Solar Panels March 06, 2003, 10:29:50 am Yahoo Message Number: 19555First of all, many thanks for the replies on why the rear table is a good investment! We have one on order, and thanks to comments from this list, will keep that order!Now comes the next question (showing my ignorance) - what is the purpose of solar panels? Why do some people have one and other LD owners have as many as four? Some folks purchase their solar panels at places other than the LD factory because they can be adjusted to catch more of the sun's rays, and some solar panels are "stronger" than others???We have never owned an rv or a motorhome. I understand the purpose of solar panels on one's house, but not on an rv. Are there books on this subject or magazine articles?Many thanks,Kathleen
Re: Solar Panels Reply #1 – March 06, 2003, 11:08:25 am Yahoo Message Number: 19556QuoteNow comes the next question (showing my ignorance) - what is the purpose of solar panels? Hi Kathleen! At home we take for granted the seemingly endless supply of electric power. When using an RV, this is only true if hooked up to "shore power". Most of the electrical system in an RV is based on 12Volts DC, to be compatible with the automotive part of the RV. A few big power users like air cond. and microwave are usually only useable when hooked to 110VAC. To provide 12VDC power when the RV engine is not running (and driving the 12V alternator), storage batteries are used to supply the power. LD uses two 6volt "golf cart" batteries in series to operate as a 12V battery. These are designed to withstand heavy discharge/recharge cycling. If a battery is discharged too much (50% is a rule of thumb) it will be damaged and reduce its charge holding capacity. It is best to keep the batteries as fully charged as possible. A lot of us like to "boondock". This involves staying for several days in remote areas without "hookups". Solar panels are one of the best ways to try to replace the power used by the RV electrical system (lights, radio, TV, furnace blower, fans, etc). But at their best, solar panels don't generate all that much power (often less than 1/2 of their rated power because of dirt, sun angle, etc). We find that with 2 panels we can spend several days without running the engine (unless it is very shaded or cloudy). Also, during outside storage, the solar panels will offset the loss of charge from "self discharge" and things that are always powered (like propane detector) and keep batteries in their best condition.Hope this helps, Art
Re: Solar Panels Reply #2 – March 06, 2003, 11:23:32 am Yahoo Message Number: 19557QuoteWe have never owned an rv or a motorhome. I understand the purpose of solar panels on one's house, but not on an rv. Are there books on this subject or magazine articles? If you never intend to spend more than a day or so away from hookups, solar panels may be irrelevant. If you prefer to 'get away from it', then resource management becomes a big issue. I posted a commentary on this years ago, and it is still available, if you wish to read my opinion (splicing may be necessary): http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/6a3f3147/bc/Lazy+Daze+FAQs+and+Tips/Cam ping+Without+Hookups....txt?bcPQ4Z.AEabfPJdZSteve
Re: Solar Panels Reply #3 – March 06, 2003, 11:39:46 am Yahoo Message Number: 19558Kathleen,Another excellent discussion of solar panels is contained at the website phrannie.org. A gentleman named Phred Tinseth has put together what he calls his "poop sheets", which tutorials on a variety of RV systems and issues. Check it out:http://www.phrannie.org/Mike
Re: Solar Panels Reply #4 – March 06, 2003, 11:49:11 am Yahoo Message Number: 19559Art and Steve gave some good answers to your questions. Below are several links and books that you can read for a lot more info on this topic that I copied from another forum discussing this same topic. They are in no particular order and some are bettter than others. It is in no way a complete listing of the vast amount of info on this topic. Wind energy is also a good alternative that is beginning to become more popular with RVers for many reasons. Some of these include info on that as wellAlternative Energy Power http://www.angelfire.com/pa/baconbacon/page2.htmlhttp://www.kyocerasolar.com http://www.rvpowerproducts.com/tech.htmhttp://www.solarpv.com http://www.pod-nine.com/asap_powerhtp://www.rollsbattery.comhttp://www.windenergy.com http://www.vision.net.au/~kerrie/motorhomes/solar.htmlhttp://www.sunelco.com/index.html http://bart.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/12volt/12volta.htm Rvers guide to Solar battery Charging (book) 1- 800- 999-8520Managing 12 Volts (book) 1-800- 247-6553http://www.uuhome.de/william.dardenhttp://www.rvsolarelectric.comhttp://www.windsun.com http://www.solar.realgoods.comhttp://www.batterystuff.com http://www.phrannie.org/battery.htmlhttp://members.aol.com/wb3lgc/solar.htmhttp://www.solarseller.com http://www.backwoodssolar.comhttp://www.oksolar.com http://theepicenter.com/tipoweek.html Mike
Re: Solar Panels Reply #5 – March 06, 2003, 02:33:31 pm Yahoo Message Number: 19560Quotewhat is the purpose of solar panels? My own experience includes camping without hookups for 1-2 weeks at a time. A few days at one spot and 2-3 hours of travel to the next spot, etc. The charge time during travel was woefully inadequate to recharge the batteries. Solar power has changed that. Now during Spring and Summer months I can watch satellite tv as much as I want, and/or run other devices and fully recharge the batteries by noon the next day. In the Fall and Winter months with the lower sun angle and not always bright and shiny I may need to conserve a little. You may guess I'm in a southern clime I spent two months last Summer with no hookups at all travelling the Rockies. No problems and great freedom! Enjoy. Steve T
Re: Solar Panels Reply #6 – March 06, 2003, 07:30:42 pm Yahoo Message Number: 19572I have an older Lazy Daze (1992). I asked the factory if they could install solar panels, and they said there wasn't a good way to do it on that model year. Has anyone else added solar panels to an older coach, and how much work was it? We don't have a generator, so avoid places without hookups.Laurie
Re: Solar Panels Reply #7 – March 06, 2003, 08:26:47 pm Yahoo Message Number: 19576I had a '93 FL and traveled considerably without solar panels, without generator, and without hookups. The batteries do quite nicely for several days if you conserve. Don't get hung up on hookups, there are too many wonderful camping areas without them. However with solar panels that time can become infinite powerwise assuming sunlight. I eventually added solar panels and enjoyed the freedom immensely. I had the system installed by a business in Quartzsite, AZ, which was recommended to me by other LD'ers. I never had a problem with the install or after. LD gets picky about what people do to their rig, but then that's what makes the rig so good. Incidently, I now have a '02 rig with the same solar setup from the same business. Also see my post #19560. Steve THas anyone else added solar panels to an older Quotecoach, and how much work was it? We don't have a generator, so avoid
Re: Solar Panels Reply #8 – March 06, 2003, 10:52:20 pm Yahoo Message Number: 19579...(snip)"Has anyone else added solar panels to an older coach, and how much work was it?"Laurie: We have a '94 MB with 2-100w panels with wiring to the inside information panel that was brought down from the roof through the refrigerator access. Our local Mr. Fixit didn't think it was a major big deal. Without knowing your model/size rig, I wouldn't hazard a guess how complicated it would be for you, but it is worth every effort of have at least one.
Re: Solar Panels Reply #9 – March 07, 2003, 12:34:35 am Yahoo Message Number: 19580QuoteI have an older Lazy Daze (1992). I asked the factory if they could install solar panels, and they said there wasn't a good way to do it on that model year. Has anyone else added solar panels to an older coach, and how much work was it? We don't have a generator, so No problem using the supplied hardware and instructions with our solar panel kits, and have had no sign of problems in 7 years so far. With a little care and thought behind the job, it's not difficult.Steve
Solar Panels Reply #10 – August 08, 2003, 07:34:05 pm Yahoo Message Number: 25463Does anyone know how susceptible the solar panels are to hail damage? I'm thinking of cutting some plywood to have as a protective cover over the solar panels to protect them while camping just in case a hail storm should arise. Is that necessary? Anyone have any other solutions?Barby and Gary 26.5 MB Nov/Dec Delivery
Re: Solar Panels Reply #11 – August 08, 2003, 08:54:58 pm Yahoo Message Number: 25465QuoteDoes anyone know how susceptible the solar panels are to hail damage On my return trip from Washington State near Susanville, Ca. about 8/5/03 I encountered hail about a 1/4 to 1/2 in. in diameter lasting about 15 min. I had visions of dings and dents, after cringing at the sound of what I was sure was certain damage to paint and solar panel. Then I remembered that I had applied Finished First before the trip. Feeling more confident, I eased out of my seat and inspected for damage. I walked around the unit and saw no new dings, then scaled the ladder and found the same. Now I am not saying that hail can't be destructive, but in this case it was just noisy an nerve racking. In my years of travelin, I have been in 2 other severe hail storms and actually, the hail was scary, but did little damage. In one case the damage was caused by a falling pine tree which landed on my roof. We were dry camping in a mountain forest near Prescott, Ariz. and a summer storm came thru with wind, rain and hail. The nearby creek also rose out of it's banks and it took me some time to collect my 4" gold dredge and equipment which was swept downstream. Disclaimer: Weather conditons as we all know can be no laughing matter. To any novice or newbee, always monitor the weather. It should be a part of a personal safety plan that you have for you and your family. It is an essential part of the r.v. experience. Remember Roy's Law..."Murphy was an optimist". R.V. life is always an adventure, I love it. Ramblin Roy 95 22' FL Silver
Re: Solar Panels Reply #12 – August 08, 2003, 09:01:31 pm Yahoo Message Number: 25466QuoteDoes anyone know how susceptible the solar panels are to hail damage? No need to worry about hail damage. The solar panels LD uses are made by AM Solar, Inc. Nancy and I attended the Life on Wheels RV Conference last month and one of the classes was all about solar panels. The instructor, Greg Holder, was asked the same question regarding hail damage. Acording to him the panels are darn near bullet proof. (not his words but he made it clear that they are very hardy units). Greg Holder is the owner of AM Solar and his classes on All About Batteries, Inverter/Chargers and Solar Power were most informative. Check out his web site www dot amsolar dot com.Terry and Nancy Nickols LD Wantabees, come Jan 1st were advancing to LD Gonabees!
