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Topic: Solar Panels (Read 7 times) previous topic - next topic
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Solar Panels
Yahoo Message Number: 1675
Any opinions on how effective/useful solar panels are would be appreciated.  Getting ready to finalize option list and am considering the purchase of the solar panel.

Thanks in advance...

Solar Panels
Reply #1
Yahoo Message Number: 1679
We boondock for two weeks at a time occasionally without moving. To test the solar panels, this last summer, we did not conserve energy at all. We never ran low on house battery power.

Rob 2000 26.5 MB

Solar Panels
Reply #2
Yahoo Message Number: 1680
We boondock for two weeks at a time occasionally without moving. To test the solar panels, this last summer, we did not conserve energy at all. We never ran low on house battery power.

Rob 2000 26.5 MB

Solar Panels
Reply #3
Yahoo Message Number: 1686
If you are going to boondock for more than about four days, I would have LD install the solar panel. We don't have solar and wish we did.

When I suggested to LD that maybe they could install it for us after taking delivery, they cringed and said they would hesitate to do that. In other words, they want to install it while building it not after it's built.

If boondocking more than about four days I just run the 130-amp alternator from the engine for 30 minutes and everything gets charged up. But solar would be more better .

-Bob, 2000 26.5' MB

Solar Panels
Reply #4
Yahoo Message Number: 1687
The panels on our .83 I installed after, and it was pretty easy - the hardest part is choosing good siting on the busy Lazy Daze roof.

I suspect the factory panel(s) may incorporate some custom wiring through the walls and ceiling, and the factory may be unwilling to use more standard aftermarket routing techniques. Nevertheless, it can still be done pretty seamlessly by you or a competent installer.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Solar Panels
Reply #5
Yahoo Message Number: 1715
Our 95 didn't come w/ solar panels. We had checked on having some installed along w/ an inverter so we wouldn't have to run the generator in order to have the 120V outlets. Fortunately, prior to making the leap, I called LD - they almost had a stroke! Said "no problem" as long as the panels were glued or sticky strip placed but to not allow anyone to drill holes in the roof. They were admanant -- We all know LD roofs don't leak, so be very careful and ask ahead of installation.

 
Solar Panels
Reply #6
Yahoo Message Number: 1717
I would have to humbly disagree with the advice you got from Lazy Daze. The aluminum skin on the roof is fastened only at the roof edges, and where clamped and weathersealed by roof-mounted vents, appliances, etc. Anything attached only to the aluminum skin would flap in the breeze, risking damage to both the thin aluminum skin and, in this case, the solar panels.

The only reason I can think as to why they would be against drilling through the top plywood layer is the differing thermal expansion of the aluminum and wood layers. This is a concern though for anything installed by Lazy Daze through the roof, as well, and as a practical matter, I have found no sign of any problem with our installation, following close inspections, in the 5+ years that the first panel has been up there.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit