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Topic: More on Solar Panels (Read 4 times) previous topic - next topic
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More on Solar Panels
Yahoo Message Number: 129561
When I had AM Solar install my 3, 100W panels two years ago, they started by removing everything installed with my single factory 85W panel.  As I mentioned before, they said the wiring would not be adequate for 300W.  They lined the panels up end to end on the passenger side of my '02 MB.  This has been a great installation for a number of reasons.  First, it is possible to tilt the panels from a ladder if you don't mind reaching a bit and have a tall enough ladder.  BTW, I modified my panel props with a bolt locked in place by a nut for the bottom so there is in effect a stud sticking out to engage the mount on the roof so you don't have to balance the panel on your head, knee or shoulder while you line up the wing bolt supplied by AM. (thanks Andrea) You just attach the panel end, tilt up the panel and stick the bottom bolt through the hole on the roof mount and then you and easily put on a wing nut without having to hold it in place.  Second, with the rig pointed East, the panels are on the South side to tilt up to the sun.  Since the sun shines on the awning side, you can now put up the awning to shade the coach passenger side and the drivers side (fridge side) is now in the shade.  Helps somewhat with keeping it from getting too warm and keeps the fridge side in the shade.   It is possible to tilt the panels the other way, but I think if the sun was low in the sky in winter, the AC might shade them.  BTW, when the panels are tilted and secured, myself and others drove short distances at non-highway speeds to the dump station, water, etc. with no problems.  You do however get a few people waving and pointing. With this rig, drycamped at Quartzsite, I watched sat tv up to 4 hours some days, kept my computer and MIFI charged, used my rice cooker bread machine and crock pot (during the day when there was plenty of charge) Batteries never got below 75% and were 100% by 2 PM the next day.  Did not start the generator once in a month.  I just have the two Trojan batteries but you HAVE to have a battery monitor  If you are going to go the expense to upgrade your solar, get a battery monitor.  There is no other way to keep up on battery condition without one.  You cannot do it by watching line voltage.
I did manage to murder my engine battery at Q by leaving the key on for a couple of weeks.  I now have a Triklstart.(sp)