Re: Solar Panels Reply #13 – August 09, 2003, 07:16:28 am Yahoo Message Number: 25475Quote.... On my return trip from Washington State near Susanville, Ca. about 8/5/03 I encountered hail about a 1/4 to 1/2 in. in diameter lasting about 15 min. I had visions of dings and dents, after cringing at the sound of what I was sure was certain damage to paint and solar panel. Then I remembered that I had applied Finished First before the trip...Ramblin Roy 95 22' FL Silver Roy-Just made my socks roll up and down! I'm goin' to run out and by a case of Finish First at thrice the price! Anything to save my solar panels and paint(You DO polish your solar panels?!?!)! While in St. Augustine, be sure to eat at Osteen's Resturant. It has the best shrimp and scallops I've every tasted. It's where the local folk go! You might want to consider Dyke-Favor State Park, it's about half way between Daytona and St. Augustine. Off the beaten path, but great for kayaking.Dick
Re: Solar Panels Reply #14 – August 09, 2003, 09:29:16 am Yahoo Message Number: 25476QuoteJust made my socks roll up and down! I'm goin' to run out and by a case of Finish First at thrice the price! Anything to save my solar panels and paint(You DO polish your solar panels?!?!)! I highly recommend against applying anything to the solar panel surface. The panels have a broad-spectrum anti-reflection coating on the protective glass. While what you put on may look clear to you, it will not necessarily be so at all wavelengths which can contribute to your solar output - including IR and UV.I cannot recommend anything to provide topical hail protection, having never been bombarded with anything exceeding 1/2" in diameter, but I can guarantee no thin film of wax will make a difference.Steve
Re: Solar Panels Reply #15 – August 09, 2003, 10:00:08 am Yahoo Message Number: 25477QuoteJust made my socks roll up and down! I'm goin' to run out and by a case of Finish First at thrice the price! Anything to save my solar panels and paint(You DO polish your solar panels?!?!)!I highly recommend against applying anything to the solar panel surface. The panels have a broad-spectrum anti-reflection coating on the protective glass. While what you put on may look clear to you, it will not necessarily be so at all wavelengths which can contribute to your solar output - including IR and UV.I cannot recommend anything to provide topical hail protection, having never been bombarded with anything exceeding 1/2" in diameter, Quotebut I can guarantee no thin film of wax will make a difference.Steve Humor Steve, humor.Dick
Re: Solar Panels Reply #16 – August 09, 2003, 08:47:55 pm Yahoo Message Number: 25490Hi LD'ers,We are still on the road but I have access to a cable connection here at a friends's house in Seattle so I'm trying to catch up a little.Quote No need to worry about hail damage. The solar panels LD uses are made by AM Solar, Inc. I'm intrigued by Terry's post that LD uses panels by AM Solar, I don't have the sheet available but I thought I remembered that ours (2001) were made by BP something???We've worried about hail and Mimi devised covers made from the quilted reflextix window insulation and bungee cords. She has put them on when we are under severe weather watches. Of course, the worst hail we were in on this trip we didn't have any warning and we were out when the hail started. We drove home as quick as we could, with the hail beating the canvas top of the jeep and sounding like it was going to rip through. When we got back to the rig, the lightening was flashing all around and it wasn't safe to go up on the roof and cover the panels. All was well, they didn't have a mark on them. The roof is dimpled like a golf ball though and we took a picture of a quarter sized piece we picked up from the ground.It's good to know that the panels are strong, I think we will still cover them when we know there is a possibility of hail. It was nerve wracking being inside during the storm, the hail sounded like someone was shooting the roof with a shotgun. It hurt hitting us when we ran for the rv, Mimi ended up with a bruise on her arm where she was holding it over her head.I'm still reading to catch up on 3 months of posts. If any of you are interested in our trip, the pictures and travel letters are on our website, http://www.baddog.com> We passed 40k miles on the odometer as we were coming towards Seattle, our Tortuga will be 2 years old this Sept 13th. We will be back home in the SF Bay Area next week and I'll finally catch up on all the posts. Meanwhile, we are going out to the Olympic Peninsula tomorrow to meet up with Sarah for a night and then to visit some other friends for a day. It's been a wonderful trip, with Sarah visits at the beginning and the end!Jonna, Mimi, Tortuga (2001 RB) and Sapo (1997 Jeep Wrangler)
