Thoughts on solar

[mikegascon1]

I just purchased a, new to me, 2007 3124. I believe it is a KB maybe. It has a couch on one side and a comfy chair on the other side of the table. Is that a KB? I am pretty sure I want to add solar to the trailer. I dont have any experience in this. I have read so many articles on it and threads on the site that I am dizzy with info.

I am thinking of this kit. https://www.renogy.com/new-400-watt-12-volt-solar-premium-kit/ I didn't really want to spend that much but I believe there is a lot of bang for the buck for that. I bonus of going the kit route is that it is all there. I dont need to piece something together. If someone wants to help me do that, I am all for it. Especially if I can save some money but I need a complete shopping list to do so. Admittedly, I do not have a usage estimate of what I will need in terms of power usage yet. I know I am jumping the gun.
I would typically be using, heater, water pump, toilet, shower, TV in the evenings (maybe) and charging at least 2 phones daily. Add in some lights. (I will convert to all LED ASAP. The lights are already ordered.) Oh and a fan. I do not think I can run my A/C with a solar setup unless I go overboard and spend more on solar than I did the trailer. Most of my time will be off grid with no shore power.

With that said, how does that kit work? I am a tech guy so I would like to have some type of display that shows battery level, how much the solar is putting into batteries, power consumption....

I am still undecided on batteries. It sounds like 2 6V golf cart batteries are the way to go for me. Without breaking the bank, I think that is the correct option.

If any of the solar/power/energy gurus in here could chime in on my thinking, right or wrong, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

[mikegascon1]

I just purchased a, new to me, 2007 3124. I believe it is a KB maybe. It has a couch on one side and a comfy chair on the other side of the table. Is that a KB? I am pretty sure I want to add solar to the trailer. I dont have any experience in this. I have read so many articles on it and threads on the site that I am dizzy with info.

I am thinking of this kit. https://www.renogy.com/new-400-watt-12-volt-solar-premium-kit/ I didn't really want to spend that much but I believe there is a lot of bang for the buck for that. I bonus of going the kit route is that it is all there. I dont need to piece something together. If someone wants to help me do that, I am all for it. Especially if I can save some money but I need a complete shopping list to do so. Admittedly, I do not have a usage estimate of what I will need in terms of power usage yet. I know I am jumping the gun.
I would typically be using, heater, water pump, toilet, shower, TV in the evenings (maybe) and charging at least 2 phones daily. Add in some lights. (I will convert to all LED ASAP. The lights are already ordered.) Oh and a fan. I do not think I can run my A/C with a solar setup unless I go overboard and spend more on solar than I did the trailer. Most of my time will be off grid with no shore power.

With that said, how does that kit work? I am a tech guy so I would like to have some type of display that shows battery level, how much the solar is putting into batteries, power consumption....

I am still undecided on batteries. It sounds like 2 6V golf cart batteries are the way to go for me. Without breaking the bank, I think that is the correct option.

If any of the solar/power/energy gurus in here could chime in on my thinking, right or wrong, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

[rickst29]

I just purchased a, new to me, 2007 3124....My next topic is solar. I am pretty sure I want to add solar to the trailer. I dont have any experience in this. I have read so many articles on it and threads on the site that I am dizzy with info.

I am thinking of this kit. https://www.renogy.com/new-400-watt-12-volt-solar-premium-kit/ I didn't really want to spend that much but I believe there is a lot of bang for the buck for that. I bonus of going the kit route is that it is all there. I don't need to piece something together. If someone wants to help me do that, I am all for it. Especially if I can save some money but I need a complete shopping list to do so.
Don't buy that kit, because it includes the "Rover" MPPT Controller. The maximum PV Voltage is probably quite low (they don't even show specifications), and reviews say that it's extremely hard to program. The Renogy panels are pretty good (although some cheaper ones can be had from EBay). Please start a new Thread within "Solar Power", and I'll assist you in creating a shopping list.

