Lithium powerwall upgrade

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by JoeyCharismatic

I actually haven't added to my existing 95 watt solar panel, but have plans for a 600+ watt add on in the future. If you go as large as I did with your battery, or even 5 kWh, you can usually power anything except AC/Heat/Microwave and just recharge on plug in. I will update eventually when I add in the extra solar capacity, but for now it is a battery storage solution only, though I can recharge via generator or plug in at anytime.

Speaking of generators...I finally found a micro generator that runs on propane and is powerful enough to run the AC. Champion Dual fuel 2500 'suitcase' inverter generator. I have to start the AC on low first so I don't bog it down, but once it's on its fine even on high.

I just finished insatalling our 200W solar system today (eventually may add another 200W panel).

Adding 200W to the rear roof is a peice of cake. There are panel mounting brackets that you can buy that will lift the panels about 1.5" off of the roof for cooling (they are called "z-Brackets and are available on Amazon). The bottom part of the brackets are flat and can be secured to the roof with 3M VHB (very high bond) double side tape (after a thorough cleaning with alcohol). That tape actually bonds better than screws. I have installed solar panels on 5 TrailManors and 2 Class A motorhomes using this method. Never had an issue.

If you buy CordMate II conduit (also on Amazon), you can have a very proffesional installation. These pics are of an installation that I did in 2009. I'll take some pics of my current installation later today.

I'm not sure how you would ever find room for 600W of solar panels unless you have a TM3124. Even then, it may be a struggle

[Tymanthius]

What about the flexible panels they have now? I would think you could put them on in such a way that they could even be covered when closed, thereby allowing for more wattage total.

[rickst29]

[QUOTE=Wavery;151891
I'm not sure how you would ever find room for 600W of solar panels unless you have a TM3124. Even then, it may be a struggle[/QUOTE]
I've got 480W on a 2619. 600 on a 3124 3124 would probably be easy, using both shells.

[Tymanthius]

Originally Posted by rickst29

I've got 480W on a 2619. 600 on a 3124 3124 would probably be easy, using both shells.

Which panels are those? And do they get covered when you close?

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by rickst29

I've got 480W on a 2619.

I had those flexible panels on my yacht but that was a long time ago. They lasted about 2-years and the thin little wires started parting. One cell would go dead at a time. At about 2-years, my 80W panels would max out at about 30W. I think that it was due to not being able to dissapate heat very well. I have found that the hard-framed panels last a lot longer and I would think that the camper would be cooler too.

I just like the idea of having air-flow between the solar panels and the roof.

[rickst29]

But my flex panels have worked pretty well. It may have been a matter of "dumb luck", or the fact that I've wired them in Series. Being mounted with VHB tape, they al;so have pretty good contract with the TM roof for heat dissipation.

I previously had 2x100w glass panels, and switched to flex in order to add more power while reducing weight. Since they're on the front shell, which stays fully exposed when closing the TM, they've been exposed to wind and rain during travel (as well as in-camp). Although I don't have them, I also suspect that "shingled" flex panels are pretty durable.

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by rickst29

But my flex panels have worked pretty well. they also have pretty good contract with the TM roof for heat dissipation.

Heat dissapation is the biggest reason that I stayed away from the flex panels. As you say, "good contract with the TM roof for heat dissipation" seems to mean that the TM roof would get hotter. Do you notice any heat transferring into the interior?

I have a couple more 100W glass panels to put on my TM but (like you said) the weight concern is a big issue. We're going camping soon so I'll put the panels that I have to the test. I had an 800W array on my motorhome and an 800AH battery bank. I ran a 22cu ft 110V home refrigerator. Weight wasn't an issue on that thing though.

[rickst29]

Originally Posted by Wavery

Heat dissipation is the biggest reason that I stayed away from the flex panels. As you say, "good contract with the TM roof for heat dissipation" seems to mean that the TM roof would get hotter. Do you notice any heat transferring into the interior?

Some of this heat does propagate through the ceiling, even though the 1-inch foam within the "aluminum sandwich" construction reduces the effect. When I don't have the A/C running and it's a warm day, I usually leave my MaxFan running continuously.

[rickst29]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254698717740

They appear to be shingled and well-protected on the top, and Windy's seller ratings are extremely high.

[JoeyCharismatic]

I plan on using 360watt panels normally used on houses. It's a work in progress, but I wouldn't bet against it happening!