Re: Solar Panels Reply #17 – August 10, 2003, 10:17:22 am Yahoo Message Number: 25492Quote Humor Steve, humor.Dick While the post to which I responded may have been intended tongue-in- cheek, it was not apparent to me - and more importantly not likely to other members reading it either. Yet following the course of action there could prove expensive, and someone doing so could easily and rightly blame it on this group. I am not worried about liability, but it would hurt if I could have helped prevent a bad mistake and I didn't. Humor, unfortunately, is less obvious using text than in person. If you are joking - be a clown. Make the jest obvious.Steve
Solar Panels Reply #18 – November 10, 2003, 03:37:13 pm Yahoo Message Number: 29897Thought I'd post this separately for future search purposes. I read Eileen's post of the price for LD solar panels of $1950 for two 85 watt panels. I have two 120 watt panels with a Solar Boost 2000 controller and had them installed for $1520 a year and a half ago. (That's 40% more power for about 25% less $$) That was the same price as my identical install on my previous LD in about 1998. Prices don't change a whole lot. This was at Discount Solar in Quartzsite, AZ. It's an excellent system and very well installed. I dry camp extensively and have had no battery/electrical problems. Watching TV for an evening via satellite routinely is recharged by noon the next day during the Spring/Summer months. The low sun angles of Winter and a few high clouds can extend that. Consider this an alternative for those considering dry camping.Steve T
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Solar Panels Reply #19 – November 10, 2003, 08:55:36 pm Yahoo Message Number: 29925Steve - I think you've answered my question about getting the Solar Boost added. Thanks - Sarah
Solar Panels Reply #20 – December 15, 2003, 11:41:42 pm Yahoo Message Number: 31368Hi all,We've got our new LD on order and I'm now having second thoughts on one item, namely solar panels. We had pretty well made up our minds on two solar panels. By the time we got done with Ed, however, we felt like it was a "stretch" to even add one to the coach. (He sure doesn't sell these things, does he?) Now I'm wondering if perhaps the our original decision to have two was not the better choice -- and considering modifying our order accordingly.What counsel does the group have about this?
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Solar Panels Reply #21 – December 16, 2003, 12:06:52 am Yahoo Message Number: 31369I have two solar panels and would not opt for one less. I use a CPAP machine while sleeping, and even though it is a very low drain item, I like waking up to POWER in the morning! Steve Chandler perhaps the our original decision to have two ""IS"" the better choice -- What counsel does the group have about this?[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Solar Panels Reply #22 – December 16, 2003, 07:26:02 am Yahoo Message Number: 31373As has been emphasized often, the configuration of your LD depends on your RVing style. We do fine with no solar cells, while others feel that 4 is just right.I would say if you normally boondock at one place for more than 3-4 days without moving the LD, a solar cell or two is a good choice. If on the other hand, you tend to move the LD to go sight-seeing, get groceries, or go somewhere else every 2-3 days, the solar cells seem to be unnecessary.Barry 26' RB TX
Re: Solar Panels Reply #23 – December 16, 2003, 10:07:00 am Yahoo Message Number: 31381QuoteHi all,We've got our new LD on order and I'm now having second thoughts on one item, namely solar panels. We had pretty well made up our minds on two solar panels. By the time we got done with Ed, however, we felt like it was a "stretch" to even add one to the coach. (He sure doesn't sell these things, does he?) Now I'm wondering if perhaps the our original decision to have two was not the better choice -- and considering modifying our order accordingly. If you are going to do much boondocking, especially in the winter half of the year, get two. We find that in Dec-Jan we often use more power than our two panels replace. The lights are on more, more furnace use and the short days and low sun angle greatly reduce the efficiency of the panels.Art
Re: Solar Panels Reply #24 – December 16, 2003, 10:17:14 am Yahoo Message Number: 31382Could someone please expla
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