[Wavery]

This is the solar set-up that I put on our TM. I went with 200W due to space restrictions on my roof.

General rule of thumb is 1W of solar panel for 1A of battery capacity. If you buy 400W of panels and 205W of batteries (2x Trojan T105 6V golf Cart batteries), you may find that the batteries charge to capacity very quickly and the solar panels are off most of the time. If you go with 100W of solar panel, you may not reach full charge on all but the sunniest of days and little use of furnace, lights etc. 200W seams to be a pretty good balance with ~ 200-225AH of battery capacity.

You may want to try 200W then add to if you find that you need more. It's easy to add to an already existing set up if you start out with a 30A controller.

I have a 2,000W pure sine wave inverter and use it to make coffee in the morning and maybe 5-minutes with the microwave per day. The only exception is if it's cold and I have to run the furnace a lot.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165220905584?var=464776383382

[mikegascon1]

This is the solar set-up that I put on our TM. I went with 200W due to space restrictions on my roof.

General rule of thumb is 1W of solar panel for 1A of battery capacity. If you buy 400W of panels and 205W of batteries (2x Trojan T105 6V golf Cart batteries), you may find that the batteries charge to capacity very quickly and the solar panels are off most of the time. If you go with 100W of solar panel, you may not reach full charge on all but the sunniest of days and little use of furnace, lights etc. 200W seams to be a pretty good balance with ~ 200-225AH of battery capacity.

You may want to try 200W then add to if you find that you need more. It's easy to add to an already existing set up if you start out with a 30A controller.

I have a 2,000W pure sine wave inverter and use it to make coffee in the morning and maybe 5-minutes with the microwave per day. The only exception is if it's cold and I have to run the furnace a lot.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165220905584?var=464776383382That system looks good. They are all out of stick, do you remember the cost of the 200W system?

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[Wavery]

That system looks good. They are all out of stick, do you remember the cost of the 200W system?

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Look around on eBay for "RV Solar Panel kit"

Here's one about the same price that I paid. It has everything that you will need.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/275025686281?epid=6052759431&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item4008ceef09:g:ngkAAOSw9Ahh8jjj&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAACoPYe5NmHp%252B2JMhMi7yxGiTJkP rKr5t53CooMSQt2orsSlHY%252FYTip4QFVjNQrCEJt6hbwWL% 252BmMHkeA%252F7LEeV6BYkHEtIUw7aMrbeSuUaZTJIuB8HZP BTiZF7wpeZ4U7gmHEcEXhG40ZvYzw7c8v%252BTQ0EdKCT%252 BNmFGJwyPBxk6t98HBVsw7elhIww7RR9rs9RPUhEEXbCf2UsiZ cimm4J80b442CvRF8i4Y6NeDwDmqZae4MHxx70gTouCRkWg0qc SXol61zZRf0NqhoewfJUZIx31rceybC92EBAd3yPQhrD1ng%25 2FunLN77URLOOmJi8vk1ioNNi0W0dggs9kSneQzbfvqqtcu2mT X%252FZdQjbcuo37c%252BnleiofuvMjk7RBkVPdxIW6Rck4HR 7f1aexMSaKXtGPxBFaSJ2dmxK2FHVRs%252FljHOWJ2OxMWk%2 52Fw0tWnUIMAGzS2N7LKHAYtScccxITsrvZj2RdjS0ZW1pYZoB JNwI%252FsbOo1F1yJpT0SibDePon%252F%252Bo1pr57uHtEK RlOE5B%252FdD9d1qEhJYhyntcbLY%252BmRulpG5Js%252BYO Gpw9kxMyRzDdCfT1YwKICrJ3fpjW%252BIMsV2284qYA4fUtD% 252FDDr4RpgG0rOBIDlPnl86Uksurril7Jyp45jKZa2K6YLSy4 rVxzR2Bsijid6WM%252B1BRURq3Bex2iaSHho2J5N2CJ8v6aOp 9kJeTSYjsMYGzR36hQ8d%252F%252B2CBRqQwtuty%252Fl%25 2F1oxjcrgyqg3Yhb4TVo16eApKaEytRzhxzbFRwsqhK4P7%252 FOv%252FKim5nb6cC6whZxDwLy6hZ4NItdrGV0dSCR%252FCgk St%252BEk4%252BrgLtP4Qn1ia5SkOTMEiLuYIjznJIAdmM5Ss LmniDkpI9Qrk054i2Erl1T34z8rBi1I1l4Q%253D%253D%7Ccl p%3A2334524%7Ctkp%3ABFBMhuSY0fJf

