Anyone Considered Solar?

http://gpelectric.com/products/solar-flex-kits-modules

im considering installing a single 100W on the roof of the cab for those extended trips to keep the battery topped off.

Id like to use it in conjunction with a dual battery set up once i have the time and wherewithall to put something neat and efficient together... but for now just for peace of mind while using the ARB 50Q fridge im planning for.


thoughts or relevant experience?

 

I think Crom has a panel on his truck

 

I've done this for years. I have dual Optimas with an IBS system plus the ability to connect a panel to the accessory battery.
I chose a 26 watt Brunton Solaris panel because it folds into a compact 8x10 pack when not in use, and you can add additional panels for more power.
Be sure to use a charge controller so you don't overcharge the battery.
I don't use it to run a lot of accessories, but I've been able to run my Engle freezer on "freeze" for 4 days without starting the engine.
Works for me.

 

used one of these for a while. was a little on the big size, so I sold it, but I'd like to get another higher output panel after I rebuild the trailer.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Solar-265-Watt-Monocrystalline-Solar-Panel-GS-S-265-Fab1/202959978

currently only running a couple of 5 watt panels on the dash, hooked up to a battery tender for when the truck sits a little longer, or for the cold days.

 

the system my old man suggested would come with a controller.

i imagine gluing that 100W panel to the roof and mounting their controller just below the rear sliding window.

my hope was to be able to support a fridge for a few days, before getting into dual battery set ups

thanks!

 

Just installed a removable 50w panel with solar controller in my truck this weekend. Its about 22"x22" and I have it rigged up so that I can remove it to drive or when I am not camping. When I camp Ill hook it up for some battery charging during the day. I also bought an additional 20' of solar cable so that I can hook up the panel within about 12-15' of the truck in case Im parked in the shade.

Ive had it hooked up for an hour today and it charged both of my batteries from 12.4 to 12.6. I can see it being really handy on longer weekends where Ive usually discharged my house battery lower than Id prefer. 8-12 hours of sunlight should keep me topped off for what I use (LEDs, fan, radio, compressor and sometimes inverter). I'm hoping it extends the life of my batteries as well.

I went with the Renogy flexible 50w panel and Renogy PWM10CC 10A controller. The company was a pleasure to work with so far.

Edit: Im at 13.0v on both batteries after about 2 hours in full sun

 

I like those im adding solar to my trailer and this just might fit the bill!

I've also found these they are quite a bit cheaper and seem to have good reviews http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IK19VF6/ref=pd_aw_sbs_3?pi=SS115&simLd=1

 

just what i was looking to hear. not a bad idea being able to move the panel.. i may end up with a secondary that is mobile, hooking up a quick disconnect split wont be difficult at all. i try to park in the shade when i can, since the tent is mounted on the bed.

what do you use for the cabling and connector? the mc4's dont seem so great for repeated disconnecting/connecting

 

Right now I'm using the mc4s and the renogy solar cable. I'm not sure about the repeated connecting and disconnecting but I think the connectors are cheap enough and easy enough to replace, if necessary. I didn't think permanent mounting was a good option for me. I don't need it on all the time and I would think they'd need to be cleaned a lot to maintain good efficiency.

 

At least make a lesser bad decision and use velcro strips. So that when you realize you have made a bad decision around the 4th panel you have destroyed you can remove the velcro adhesive and pretend it never happened.















That is until you are brought up on the majority of threads as, that guy

 

My uncle's company is working on solar paint. They already have solar shingles, so the idea is you could turn your entire house into a solar panel. Car paint would be a possibility too.

 

I guess I don't see the point of it, does the alternator not work good enough? I can see one being useful on a camper for sure, but not a truck. When your truck is running, it stays plenty charged, shouldn't need any help.

 

This will most likely be my set up for the trailer

Controller
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00G3...ge_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A05654602L3XUQ70M87BV

Starting with one 100w panel the controller will handle 260w
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IK...ge_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A05654602L3XUQ70M87BV

125ah battery

$280 VMAXTANKS VMAXSLR125 AGM 12V 125Ah SLA Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery for Use with Pv Solar Panels Smart Chargers, Wind Turbines and Inverters and Backup Power (12 Volt 125Ah Group 31 AGM)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ACNO2AO/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3H30ATSR61H8N

2000w pure sinewave inverter

$489 Xantrex Prowatt SW2000 2000W True Sinewave Inverter Model# 806-1220

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002LGEMOQ/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2X8N6V4HT8DJJ

Still debating the inverter but I know I'm going 2000w

 

wut? So gluing solar panels on the hood of any vehicle is a good decision? gluing? There is much wrong with that. At least use lag bolts.

I have much faith in the abilities of many here on TW btw.

Oh, you are correct. my truck is just one bad decision. Not sure what I was thinking.

 

Looks like a good affordable set up Jerry.
I'm thinking maybe you could build a solar panel base on a swivel for sun tracking that could be set up outside the truck/rv in camp. Or potentially on a roof/bed rack?
I would assume that you could incorporate an option for an auto tracker as well?

 

I didn't even think of a auto tracker I was trying to figure out where I would but them on the trailer and I think I have the answer now!

Yeah I'm still shopping all the kits I've seen don't offer the controller I want. The kits ive seen with the better controller have way more panels then I want. don't really have a high AC demand I'd just like to have it if needed. all of my family run the EU2000I in thier big trailers it's nice I'm just not wanting to have a generator for this small of a set up.

 

Just out of curiosity, what in his sig makes you say he made bad decisions?

Looks like a pretty nice truck to me.

 

Yup.

Pass around that the popcorn Rob.

 

really? the heat of the engine and the flex of the body up front concerns me more than just solar heat on top of the cab. why do you think its better on the hood?

if im taking extended trips for more than just a weekend (which i plan to do), the truck wont be running often, if at all for a few days. a 2A fridge will drain a battery enough to be a problem in that time and id rather not have to worry about turning the truck on for 15 minutes a day, every day.

the jump pack is a great idea and an even better investment. you never know when youll really need something like that.

these flexible panels are regularly affixed to RV's who would see just as much aerodynamic disturbance as the roof of my cab. coming un-glued is a potential hazard, but im sure someone thought that through before mass marketing gluing panels to anything. being that its not exactly a brand new idea, i have faith that its been thoroughly tested. i have seen a total of zero reviews complaining of weak adhesive or loss of panels due to airflow... in fact, this particular company markets specifically to RV's and truck owners like myself.

your mention of possible panel failure is valid, however, my experience with home solar has been VERY positive. from what i understand, mono panels are very reliable, and remain so even with a few dead cells... its been said they are more efficient than their poly-crystalline brothers.. but a little light reading tells me this is more or less negligible.

i would certainly inquire about removal for replacement or repair though, thats a great point.