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Topic: Solar Panel Stuff (Read 187 times) previous topic - next topic
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Solar Panel Stuff
Although not an endorsement just a starting place for update information, learning and comparison shopping. 
Renogy

There is a boat load of bad information on solar power and batteries.   IMHO one must have a very firm grip on your wallet at all times.   Check and double check.......

glen  
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Solar Panel Stuff
Reply #1 –
I have 200 watts permanently flat mounted with a lithium/lead acid hybrid system. Works very well. Don't need it but would prefer more solar. Generator runs are usually less than 30 minutes/day now. My advice: no less than 200 watts, preferably more, and permanently mounted.
Harry 2006RB
Re: Solar Panel Stuff
Reply #2 –
Harry,  You are running your furnace all the time as you are in cold country if I remember right, is that correct?

The furnace is the one thing we have used that eats up battery power more than other things - when we used it we dropped roughly 30 amps a night (lows were in the mid 50s, older rig so wall/ceiling insulation is not that good - one layer of reflectix on the windows and a sleeping bag between cab and coach).

We drop maybe 10 amps a night with no furnace use (charging devices, lights, regular RV appliances, etc.).

Jane
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Solar Panel Stuff
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Jane and Scott  - 
Harry,  You are running your furnace all the time as you are in cold country if I remember right, is that correct

Nope. (24F two nights ago) I find that turning the furnace off and running a heated mattress pad is a better deal. I have a catalytic heater but haven't used it lately.  It is a tough furnace run to get things warm in the morning. Better to take your shower at night when things are warm. At sunset both battery banks are at 100%. Bedtime FLA is at 85% Li at 100%. Sunrise FLA at 85%, Li at 75% to 85% depending on morning satellite TV use.

Generator initial charge rate is 120 amps bringing Li to 100% and FLA to 90% in less than 30 minutes. Li to FLA DC charger is then turned on and solar turned to Li. By the end of the day both battery banks are at 100% with no more generator. FLA is 225AH and Li is 200AH. To add a compressor fridge I would want another Li battery and charger.

Battery power is no longer a problem. Propane use is not a problem as you can always buy more but I have some ideas to reduce it. Using the heated mattress pad instead of the furnace was a start. I do have reflectix over the two large side windows and one back window of an RB. Also reflectix separates the cab from the coach.

I'm using 60-80 amp/hours, approximatly, overnight. The generator restores about 50 amp/hours in the 30 minute run and solar does the rest during the day. The FLA will be at 100% by evening. If solar hasn't re topped off the Li then an evening generator run is in order, usually about 15 minutes with a charge rate of 80 amps.  It used to be 95 amps. I don't know why the reduction.
Harry 2006RB