adding solar to the suburban

[gadgetMe]

So, folks that were at the RTR when I was there ( I came late) know I like to fool around with solar stuff, during my stay there I installed a panel on the luggage rack of the suburban. <br>I am finally posting the install on my blog, thought maybe some folks would find it of some interest <br><a target="_blank" href="http://roosterpheasant.blogspot.com/">Roosterpheasant.blogspot.com</a><br><br>Putz<br><br>

 

[VanTrekker]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Cool stuff.&nbsp; A suburban is one place many would not think to&nbsp;look to find a solar panel on top!&nbsp;&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><br>&nbsp;</p>

 

[SoulRaven]

Wow funny, AKRVBob and I have been discussing this very issue... We have debated back and forth for a future tow vehicle for him and have settled on a van or a 4x4 Suburban... he wants to drop his trailer and go explore and camp in one or the other... So a locked rear end van or a 4x4 suburban is what we have come down to... of course a solar panel will be part of the final solution...<br><br>

So, folks that were at the RTR when I was there ( I came late) know I like to fool around with solar stuff, during my stay there I installed a panel on the luggage rack of the suburban. <br>I am finally posting the install on my blog, thought maybe some folks would find it of some interest <br><a target="_blank" href="http://roosterpheasant.blogspot.com/">Roosterpheasant.blogspot.com</a><br><br>Putz<br><br>

 

[SoulRaven]

Exactly what we are thinking about, lifted and with the rear axle have a Detroit locker in it for added traction...<br><br>

I've seen a few 2wd lifted vans. &nbsp;Would that work? &nbsp;&nbsp;

 

[akrvbob]

PondPutz, you are my hero!! Someday i hope to know half as much about this stuff as you do. As always, a great job!! Are you concerned about heat build up in the box? <br><br>I just bought a 140 watt panel for $179 from a solar dealer here in town just because it was such a great deal. Eventually I will mount it on the truck or or whatever I replace it with. Bob<br><br>

 

[gadgetMe]

Bob <br><br>You are my hero also, living the truly free lifestyle.<br><br>So far, (it's been about 2 weeks), I have noticed no ill effects from heat build up if any.<br><br>(just a minute I will go out now and check ).........................................................<br><br>The solar panel&nbsp; has been running all day today, starting at a charge rate of 14.4 volts this morning and now has a charge rate of 13.2 volts, I opened the box, I cannot (by feel) tell&nbsp; any difference from the outside air temp and&nbsp; the box air temp.<br><br>I truly believe that the small amount of amperage being generated will not cause a high amount of temp rise in the box. ........... 135 watts @ approx&nbsp; 7 amps.. max.<br><br>I would be concerned if I had installed my 50 amp MPPT controller into a small box.<br><br>WOW .............179.00 that is awesome ........... My friend bought&nbsp; the 135 kycera panels at wholesale for $200.00 each and had to buy a pallet of 20 to get that price...<br><br>AS always hope you are well, and hope to see you at the Colorado RTR..<br><br>Good luck in your quest to replace your TV (tow vehicle) as you already know I LOVE&nbsp; my suburban.<br><br>Putz<br><br><br><br><br>

 

[SoulRaven]

Dont forget the option of a nice 12V fan installed in the back of the box to pull the heat out if needed... Simple fix for heat in an enclosed system... Probably can find a nice computer/server fan on E-bay for cheap, add&nbsp; thermostat to turn it on/off and your worry free...<br>

 

[gadgetMe]

We had 80 -85 temps&nbsp; today with mostly sunny skies. I used the system to charge power tool batteries and checked the box temps by feel ...<br>No excess heat detected<br><br>Putz<br><br>

 

[SoulRaven]

good deal... looks like you are golden...<br><br>

We had 80 -85 temps&nbsp; today with mostly sunny skies. I used the system to charge power tool batteries and checked the box temps by feel ...<br>No excess heat detected<br><br>Putz<br><br>

 

[Guest]

hey Putz, i just finished your whole blog. what fun and a great blog!