Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Tahoe · Post by **Tahoe** » Mon Nov 02, 2015 9:36 pm

Ralph,

Thank you. Sounds like a robust system worth duplicating.

stevek · Post by **stevek** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 1:30 pm

These are similar thin solar panels that I have. Each panel is 100 watt.
I am presently using them as portable panels.
Not sure I agree with the way this person is mounting them.
Any suggestions as an alternative? I was thinking more like using VHB tape.
Or do you think I have to have a space under them to allow for dissipation of heat?
Thanks..

tomzleapin · Post by **tomzleapin** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 2:48 pm

Heat does degrade solar panel performance. It would be better to mount them so that air could circulate under them but you would have to construct some sort of framework to do that. If that's the case, you would have been better off purchasing standard glass panels which already have a frame. Panels are getting quite cheap, so you might consider buying some glass panels to mount on the roof and continue using the flexible ones as portable panels.

Here's a review of flexible panels posted by the Wynns: Flexible panel review

I met the Wynns last winter down in south Florida. They travel around the U.S. in their motorhome and do reviews of products useful for RVing.

Here's a link to their blog: Gone with the Wynns

stevek · Post by **stevek** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 5:12 pm

Thanks Tom. Good info and good link from the Wynns. I am still learning.
I think the Wynns panels are mounted on a vinyl sheet?
They sure look worn for only a year old.
The panels I have are mounted on a aluminum sheet.
Not sure if there would be any difference?

Mike Jean Bandfield · Post by **Mike Jean Bandfield** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 7:27 pm

Tom,
Have your seen our experience with flexible panels?

tomzleapin · Post by **tomzleapin** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 9:16 pm

Mike & Jean Bandfield wrote:Tom,
Have your seen our experience with flexible panels?

That certainly wasn't a good outcome. The cells on my panel are mounted on an acrylic sheet about 1/8" thick. I've had it for about 1-1/2 years and it is working well. I don't know what type backing would be better.

jerseypete · Post by **jerseypete** » Mon Nov 23, 2015 10:17 pm

Hi Russ, I posted a message a few years ago about my solar install done at Born Free.
I invite you to check it out in the search box. Its called Why no solar
under jerseypete
I suggest you contact am solar. they can be a valuable resource for you in your quest to get what you want.
I have had no problems with my solar install. Just replaced the 4 batteries, because they were 6 years old.
The profill system allowed me to never have to touch the 4 batts, except to refill them thru a single tube. Never remove a cap
good luck, pete

stevek · Post by **stevek** » Tue Nov 24, 2015 10:04 am

AM Solar is having a Holiday Sale.
Plus I think it includes shipping. And no sales tax.

randallrae · Post by **randallrae** » Sun Dec 13, 2015 1:40 pm

Here is an alternative http://www.freespiritenergy.com/index.html Here is an article http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/news ... generators

stevek · Post by **stevek** » Sun Dec 13, 2015 1:51 pm

Thanks. $425... not bad.
Definitely would be a good alternative if you boon docked on the ocean.
As usual, I have tons of questions.

Does anybody have personal expereince with wind power?
Pic is on top of a MH.
I have a great place to boon dock on the ocean. Hwy 1 in CA.

stevek · Post by **stevek** » Sun Dec 13, 2015 10:37 pm

A Born Free member's coach is on Ebay for sale.
Nice solar set up.
It's a 2011.

Tahoe · Post by **Tahoe** » Sun Dec 13, 2015 11:35 pm

stevek wrote:A Born Free member's coach is on Ebay for sale.
Nice solar set up.
It's a 2011.

That does look like a nice setup. I've called AM Solar and I'm mulling things over. Trying to make a plan for upgrades while planning next year's trips. Looks like a big Winter so I don't see the coach back at the house until mid May, so it will be a challenge to plan trips, make upgrades, and do home and car projects without breaking the bank. I want to thank all for opinions, links, and personal knowledge. It will make my project much easier. Now I just need to not screw it up.

bigdipper · Post by **bigdipper** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 9:35 am

That's me with the BF on ebay. You folks have heard my comments on the solar subject from time to time. Sale is due to health, not at all about any difficulty with the RV.
Ralph

stevek · Post by **stevek** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 11:56 am

Hi Ralph, hope you didn't mind me using your pictures.
Your Born Free is a good example for all of us to follow.
Wishing you the best, Steve

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-Born-Free- ... 1630896519

This is Ralph's BF on ebay. Lots of pictures. Good luck on selling.

Fantom · Post by **Fantom** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 8:43 pm

I just wish it would be RSB model

Born Free Leap'n Lions RV Club Info & Discussion Forum

Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power

Re: Sun, we need to have a talk about solar power