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Using Solar Panels???
https://carriage-lifestyle-owners.com/viewtopic.php?f=101&t=288
Page 1 of 4Posted: 5:07 PM – Feb 16, 2013OK, how many of you are using Solar Panels? Describe your Solar System (number and size of panels, number of batteries, etc.). Do you mount the panels on the roof of your 5’er or do you use them portable? Add pics or place pics in your new photo album in your Profile Section mentioned in THIS (CLICK HERE) Post and add links to them in your post. Since Lifestyle is offering the 20 cubic-foot Samsung stainless steel refrigerator, Magnum 2,000-watt pure sine inverter with a 100-amp charger; and three Deka AGM group batteries, I thought it would be a good idea to start a Solar Power category.B.W.
Posted: 9:53 PM – Feb 16, 2013We have 2 of Go Power 95 watt solar panels on the roof of our Cameo.
Image no longer available. Deleted by ImageShack – Please Repost Image if possible with new methodThese panels are compact and are said to be more efficient than most standard panels.
Last year we replaced our older 2 6 volt lead acid batteries with 4 AGM 6 volt batteries, each about 190 amps. When plugged into shore power our 2800 watt inverter/charger can top off the batteries as required. I may consider adding two more panels.
Posted: 2:33 PM – Feb 17, 2013I opted to set mine up portable. I couldn’t get past the apprehension of putting more holes in the roof. I built a rack to mount my panels to out of 2″ pvc pipe, when disassembled rides flat in the bed of the truck while traveling. The rack when set up, sits on the ground. The rack has a built in tilt and the panels can tilt to track the suns movement. We have two 180 watt panels, six 250 ah Trojan batteries, Magnum 2000 watt Inverter-charger, TriStar charge controller. We’re beginning to get stuff ready for our spring, summer, and fall trip and will post some pics later. My current project now is building racks in the basement above the slide-out tray for carrying the panels and panel frame. Below is a drawing I did of my rack & frame for the panels.
B.W.
Posted: 6:26 PM – Feb 17, 2013The downside of my permanently mounted panels is that they only provide maximum output when the sun is directly overhead. We placed ours for minimal shading from a/c shrouds, but being able to move them about and adjust the tilt would give superior results to our systemPosted: 7:38 AM – Feb 18, 2013Its the same with Solar setups as it is with anything, there is advantages and disadvantages with whatever you do. My disadvantage would be the setting up and taking down of the rack & frame each time we moved from a non-electric site. Yes, by tracking the Sun, it give you a 25% more efficiency than a static mount. Since Miss Carol has to have her TV and Tivo plus running two laptops all day, we need the extra 25%.Posted: 9:45 AM – Feb 20, 2013Hey BW,Did you mean Lifestyle is offering 3-12volt batteries?? 3-6volt ain’t gonna work…
Regards, Hamshog
BWowner wrote:OK, how many of you are using Solar Panels? Describe your Solar System (number and size of panels, number of batteries, etc.). Do you mount the panels on the roof of your 5’er or do you use them portable? Add pics or place pics in your new photo album in your Profile Section mentioned in THIS (CLICK HERE)Post and add links to them in your post. Since Lifestyle is offering the Residential Fridge w/inverter and 3-6v batteries, I thought it would be a good idea to start a Solar Power category.B.W.
Posted: 10:27 AM – Feb 20, 2013Sorry, My typo error. I went back and edited the post to quote the news release. “Three Deka AGM group batteries”Posted: 10:45 AM – Feb 20, 2013We installed a solar system about 3 years ago;Two 135 watt panels (roof mounted) into 4 Trojan T-105 6v batteries. The batteries are in a sealed marine grade battery box, i mounted a heat acvivated 12v exhaust fan to the top of the box and direct vented it out the side of the coach. I run a 2000 watt pure sighn wave inverter with a remote switch located inside the coach. Built my own transfer switch that provides 3 way switching, Shoreline – Inverter – Genset (i found the factory trans switch noisy and understand there have been instances of fires). Thought it best to make the system goof proof! As well, all 12 v cables between battery bank and inverter are minimum #1 welding cable. Heavy cable and short cable runs are a big plus in preventing power loss!
The 2000 watt inverter provides enough power to run microwave, electric coffee maker, lights, tv, charge cell phones and run furnace motor with no issue. You need to be carefull to only run high demand items such as the coffee maker only in the morning as to give the panels enough daylight to recharge the batteries before sundown.
Camped a total of 77 days last year, no issues what so ever.
I carry a small honda 1000 generator “just in case” but I think I have only had to use it twice in 3 years.
The longest continuious period we have camped without power, 14 days. Did all the normal things, made coffee, watched tv at night etc. Never ran out of power. LED lights inside the coach help a great deal.We dont really behave any different than if we were hooked up to shore power, its kinda fun to see how long we can get away withour 110 power. My wife even uses a small hair dryer in the mornings.
Makes for alot more “friendly” conversations with fellow campers than the ones I used to have when I was running a 4K genset at 5am in order to make my morning coffee….LOL.
