Solar Show and Tell

[gregwall]

Anyone have data on how much Fantastic Fan vent covers affect solar output? They are bound to cast a shadow, but would be so nice in rainy spells.

[Fair_Enough]

I would think the shadow they cast would be limited to early morning or late afternoon, so the ill effect would be minimal. Keeping the panel further away or as far away as possible would help. I don't have those covers and would probably upgrade to MaxxAir before adding them for various reasons.
Clint

[AirMiles]

Originally Posted by gregwall

Anyone have data on how much Fantastic Fan vent covers affect solar output? They are bound to cast a shadow, but would be so nice in rainy spells.

My experience is they have no effect. I've done many tests of watching the solar production while opening and closing my two vents. I cannot see any change in solar production either way and my Fantastic Fans are located directly between each series connected pair of panels. If there was going to be an effect, my series connected panels would double the effect. http://www.airforums.com/forums/atta...1&d=1526477509

Wolfwhistle is correct that the effect would be greatest in the early or late sun hours, a time when solar production would be very low. During peak solar production, the shadows should be less. The effect would also be greater in the winter months when the sun is lower in the sky.

My conclusion is that we use the fantastic fans when needed without concern about solar panel shading because our batteries get fully charged each day anyway.

I just realized you may be asking about Maxxair vent covers. I have no experience with them, but believe they would cast a larger shadow and could be an issue.

I also attempt to align the back of my Airstream to the south to minimize any shading potential during peak sun hours. This would be helpful if Maxxair vent covers were installed.

[Kyacker]

Originally Posted by AirMiles

This past weekend I was dry camping in Punta Gorda Florida on a rainy and overcast day. Occasionally, the sun would pop out of the overcast for a moment. During one sunny moment my 400W solar array, using the factory 10 gauge prewire, peaked at 434 Watts of production. This is a new record level for my system. Attached is a screen shot documenting this production.

I believe there were two reasons for exceeding my 400W panel rating. First, when the sun is at the edge of a cloud it intensifies in the same way as a magnifying glass increases the sun. Second, and similarly, the same magnifying affect occurs when water droplets sit on the panels. I believe much of the dramatic increase in power was due to this magnifying effect. Also, due to the overcast conditions for most of the day, my Victron 100/30 controller was still in bulk mode at 1 pm when the sun was at its peak. Typically, bulk mode is done before peak sun so the Victron controller starts reducing amperage, an therefore solar wattage, to hold the voltage at its absorption level setting.

Even though the rainy and overcast conditions continued for the rest of the day, the system completely charged my batteries by obtaining float stage at 3:45 pm. The 400W array produced 830 Watt Hours to obtain float status. At a 13.5V average output, this would total 61.5AH of charging (830WH/13.5V=61.5AH). I'm satisfied with getting 60+ Amp Hours of battery charging on a rainy and overcast day.

That’s so awesome. You’ve had some amazing weather this spring! We’re up in Pinellas County.

[TouringDan]

[/QUOTE]I also attempt to align the back of my Airstream to the south to minimize any shading potential during peak sun hours. [/QUOTE]


AirMiles

I also always try to point the front of the Airstream north when camping. This provides the warming sun under the awning early, then shade from the awning during the day, then protection from the hot sun in the late afternoon. While the hot afternoon sun is baking the Airstream, we are under the awning with a fan blowing on us and a cold beverage of choice.

Dan

[AirMiles]

In addition to attempting to align our Airstream rear south, we use the free “Lumos” app to determine if there will be shading issues throughout the day. The app works like a camera and overlays an image of where the sun will be located each hour of the day. You can choose a location to minimize shading during peak solar production hours.

[Mattirs]

Originally Posted by AirMiles

we use the free “Lumos” app .

Is an Apple app? In the Google play store there are a lot of Harry Potter spell apps, but nothing like what you described."

[AirMiles]

Originally Posted by Mattirs

Is an Apple app? In the Google play store there are a lot of Harry Potter spell apps, but nothing like what you described."

Yes, I use the Lumos app on an Apple I-phone. Its offered by Luminous Labs, LLC. https://appadvice.com/app/lumos-sun-...cker/725106192 This link also links other offerings of "sun trackers", some of which may have android offerings.

[ChrisCow]

I apologize for the cross post but it was suggested that this audience might be interested in this as well.

Just got back from a trip up north to AM Solar. I took the AI up to have them install 600 aH of lithium, 3000W inverter and add another 100W Zamp solar panel plus inumerable goodies that go along. Bank account is definitely lighter but they sure did a fantastic installation.

I told them my goals and basically we squeezed in the maximum that would fit without blocking the little flip down door / passageway (that's the cat's favorite hidey hole) and without taking up any of the rear storage. Other than that, under the seat was fair game.

I had to pay a little extra to have the inverter mounted on the water heater housing vs along side the batteries.

Interesting note, they did a quick test of the efficiency of the new 100W solar panel they installed vs the three factory ones. At the specific time of day the factory solar was producing 10-12 amps but the single Zamp panel they put on was producing 8 amps.

I recorded the full orientation they gave me of the system. It was pretty likely I would forget something, with all the new cutoffs and relays added. It has a lot more gory detail and much longer if anyone is interested.

I awkwardly made a short summary video to show you all the new system:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6hNHle_OYo

And a drone fly-over of the solar panels:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJLr7EjjVfY

[AirMiles]

Thanks Chris for posting your videos here. He also has an hour long video in his thread that shows the inner details of this installation. Very good information for anyone considering a large Lithuium upgrade to their Airstream. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f240...ml#post2221896

Direct link to the hour long Youtube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOHX...ature=youtu.be

[gregwall]

Great videos Chris. Helps me understand the system better, even though mine is a bit different. I didn't know (or remember) to cut the input from 30A to 15A on the panel. Thank you.

