWG.
more detailed discussing can be found here https://forum.solar-electric.com/discussion/24060/quot-the-nest-quot-and-its-solar-setup
Another mistake was using Square D QO breakers. While the are rated for 48 VDC the AIC isn't high enough which resulted in changing to Midnight Solar.
lessons learned DO AN Energy Audit even though it's a pita. Use bigger wire and pay attention to fuse and breaker voltage ratings. Also AIC.

 

[scrubjaysnest]

In 2016 robbed everything from the trailer except the 2 80 watt panels and put the sunsaver 10 back in. Moved everything to the current motorhome and redid the energy audit. Inspected the factory installed breakers, left them alone. Bought 3 more 100 watt panels. in 2017 put 2 on the roof using the same tilt system design from the trailer and completed stands to have 3 portables
Mounted 400 watt inverter we were using to charge the laptops. Added Progressive Dynamics 45 amp converter which lets me charge batts from shore power at 14.4 volts.
The shunt for the Trimetric is mounted to the frame under the entrance steps since that is where Thor put the batteries (so they get all the highway crud thrown on them).