Cheers,
Posted: 11:33 AM – Feb 20, 2013Built my own transfer switch that provides 3 way switching, Shoreline – Inverter – Genset (i found the factory trans switch noisy and understand there have been instances of fires).Sounds like a great setup. How about some detail on the 3-way transfer switch. Maybe some pics also. We like camping in State Parks & National Parks and electricity is not always available, as well as occasional off-grid boondocking . Its sure nice to have the Solar to rely on. Also, when staying in places where they charge (meter) electricity, its nice to keep that cost down.
Posted: 7:14 PM – Feb 20, 2013IHEHEHE I thought BW was developing a new 18 volt system! Hamshog wrote:Hey BW,Did you mean Lifestyle is offering 3-12volt batteries?? 3-6volt ain’t gonna work…
Regards, Hamshog
BWowner wrote:OK, how many of you are using Solar Panels? Describe your Solar System (number and size of panels, number of batteries, etc.). Do you mount the panels on the roof of your 5’er or do you use them portable? Add pics or place pics in your new photo album in your Profile Section mentioned in THIS (CLICK HERE) Post and add links to them in your post. Since Lifestyle is offering the Residential Fridge w/inverter and 3-6v batteries, I thought it would be a good idea to start a Solar Power category.B.W.
Posted: 9:59 PM – Feb 20, 2013Much like BC Iron, we are switching to g4 led’s rather than the halogens. Our dealer installed the 2800 watt pure sine inverter charger to power the entire rig. A couple of times I turned the inverter on, and my panel was showing a high amperage draw. I have now marked the 110 volt panel to identify low draw such as the TVPosted: 9:00 AM – Feb 21, 2013A&J’s Carrilite wrote:IHEHEHE I thought BW was developing a new 18 volt system! Still under Development. Not having much success!!!!
Posted: 4:07 PM – Feb 21, 2013Technical question. Is the new `18 v system based on batteries from some good Dewalt cordless tools?Posted: 7:34 PM – Mar 27, 2013I got a picture update. I got some of my stuff out and worked on it the other day while the weather was nice. I painted the PVC pipe and color coded the pieces for quick assembly. I’ll post more pictures once we’re back on the road and have it set up in a boondocking location.B.W.
Posted: 6:02 PM – Sep 19, 2013This a great thread, I have been thinking about this for a while and I know nothing about it!
I think boon docking, living off the grid sounds exciting and it sounds like your keeping
Uncles Sam thumb off of ya..
I need to check my inverter see what it is and why 6 volts?Posted: 11:53 AM – Nov 13, 2013What does it take to use one air conditioner with solar. I’m considering Panels on my 38 ft Cameo. What inverter and how many panels and batteries? Can some one build their own solar generator that is portable and run air conditioner?Ken
Posted: 9:33 AM – Nov 14, 2013You might need a separate trailer with a huge solar array and a dozen batteries to run AC. LOL. Seriously you would need a very large battery bank – maybe 8 Trojan 105’s (500#) and as many high voltage panels as will fit on the roof. If boon docking and having AC is necessary the only reasonable option is a generator with a minimum of 3000 watts capacity. Google RV solar and read up on the load calculation, battery options, installation issues, etc. and you will get a good feel for the pluses and minuses. I learned a lot by reading Jack Mayer’s info at: http://www.jackdanmayer.com/.Posted: 11:27 AM – Nov 14, 2013B.W. wrote:OK, how many of you are using Solar Panels? Describe your solar panels (number and size of panels, number of batteries, etc.). Do you mount the panels on the roof of your 5’er or do you use them portable? Add pics or place pics in your new photo album in your Profile Section mentioned in THIS (CLICK HERE)Post and add links to them in your post. Since Lifestyle is offering the 20 cubic-foot Samsung stainless steel refrigerator, Magnum 2,000-watt pure sine inverter with a 100-amp charger; and three Deka AGM group batteries, I thought it would be a good idea to start a Solar Power category.B.W.
I am looking to install solar panels pretty soon so very excited.. These panels have produced awesome outcomes for my relative and I will get them very soon for sure
Posted: 7:50 PM – Nov 14, 2013ksnodderly wrote:What does it take to use one air conditioner with solar. I’m considering Panels on my 38 ft Cameo. What inverter and how many panels and batteries? Can some one build their own solar generator that is portable and run air conditioner?Ken
Look into TechNoMadia’s website. Cheri and Chris have lithium ion batteries and a setup that allows them to run their AC for short periods.
Posted: 3:28 AM – Nov 16, 2013A&J’s Carrilite wrote:ksnodderly wrote:What does it take to use one air conditioner with solar. I’m considering Panels on my 38 ft Cameo. What inverter and how many panels and batteries? Can some one build their own solar panel generator that is portable and run air conditioner?Ken
Look into TechNoMadia’s website. Cheri and Chris have lithium ion batteries and a setup that allows them to run their AC for short periods.
I think it is tough to build solar generator.. Nice thought but hard to apply..You will need expert guidance for this.
B.W.Gentry
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2007 Carri-Lite XTRM5
Breckenridge, TX
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