How Many Solar Panels?

[switz]

On good to excellent days, one gets only 75% of the output of most solar panels. We have five 100 watt panels on our 2015 23D roof and can see 375 to 390 coming towards the battery. The same vendor and model nine panels on the roof of our 2014 31’ Classic pordices 675 tp almost 700 watts. Both trailers have been upgraded in the last year to the latest and greatest controls with mmpt to squeeze out every watt possible.

There is a new interface box out now that can boost the voltage coming from the tow vehicle while driving to assist in charging lithium Batteries. Before, the incoming voltage from the tow vehicle was too low to charge lithiums so the wire was bot connected.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

We do indeed see numbers in the 80 to 100% range when the conditions are right for our setup. We also follow the equivalent peak hour stuff pretty well. There are a lot of "that depends" sort of issues so YMMV.

The idea of "equivalent peak hours" is not that you get 100% for X hours and then nothing after that. You may indeed get 50% for twice the magic number of hours. The net result would be the same.

Bob

[John Spilker]

Hi I noticed in a post you mentioned a guest speaker on the subject of boondocking. Do you have the name of that person? I am trying to figure out what we would need to add to our 22fb Caravel that has two lithium batteries. We want to be able to camp for five days at a time in the southwest with minimal use of a generator. Thanks. John

[s1000pre]

Originally Posted by John Spilker

Hi I noticed in a post you mentioned a guest speaker on the subject of boondocking. Do you have the name of that person? I am trying to figure out what we would need to add to our 22fb Caravel that has two lithium batteries. We want to be able to camp for five days at a time in the southwest with minimal use of a generator. Thanks. John

John,

I have 3 BB’s, and 4 90watt zamp obsidians on the roof. Experience over the past 4 months in southern cal, Las Vegas, Bryce, UT. The 4 panels haven’t had any issues charging the batteries by mid afternoon. I have only dropped to 67% once (approximately 100amp hrs)
That’s a family of 4 using TV’s, microwave, nespresso, Vitamix, light furnace use, lights, etc.
I do have 2 100 watt obsidian portables that work very well when fast or additional charging is needed.
Portable pro’s: efficient, you can point directly at the sun away from obstructions.
Con’s: theft, they require daily setup/re-positioning, and minimal cleaning, they like dust & leaves. Leaf lower and micro fiber works well.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by John Spilker

Hi I noticed in a post you mentioned a guest speaker on the subject of boondocking. Do you have the name of that person? I am trying to figure out what we would need to add to our 22fb Caravel that has two lithium batteries. We want to be able to camp for five days at a time in the southwest with minimal use of a generator. Thanks. John

Hi

Given that you are located in Seattle, why not just head over to AM Solar and talk to them? They likely know as much as / way more than any single "guest speaker" at a rally.

Bob

[John Spilker]

Thanks for the info. This is helpful. When you said it once dropped to 67%, is that the battery percentage at the end of the day when the sun was gone?

[John Spilker]

Thanks. They are on my list of companies to contact.

John

[acater]

2020 25 FB GT. My final setup. 490 on the roof and 400 on the ground. In ideal co dictions I’ve gotten up to 960W briefly. I’m planning on doing the cable mgt this weekend.