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Poll

How is your Lazy Daze MH configured for solar power?

  • My LD has no solar power.
    3 (5.8%)
  • My LD has the minimum standard configuration offered by LD.
    10 (19.2%)
  • My LD has factory upgraded solar configuration offered by LD.
    15 (28.8%)
  • My LD has upgraded solar configuration installed by a 3rd party.
    16 (30.8%)
  • My LD has upgraded solar configuration that I installed myself.
    8 (15.4%)

Total Members Voted: 50

Voting closed: August 14, 2016, 11:27:16 am

Topic: Solar Poll (Read 793 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 3 Guests are viewing this topic.
Re: Solar Poll
Reply #25 –
Larry, The link to the example of factory installation doesn't work. I'd appreciate it if you could check it, I'd like to see it. I appreciate all the info...I'm concluding that 2 100W panels roof top mounted are going to work for us. Thanks!
Todd (and Steve)
'17 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and '13 Honda CRV
(Former '99 RB owners from 2012-2016)
Re: Solar Poll
Reply #26 –
Quote from: Todd  - 
Larry, The link to the example of factory installation doesn't work. I'd appreciate it if you could check it, I'd like to see it. I appreciate all the info...I'm concluding that 2 100W panels roof top mounted are going to work for us. Thanks!
Try this.
Sky Blue 3000i solar controller | Flickr
When replacing the defective solar controller last year, with a Blue Sky 3000i,  the wiring coming down from the panels, to the controller, was upgraded. 
Not shown is the new 160-watt panel added at the same time, increasing the output from 240 to 400-watts. The wiring upgrade was done to prevent excessive voltage loss.
There are two photos showing where the wire conduct enters through the roof, using the Factory method.
The fittings, electrical box and conduct shown are all waterproof, exterior electrical parts, from Home Depot.
While the conduct was upsized to accommodate the larger wires, it is done exactly in the same manner as the original.
Like the original installation, generous quantities of polyurethane sealant was used to insure a water tight seal.
It's not high-tech but it works well.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Solar Poll
Reply #27 –
"But I confess to an aversion to drilling into our thus far watertight LD roof."

I used VHB tape on my panels and 7 years later they are still right where I put them.
I did add some Eternabond tape over the top of the bracket and that helped secure it all.
Jota
96 23.5 FL
Re: Solar Poll
Reply #28 –
Quote from: Jota  - 
"But I confess to an aversion to drilling into our thus far watertight LD roof."

I used VHB tape on my panels and 7 years later they are still right where I put them.
I did add some Eternabond tape over the top of the bracket and that helped secure it all.

When I installed a new panel in 2015, AM Solar was using VHB 4950 without screws. It seems like pretty durable stuff.

Jim
Re: Solar Poll
Reply #30 –
Quote from: Jim & Gayle  - 
When I installed a new panel in 2015, AM Solar was using VHB 4950 without screws. It seems like pretty durable stuff.
LD beds the solar panel's mounts in polyurethane and then screws the mounts to the roof, lastly coating the screws are in poly.
With either way of sealing, the roof is sealed.
I have seen AM Solar installations where the panels where screwed, along with the VHB tape, usually one screw per mount.

The only problem I see with VHB tape is LD's floating roof. The aluminum roofing is attached to the coach's roof only at the edges and where the hatches and antennas are screwed to the roof.
On hot summer days, the roof can expand so much that waves are visible and can be felt when walking on the roof.
With the solar panels only glued to the aluminum skin, and not attached to the sub-roof's plywood, they could bounce on bumpy roads.  Flexing aluminum is never good idea.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Solar Poll
Reply #31 –
I talked with AM Solar a few months ago. We discussed mounting in detail. They told me they now screw the mounts to the roof of LD. I was convinced by how emphatic they were.

When I consider what Larry has just posted, I have visions of my solar panel waggling up and down in the wind as I drive along, finally taking flight and peeling my roof back like a time of sardines. Though I realize that has never happened, I like to dream up new ways to worry.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Solar Poll
Reply #32 –
Bought my 89 TK 2 yrs ago - spent 1 1/2 yrs fixing and buffing and took off last Nov for full timing. Winter was in AZ and summer has been in Colorado. I use a Renogy "suitcase" type 100 watt with the 10 amp controller on the back - just spent 4 weeks on Madden Peak road in the "front" site with fab view of the valley. Did not fill either tank(gray and black) but came very very close. I used lights (all led), tv, water pump, computer, and everything. I have 2 Trojan T105's and never went below 12.48. Had sun everyday except for the last week. BTW, I am a single traveler and yes I did some of my "business" outside with the cows and deer. God I love my LD!! - AND my Renogy solar!
Re: Solar Poll
Reply #33 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
There are plenty of solar options, starting at less than $300. You don't need to permanently install anything on your older rig. Unless you do all your camping at places with electric hookups, it's hard to imagine why you wouldn't go solar.

I couldn't have said it better myself!   :)
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
 
Re: Solar Poll
Reply #34 –
Thanks, Andy Baird and NAVKCIR. I've been so focused on rooftop solar that I neglected other options like a suitcase set-up.  We now have a 100w  suitcase unit on the way from Renogy that should arrive tomorrow.  The order was just placed yesterday so that is very fast service.  This should give us plenty of time to test it before the Ladeze GTG in September.
Jean Gunter

2000 Mid-bath
Re: Solar Poll
Reply #35 –
Quote from: Jean Gunter  - 
Thanks, Andy Baird and NAVKCIR. I've been so focused on rooftop solar that I neglected other options like a suitcase set-up.  We now have a 100w  suitcase unit on the way from Renogy that should arrive tomorrow.  The order was just placed yesterday so that is very fast service.  This should give us plenty of time to test it before the Ladeze GTG in September.
"This should give us plenty of time to test it before the Ladeze GTG in September."
Jean, after the LaDeze GTG, please share your experience with the new solar panel suitcase.
Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Solar Poll
Reply #36 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
"This should give us plenty of time to test it before the Ladeze GTG in September."
Jean, after the LaDeze GTG, please share your experience with the new solar panel suitcase.
Chris
Will do, Chris.  I hope we have a chance to test it before, maybe somewhere here in Nevada's high desert. Plenty of sun and lots of places to boondock.
Jean Gunter

2000 Mid-bath