My Solar Charging setup done!!

[EricBu12]

Here is my solar charging setup. It has 2,... . 50Watt panels and 1,... 100Watt Panel. It will produce maximum 13 amps peak to charge my 2 ... 6volt batteries. I have a generator but the trailer I have is made to go out in the boondocks so I need power for lights and stuff



<img src=https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=8573&width=2/src img>



Here is the power controller that is able to handle up to 21 amps.

<img src=https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=6660&width=2/src img>



these panels have plug and play portability. My trailer was setup for solar so all I had to do was hook it up and mount the panels.

<img src=https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=6662&width=2/src img>



Here my trailer in Moab, that my dad in the pic

<img src=https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=6851&width=2/src img>

 

[klenger]

Nice setup. I haven't seen that model controller before. It should work very well for you.

 

[Dkevdog]

Nice setup Eric- I plan on adding one more 75w panel to my existing 75 watt panel when I find the money tree. Like Ken said, I like that Charge Controller- I have the same unit but in the 15amp version and have been very happy with it so far. I like yours better as my fuses stick out- where are you fuses located on this one? Need to get some pics of mine in here.



Kev

 

[EricBu12]

The 2 Glass fuses are on the back of the unit by the bolt mounts for the wires.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Biggest downside to roof-mounted (permanent) solar panels is the need to choose between parking in the shade for cooler RV temps, or out in the sun for best solar panel operation.



Not a problem in Moab I guess - since it appears there AREN'T any trees for shade anyway...



I use a single portable panel That I then move as required for best exposure to the sun...

 

[WyoJim]

Hey Gary - KJ6Q,



Is that really you? Welcome back, we missed you.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Wyojim - we have just returned from a looooong RVing trip to NC and Florida - several months and 8000 miles...



THAT, and some personally unacceptable circumstances on the board kept me absent - but we're back, and the circumstances have apparently been recently "taken care of" to my satisfaction - so hopefully I can enjoy hanging around again.

 

[klenger]

Welcome back Gary. Your trip sounds like fun.

 

[lizzyhermit]

how big ?

Originally posted by Gary - KJ6Q

I use a single portable panel ... ... ...

Gary, what size panel do you use? And what do you do with it when travelling?

 

[JPope]

Portable Solar Panel

Originally posted by Gary - KJ6Q

I use a single portable panel ... ... ...



Welcome back and please give us what you did, for other options to explore!!!!!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I use a single 2 amp panel - pretty small, but it was cheap - it does a surprisingly good job, probably because if I keep it oriented fully into the sun, I get maximum output a higher percentage of the time as compared to panels in a fixed location that often might not be in the best location for efficient operation.



I guess a good way to sum it up is, a FEW panels in optimum location quite likely will outperform a lot MORE panels in a compromised location. But each individual has to go with what works best for THEM and the way/places they most often use their setup.



We also are using a 14-volt RV system - an 8 volt and 6 volt golf car battery in series, provides a greater reserve power capability with more "overhead" for longer operation of some of the more voltage sensitive electronic stuff I normally use out in the woods...



I'd sure like to have one of those 100 watt panels to use the way we do - it would probably meet ALL our boondocking power needs!



(edit)



As for what we do with the panel when traveling, I simply coil up the 30 ft or so of cord attached to the panel and store it in a closet - the leads have alligator clips that I clip directly to the outside-mounted cart batteries when in use.

 

[DIESELMAN]

Gary - You didn't camp at any Wal-Marts did you



I have a similar set-up, a couple of 120Watt panels on a folding mount and a plug with 10 ga. stranded cable so I can park in the shade and put the panels in the sun.



You can never tell when a big RV at Wal-Mart is going to block the sun from... ... just kidding

 

[lizzyhermit]

through a controller ?

dieselman, do you run your moveable panel through a controller?

 

[Dkevdog]

I thought about mounting mine so they would be portable- They I thought about how pricey they are, and how easily they could be had if they were sitting 100 feet away from my rig. I mounted mine on the roof, and while yes I do have to park in the sun, I can tilt the panels to get the best angle (they are not mounted permanent).



I would hope that Dieselman is running those panels through a controller- You can damage the batteries otherwise with that kind of amperage.



Kev

 

[DIESELMAN]

Dieselman always does things the right way, you dare question dieselman? Aaaah!... ... .



Actually, yes, I do. I actually run many different controllers and configurations since this is my test rig for many products that I build/design that are Solar Powered (for commercial use). I get to test it (read use long term) before selling the package.



My current setup is 2 Sharp 165 Watt Panels wired for 24 volts across an RV Products Solar Boost 6024H charge controller into two Concorde PVX2580 batteries (300 Amp Hours at 24 volts total) and a Xantrex DR3624 3600 watt inverter.



This gives me power to run anything, added almost 400 lbs to my Desert Fox, lightened my wallet by $3200+.

 

[Dkevdog]

Are you only using one side of your battery bank to power your 12v devices?? Or did you use a step down transformer of some sort. What is the advantage (if any) of a 24v system?

 

[EricBu12]

Dieselman,

I have the exact same model Desert Fox, the 28'. I love it!!



Did a few back highways one time and there were 8% grades. I have 2 boxes and about 400 Hp at the engine est. and pulled it at 45. Not trying really hard, just easy... . My combined weight is 400# short of 20,000# with 3 adults. now with this added panel, it is 20# heavier..... hehe



I now have 2 6 volt Batteries that work good.





I bought the AC cover for the winter from JC Whitney and it fits good as well as the tire covers from them... .

 

[DIESELMAN]

DKevDog -



I have a DC/DC converter and the original battery on the tongue.



Since it is a test rig, it also charges through the AC / Inverter costing me about 20% in the process unless I remember to flip the breaker to the factory installed battery charger.



The advantage of a 24 vdc system is better performance of the inverter and lower current through the supply leads out to the panels.



Eric -



I've been loaded to 23,300 gcvw with mine. I did my Alaska run well loaded and always at or above the speed limit with my EZ on 3. Mine is wintering in Phoenix this year to ease the winterization work that I would need to do.