Poor man's solar upgrade for 2014

[VAtom]

I wanted to do something to replace the near useless 50 watt Ameresco OEM panel, but I was seriously compromised by some rules of engagement I set for my project.

1. No new holes in roof.
2. No new wiring
3. No moving anything else around on the roof.
4. Utilize the four mounting clips that are already installed for the Ameresco.
5. Spend less than $300.
6. Make it DIY with current tools and skills.
7. Stay off the roof.
8. Don't fall off the ladder.

I selected a Renogy 150 watt panel that is 39.5" x 39.5" that would work with my wiring and new controller. ~$175. I couldn't figure a way to make any of the 56" and 58" panels work and 200 watts was also out of the question

The actual space between the Maxfan and AC is slightly less than 39", but if you raise the solar panel up high enough, you can make it clear the most forward part of the AC, and also clear the toilet exhaust. It is lower than the top of the AC

It took about $90 worth of metal and fasteners

It is elevated 7" and may look goofy but it fits and the Maxfan opens all the way. It is very stout. Should be able to take a direct hit from a goose at 70 mph.

About 3 hours in the shop and two 3 hour install sessions.

I will document the electrical performance when I have time and sun.

If I did it again, I would probably do things a little different
knowing what I know now.

[rodsterinfl]

It sounds like a super job from your description. Geese can be a problem! I have the same panel on my roof of the Airstream trailer. It spans nearly the width (flat part) and I too have it somewhat raised on a mount to be able to tilt it if needed.

[felixkagi]

Originally Posted by VAtom

I wanted to do something to replace the near useless 50 watt Ameresco OEM panel, but I was seriously compromised by some rules of engagement I set for my project.

..........

I will document the electrical performance when I have time and sun.

If I did it again, I would probably do things a little different
knowing what I know now.

This new 150W Renogy panel is compact and high quality. The bathroom fan isn't much of a killer but the +0.5" over the 39" is.

So, tell us what would you do different now that you know?

[VAtom]

Originally Posted by felixkagi

This new 150W Renogy panel is compact and high quality. The bathroom fan isn't much of a killer but the +0.5" over the 39" is.

So, tell us what would you do different now that you know?

It's hard to get exact measurements if you follow rules 7 & 8.

When I went in to drain the swamp I thought I would have to raise the panel 2" to clear only the toilet exhaust.

After I bought the panel, my mockups seem to show that just wouldn't work and I needed to raise it by 7" to be sure.

After the final install, it looked like maybe it would have fit all along, by just a hair, raised only 2" But it's hard to fine tune the assembly as designed when it's 10' in the air.

It is 48" from the Fiamma awning to the road side roof rail; 50" if you extend all the way to the edge of the roof. That's why I settled for a 39" panel.

If I knew I was going to to have to raise the panel 7", then I would have raised it only 5", cleared the Fiamma awning and bought a 58" panel, maybe even a 200 watt one.

C'est la guerre...at least I now have a new panel that works.

[nwclassic]

Slick install, VATom. It gives both tilt and cooling airspace... each can add a measure of performance. Thanks for sharing it.

[Titus]

Looks like a good solution given your constraints. My only concern would be the significantly higher force on the four closely-spaced clips that held the smaller 50W panel. Could be a lot of force due to wind uplift coming up from the windshield and sloped front roof. I would have made use of the existing roof rack, making 6 supports instead of 4. Time will tell...