Solar Panels in RV's -- How to get the most.

[MattMan119]

panels were the cheapest part of the entire system. I work remote, so it's basically a second home. everything solar related, batteries, inverter etc was just over 9k... and half of that was the 3 eg4 batteries.... they got cheaper for sure.

I wouldn't have totaled it up... but it paid off filing taxes today.

Wanted to stay on subject and did not want to just stop posting .. So I moved us to here.. (would be helpful to other if you could post them picture again)

Yes, I also work remote in mine, so I get it.. I have 10x370w on mine but have 12x250w others that I move around with me, attempting to get them on a shed to use when I am park in normal (non traveling location) .. I want to get the hot water to run 24x7 with solar power also .. just added 16kwh more battery ..

 

[WarmPepsi]

Here’s probably a couple more photos as well.

 

[WarmPepsi]

I want to get the hot water to run 24x7 with solar power also ..

I tend to just fire either the electric or the propane for like 10 minutes before I shower; it’s normally scalding hot if you dare go full hot.

Haven’t had an actual clear sunny day since it’s been completely hooked up; but not bad for being 40ish degrees off on the one side and 65ish (and pointed north) on the other.

Can clearly see the difference when I plugged the north array in.

 

[MattMan119]

So I replaced a/c (both) with mini split cause the noice and power use was off the charts… sold them used and replaced them with mini splits. Used all the extra ruff space for mounting panels directly with Z clamps … I got 10 full size 370w panels mounted… but I will like extra power when I am parted and for hot water…. So I tried a few extra used panels ..



So now, this works great … but always looking at good ideas… I like the slide outs… did you review any of that fancy hardware that would all tilt also?

 

[WarmPepsi]

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So I replaced a/c (both) with mini split cause the noice and power use was off the charts… sold them used and replaced them with mini splits. Used all the extra ruff space for mounting panels directly with Z clamps … I got 10 full size 370w panels mounted… but I will like extra power when I am parted and for hot water…. So I tried a few extra used panels ..

View attachment 278603

So now, this works great … but always looking at good ideas… I like the slide outs… did you review any of that fancy hardware that would all tilt also?

Tilt is simply too much work for the gain. I’m pointed as bad as I can be; and it’s winter so super low sun angles; super dirty panels & ’m seeing 60% of rated wattage with half the array pointed 67 degrees from optimal.

It also would require climbing up top to adjust. I carry a collapsible ladder and can deploy everything from the ground. Literally 2 minutes to reach up with a stick; hit the latches and let it slide down. Although I am installing some safety wire clips to keep it in place; just in case a pair of drawer locks failed…. And running a cable thru the top panels as well; in case of a massive failure; the panels can’t leave the camper. I’ve got 64 M6 bolts holding it down…. So I think I’d rip the trusses off the camper before I’d have any issues. Not trusting the roof membrane and tape; that’s for damn sure. Also every bolt is sandwiching the roof sheathing back against the trusses… only making it stronger.

Coordinating all that to add a tilt feature.. just wasn’t worth it to me.

 

[WarmPepsi]

unthought of side effect of deployable panels….

The bottom ones can do the work even if the top ones are ice coated!

 

[MattMan119]

unthought of side effect of deployable panels….

The bottom ones can do the work even if the top ones are ice coated!

Nice, I solved it by moving to central Florida..

 

[WarmPepsi]

Nice, I solved it by moving to central Florida..

I lived there thru a pair of hurricanes in 3 weeks in '04. Happily left in '08.

 

[MattMan119]

I lived there thru a pair of hurricanes in 3 weeks in '04. Happily left in '08.

Don’t matter where you are… there are fires, tornadoes, rain storms, snow storms, hurricanes, floods and you get more warning and heads up with the hurricanes then any of the others. So I hear ya..

 

[MattMan119]

I thought about adding some to the side of the rv that fold out … just not sure any of it is worth all the work .. with 3700w mounted flat on the top … but dang it sure does sound like a fun project.. if for nothing else it would be interesting… but your slides are pretty cool also …

Mounted like wings that fold out..