Another Solar Install with Lithium

[VinnieG]

Hi Richard,

I think around 300lbs just for the solar. Based on the panel weight combined with the hardware.

For the batteries probably only around 100 lbs because a lot of it was replacing old components.

[steinVT]

Originally Posted by VinnieG

Hi Mark,
Sorry for the late reply. I’m actually out camping right now. I’ll draw up a schematic and post it here.

Don't be sorry, camping is what it's all about. It's snowing here.

I reread this thread but couldn't find any references to what you are actually powering. Your batteries being 100ah @ 48 volts is a bunch of power.

Compressor refrigerator and mini-split in your future? - Mark

[VinnieG]

Originally Posted by steinVT

Don't be sorry, camping is what it's all about. It's snowing here.

I reread this thread but couldn't find any references to what you are actually powering. Your batteries being 100ah @ 48 volts is a bunch of power.

Compressor refrigerator and mini-split in your future? - Mark

Hi Mark,

Right now just powering the fridge and the aircon during the summer.

I’d like to do a mini split in the future. The routing of lines etc. seems difficult unless I route everything under the front bed.

[VinnieG]

And just like that I just got orders to Germany with the USAF. So now I have to sell it...I knew this was a possibility and considered just keeping her. But we are going to be there for probably 4 years and I don't want the trailer sitting in storage.

[Phjimfitz]

I have a 2015 23D and am ready to install solar and lithium. While there seems to be plenty of installers in the west and midwest, the east seems to lack folks with similar abilities. Knowing my own limitations, I am not inclined to take on such a project solo. Can I get some referrals to well regarded solar/lithium installers in the east or better yet, northeast? Thanks

Jim

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Phjimfitz

I have a 2015 23D and am ready to install solar and lithium. While there seems to be plenty of installers in the west and midwest, the east seems to lack folks with similar abilities. Knowing my own limitations, I am not inclined to take on such a project solo. Can I get some referrals to well regarded solar/lithium installers in the east or better yet, northeast? Thanks

Jim

Hi

The northeast is not bit on solar. The performance at the typical local campground is a bit underwhelming. The closest folks I can think of are in the southeast. It's a bit of a drive and I suspect the good ones are pretty heavily booked up.

Bob

[Jeff7176]

Originally Posted by Phjimfitz

I have a 2015 23D and am ready to install solar and lithium. While there seems to be plenty of installers in the west and midwest, the east seems to lack folks with similar abilities. Knowing my own limitations, I am not inclined to take on such a project solo. Can I get some referrals to well regarded solar/lithium installers in the east or better yet, northeast? Thanks

Jim

RV Solar Solutions did my install (referred by AM Solar). They have two guys that do installs at various spots around the country and have some openings this summer in Somerset PA. They did a great job for us and their labor rates are pretty good, IMO.

https://www.rvsolarsolutions.com/

[SMAirstream]

Is there any chance you have any photos of your solar install? I have the 30bunk and I’m trying to figure out how you got so much solar on the roof. Which brand panels did you go with? Thanks so much.

Eric

[VinnieG]

Yeah, here are some details. Feel free to ask any questions and I’ll answer as I’m able. I have 2 arrays in parallel. Each array is in series and comprised of 4x210W Newpowa panels and 1x160W Newpowa. Obviously the panels don’t matter too much as it all depends on the measurements that you take for your trailer and the fudge factor/overhang that you are comfortable with for aesthetics. I’ll post the images in another post as I am on my phone. We just moved to Germany and I don’t have my laptop setup at the moment.

[VinnieG]

The 210W panels were all 26.6” wide by 64.6” long and the 160W panels were all 27.8” wide by 46” long

Links:

Newpowa 210W(Watts) Solar Panel Monocrystalline 12V High Efficiency Module for RV Marine Boat Trailer Camper Green House Off Grid System https://a.co/d/6n9Mp98

Newpowa 9BB 160W(Watt) Solar Panel Monocrystalline 12V High Efficiency PV Module for RV Marine Boat Trailer Camper Green House Off Grid System (160W New) https://a.co/d/cqdYuHT

The measurements of how close your vents etc are located and how far over you are comfortable with everything hanging is key.

What is the best way to share these photos here? I’ve got a bunch from above etc.

Another key thing is to have an extensible and flexible mounting system. I did the install in 3 phases.
Phase 1 was my lithium install with 5KW inverter, marine circuit breaker panel, 48VDC bank, etc.
Phase 2 was just building up the roof mount system with 4 longitudinal lines of aluminum strut channel and making sure that was completely water tight.
Phase 3 was the solar install. Mounting the panels, etc.

[VinnieG]

Also just for some anecdotal data. I usually see around 1kW during the day with scattered clouds. The most I’ve seen is 1800W and normally as long as the sun is out I will have a minimum of 100-200W.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Peak power at roughly half the panels ratings is not all that uncommon. Mounting them flat and all the other issues that come in make "max power" a rare thing.

Bob