[rickst29]

But this item offer the panels 2x100 monocrystalline for a let less. the PWM controller is junk, you shouldn't buy it. The panel mounts aren't the best shape for TM, either (their extremly small area will require roof piercings with screws, that's a VERY BAD THING).

Panels alone: $163.68 as a write this, https://www.ebay.com/itm/275170026488

Mounting brackets (get 2 sets): https://www.ebay.com/itm/373976309922

Solar wire: buy from WindyNation, on EBay or Amazon after you figure out how much you will need. You will probably want to buy more wire and cut to exact length, using MC4 connectors.

MPPT Solar controller: Buy a Tracer "BN" with room for expansion. This costly, but could also handle more panels attached on the front shell. You get more power from your panels using n MPPT controller, instead of using a PWM. 200 watts is the dividing line, MPPT becomes a better deal (instead of buying more panels) right around 200-300 watts).

[rickst29]

Why isn't this whole Thread within 'Solar Power'? it should be moved.

[Wavery]

But this item offer the panels 2x100 monocrystalline for a let less. the PWM controller is junk, you shouldn't buy it. The panel mounts aren't the best shape for TM, either (their extremly small area will require roof piercings with screws, that's a VERY BAD THING).

Panels alone: $163.68 as a write this, https://www.ebay.com/itm/275170026488

Mounting brackets (get 2 sets): https://www.ebay.com/itm/373976309922

Solar wire: buy from WindyNation, on EBay or Amazon after you figure out how much you will need. You will probably want to buy more wire and cut to exact length, using MC4 connectors.

MPPT Solar controller: Buy a Tracer "BN" with room for expansion. This costly, but could also handle more panels attached on the front shell. You get more power from your panels using n MPPT controller, instead of using a PWM. 200 watts is the dividing line, MPPT becomes a better deal (instead of buying more panels) right around 200-300 watts).

Not sure how you figure that MPPT controllers are a better deal than buying more panels. I have tested mppt controllers Vs PWM controllers pretty extensively under varying conditions. The batteries will receive a net charge over 24 hrs of just less than 10% more than the less expensive PWM charger. The MPPT controller that you mention is around $200. A 30A PWM controller is around $30. For the difference in price one could buy an additional 200W in solar panels for a 100% increase in production.

As for the panel mounting brackets, the ones in the link above are junk. The kit that I bought came with these brackets. I drilled holes in those rabbit ears that stick up and used self drilling screws to mount to the panels. First I used 3M VHB tape to mount the brackets to the TM roof (no screws). Press the brackets on to the roof as hard as you can for about 20 seconds. Then set the panels on the brackets and insert the self drilling screws.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/284292905083?hash=item42312d787b:g:ENMAAOSw00thQx2 e


Having said that, I have an off-grid solar rack for my shop of 4500W. That array has an MPPT controller. The benefit is pretty much a wash from buying more panels but my rack won't handle more.

[Bill]

Why isn't this whole Thread within 'Solar Power'? it should be moved.Not correct. The initial post was proper under Electrical. The thread then gravitated to solar. The thread needs to be split, and I will do it when I get a moment - tomorrow, with any luck.

Bill

[mikegascon1]

Thanks for all of the input. I am putting this project on hold for a few weeks as I work on other items that are higher priority, like new batteries and a new bag seal. Thanks again. I will circle back to this as soon as I have time.

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