solar panels--inverter needed? June 08, 2003, 07:52:04 pm Yahoo Message Number: 23085We are looking into solar panels, and have read with interest this group's opinions and posts about the subject.Last week, I believe Terry was discussing solar power, and posted a link to RV Solar Electric. I went to their website and saw the complete kits for solar panels without inverters. Inverters were an additional approx. $1500. My question is, do solar panels work without inverters? Do I need to buy an inverter? I assume inverters convert DC into AC? If we boondock for 5-7 days max, and don't have any AC-using options other than the microwave and occasional hairdryer would solar panels without an inverter work for us?Also, the website listed solar panel kits ranging from 50 to 120 watts. The 23.5 FL doesn't have a lot of real estate on the roof. I am wondering how many panels we need, where they would be placed (as I still need to walk on the roof to cover and uncover the LD)and what wattage is good.Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am also concerned about needing holes drilled in the roof. We are in So. Calif. and wondered if there are any good installers that you can recommend. Based on comments about Camping World, it doesn't sound like they are an option for the installation.Appreciate any comments.Cindy and the 1995 23.5 teal FL
Re: solar panels--inverter needed? Reply #1 – June 08, 2003, 08:22:10 pm Yahoo Message Number: 23088Quote Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am also concerned about needing holes drilled in the roof. We are in So. Calif. and wondered if there are any good installers that you can recommend. Based on comments about Camping World, it doesn't sound like they are an option for the installation.Appreciate any comments.Cindy and the 1995 23.5 teal FL I installed a pair of 53 watt panels forward of the rear vent, and just behind the kitchen vent, which contains the air conditioner in ours ('83 FL). I used the rubber expansion bolts that came with the kit through the aluminum skin and top plywood sheet attaching the mounting Z-brackets in the standard mounting kit. Sealed with RTV. No leaks or problems in 7-8 yrs now. Pics detailing are on the 'Enhancements' group. All installation myself - west SFV if you need specifics.We have no permanent inverter, and have adapted to dry camping with fan upgrades and more efficient heating. Thus we need use no AC appliances. If you want satellite, you will need at least a small inverter for the control box.Steve
Re: solar panels--inverter needed? Reply #2 – June 08, 2003, 08:35:17 pm Yahoo Message Number: 23089Steve, based on your message, it sounds as if one can use solar panels without an inverter (your message said no "permanent" inverter). Our main 12V usage would be a furnace or the swamp cooler if we ended up in cold, or hot weather. We don't have a sattelite dish. Steve, I applaud your mechanical/electrical abilities. Unfortunately, neither of us is mechanically inclined, so we will need to look for a reputable solar installer. I understand there is one in Arizona, near Quartzite, but not sure when, or if we will get there soon. By the way, did you do any reinforcing to your roof, or do feel it is necessary to reinforce the roof for the solar panel installation? The website said that these panels weighed 12 pounds each.Thanks for your response, Steve.Cindy
Re: solar panels--inverter needed? Reply #3 – June 08, 2003, 09:44:14 pm Yahoo Message Number: 23094I am not
Re: solar panels--inverter needed? Reply #4 – June 08, 2003, 09:48:53 pm Yahoo Message Number: 23095Sorry, the direct link for RV solar systems of sunlight is http://www.rvsolar.com/ . I have no connection to the company, but they did my install (120 watt panel, charge controller, 4 new trojan T105 6 volt batteries, new cables and cable ends). We are pleased with the workmanship and product.Dan
Re: solar panels--inverter needed? Reply #5 – June 08, 2003, 10:33:02 pm Yahoo Message Number: 23096QuoteBy the way, did you do any reinforcing to your roof, or do feel it is necessary to reinforce the roof for the solar panel installation? The website said that these panels weighed 12 pounds each. Lazy Daze does not recommend the installation method I used. I suspect the reason has nothing to do with the weight - these panels are very light. However, air passing over the panels can create lift, potentially affecting the attachment of the plywood panelling to the studs. Still, I have noticed no problems with ours in many years, and I doubt you would either with the same standard mounting. No re- inforcement.Unfortunately, I don't know anyone who has had a commercial installation done in SoCal, so the best advice is to see if the seller of the panels has a recommendation. Ours were purchased from Alternative Solar Products in Temecula, CA., and they were very helpful. http://www.alternativesolar.com/default.htmlSteve
Re: solar panels--inverter needed? Reply #6 – June 08, 2003, 11:35:48 pm Yahoo Message Number: 23098And another recommendation: http://www.discountsolar.com/ in Quartzsite, AZ. They are seasonal. I had them do an install on my '93 23' FL and had them do an identical install on my '02 23' FL. Namely two 120 watt panels and a Solar 2000 controller. I have had no problems in the four years on my '93 nor on my year old '02. Spring and Summer times I am recharged by noon and in the winter (when the two panels are needed) perhaps a little longer depending on power use. Other then lights, fans, and TV I use a satellite receiver with a small 250 watt inverter ( which is also handy for recharging various batteries ). The panels fit on the right side end to end between the refrigerator vent and the front cap. Steve T
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