[Fair_Enough]

Very nice video and an awesome system. I would like to respectfully disagree with the tech about protecting while on shore power. Helping with surges is just one level of protection that an EMS does. And, not all "protectors" are created equal. I would not be without Progressive EMS whether portable or hardwired. When I pull into a site with electric hookup, the first thing I do is plug in and look at the EMS for no faults and if all is well, I continue to level and set up. JMO.
Clint

[AirMiles]

I agree with Wolfwhistle that a power monitoring device is needed to plug into campground power posts. I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Protect.../dp/B00JFWKM2K It likely saved my Airstream from damage a least twice since I've owned it. The first time there was a power spike that took out power to the entire campground for hours. The second time it kept tripping due to low voltage.

During the low voltage tripping ordeal, the campground office said "those things don't work here so just remove it." I refused to accept that answer and asked for my money back so I could leave. They then called the maintenance man who came to inspect my shorepower post. He found it completely fried inside with burnt wires and contacts. The maintenance man installed a new 30A plug, breaker, and all new connections to the service wire and thanked me for bringing this to his attention. I am sold on using this device when I connect to shore power.

[gregwall]

Originally Posted by AirMiles

I agree with Wolfwhistle that a power monitoring device is needed to plug into campground power posts. I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Protect.../dp/B00JFWKM2K It likely saved my Airstream from damage a least twice since I've owned it. The first time there was a power spike that took out power to the entire campground for hours. The second time it kept tripping due to low voltage.

During the low voltage tripping ordeal, the campground office said "those things don't work here so just remove it." I refused to accept that answer and asked for my money back so I could leave. They then called the maintenance man who came to inspect my shorepower post. He found it completely fried inside with burnt wires and contacts. The maintenance man installed a new 30A plug, breaker, and all new connections to the service wire and thanked me for bringing this to his attention. I am sold on using this device when I connect to shore power.

I agree. Had to learn the hard way, even after my friend, Randy, sold me his old one. Then I fried my connection plug on the trailer and had to replace it and the electric cord. An RV technician told me the usual reason is a dirty plug, recommending cleaning all connections routinely and adding dielectric grease. After that, I realized how difficult it is to keep plugs clean. With solar power, I don't like to plug in unless I have to, and then I use the surge protector.

[varicorp]

I did months of research and came up with the following solar configuration for my 2017 Airstream 16' Sport:

• Bought my Flexible Solar Panels and controller from Lensun Solar Energy http://www.lensunsolar.com/index.html
• I used 3 different panel sizes to maximize coverage on roof. 1ea 100W, and 2ea 50W (the 50W panels are different sizes)
• Used 3M 4955 White VHB(very high bond) Tape 1/2" wide x 80 mil thick cut to 5" lengths, and applied in a staggered pattern (running front to rear) to mount to roof. The thickness of this tape allows air to pass between the panel and the roof.
• As a backup to the tape, I anchored the four corners of each panel with
Click Bond® CS125-1420-8CR ABS Approved Imperial Stud, 1/4-20 x 1/2", bonded to the roof directly.
• The controller is a 20 Amp EPEVER MPPT (sold by Lensun) w/MT50 LCD remote display. Controller mounted under dinette seat, MT50 mounted next to stock gages and switches.

My install went smoothly and the hardware is working as advertised. Very happy. Had a few questions for Lensun that were handled through email by Alice in a timely manner.

[AirMiles]

Nicely done varicorp. A unique install to get 200W on a 16'. I like how nice the roof looks and how the cables lined up so perfectly. Please share your performance results as you get to use your system. Thanks for sharing.

[Fair_Enough]

Looks good V,
I've ordered the MT50 and a SolarEpic MPPT 40A for another project.

Clint

[JMB11]

Originally Posted by varicorp

I did months of research and came up with the following solar configuration for my 2017 Airstream 16' Sport:



• Bought my Flexible Solar Panels and controller from Lensun Solar Energy http://www.lensunsolar.com/index.html

• I used 3 different panel sizes to maximize coverage on roof. 1ea 100W, and 2ea 50W (the 50W panels are different sizes)

• Used 3M 4955 White VHB(very high bond) Tape 1/2" wide x 80 mil thick cut to 5" lengths, and applied in a staggered pattern (running front to rear) to mount to roof. The thickness of this tape allows air to pass between the panel and the roof.

• As a backup to the tape, I anchored the four corners of each panel with

Click Bond[emoji768] CS125-1420-8CR ABS Approved Imperial Stud, 1/4-20 x 1/2", bonded to the roof directly.

• The controller is a 20 Amp EPEVER MPPT (sold by Lensun) w/MT50 LCD remote display. Controller mounted under dinette seat, MT50 mounted next to stock gages and switches.



My install went smoothly and the hardware is working as advertised. Very happy. Had a few questions for Lensun that were handled through email by Alice in a timely manner.

Nice looking install. Are your batteries mounted under the dinette with controller or in battery box the tongue ?

[Kyacker]

Originally Posted by AirMiles

Nicely done varicorp. A unique install to get 200W on a 16'. I like how nice the roof looks and how the cables lined up so perfectly. Please share your performance results as you get to use your system. Thanks for sharing.

I agree 100%. That’s pretty! It’s like they were made to fit there. Well done!

[varicorp]

JMB11

I am using 2 "flooded" Interstate GC2-XHD Golf Cart Battery, 6V in series, on front tongue.