Beginner's Solar Installation Workshop

[Motrukdriver]

This is a facebook posting.  Pete Zenn is setting up a solar installation workshop that is running concurrent to the RTR.  According to his post he has contacted Bob and is trying to set up a bulk buy for solar equipment to help bring the cost down.  I don't know this guy or anything about him but it might be worth checking out if you are planning on getting a solar setup at that time.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1748422442125361/

 

[GotSmart]

I don’t have access to the page for some reason.

 

[JohnnyK]

Also got "content not available at this time" FB message.

 

[Motrukdriver]

Here is a screenshot of his posting:

Might have to go here first to access this event listing.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/freecamplinglife/

 

[Motrukdriver]

I can contact him via his posting and find the exact location where he is setting up if needed.

 

[GotSmart]

I would like to see what he is recommending.

 

[Motrukdriver]

I just sent him a facebook message urging him to register here so we can answer questions and or offer up assistance. I believe the reason you can't access the facebook site is because it is under a closed group called Free Camping Life. Hopefully those wrinkles can be smoothed out and the information can be included with this group as well.

 

[peteyzenn]

I just sent him a facebook message urging him to register here so we can answer questions and or offer up assistance.  I believe the reason you can't access the facebook site is because it is under a closed group called Free Camping Life.  Hopefully those wrinkles can be smoothed out and the information can be included with this group as well.

hey, thanks for letting me know!

this is a closed group, called 'free camping life'. very much interested in the open road and rv life.
we are looking for group of people to help each other installing rooftop solar on our vehicles.

we are looking to do it very inexpensively. using 24v, 300w residential panels. absolutely no profiteering event, everybody pitching in resources and knowledge, a day after bob's solar seminar. we would be very happy have folks join in, especially those who can lift heavy panels atop of RV's!

ideally I would invite someone with a skoolie with study roof and pipe shelter to slide the panels from one RV to another. goal here is to get it done to closest to 300w for $100 per panel price point. I will be installing about 1800w of it myself on the expedition truck that I bought.

if anyone's interested, consider joining my fb group too. thanks

 

[peteyzenn]

also, planning a battery building event using lithium cells instead of the heavy 6v trojans.
goal is to have a lighter, more efficient battery bank. TBD.
https://www.facebook.com/events/862056123972394/

 

[highdesertranger]

many people, me included don't do the facey thingy. highdesertranger

 

[Motrukdriver]

I just sent him a facebook message urging him to register here so we can answer questions and or offer up assistance.

 
Oops, should have been HE can answer questions.  I know enough to install my own stuff but not enough to answer questions..   Sorry for any confusion but I am a confusing person by nature.

 

[jimindenver]

I give the solar talk this year and I am all for getting people solar at a good savings. I have been dealing with a lot of uncared for batteries out here so please, please, please get some controllers that can be set up properly for absorb voltage and time allotted. So many batteries have progressive capacity loss and it doesn't need to be so.

1800 watts up top, now that's my kind of system.

 

[Weight]

All these links to a closed group on facecrook. I am with "no fancy thingy". Plus I don't like facecrook.

 

[tav-2020]

facey thingy.

lol.   I am crushed that you don't want to see even MORE pictures of my dogs and assorted meals I make

 

[peteyzenn]

I give the solar talk this year and I am all for getting people solar at a good savings. I have been dealing with a lot of uncared for batteries out here so please, please, please get some controllers that can be set up properly for absorb voltage and time allotted. So many batteries have progressive capacity loss and it doesn't need to be so.

1800 watts up top, now that's my kind of system.

yeah and my budget.. $1000  including mppt

 

[peteyzenn]

i'll be in the audience... learning

 

[tx2sturgis]

many people,  me included don't do the facey thingy.  

Me too, neither either...

 

[tx2sturgis]

we are looking to do it very inexpensively. using 24v, 300w residential panels. 

How good are these panels at withstanding the vibrations, bumps, bruises, and occasional brush with a tree branch while mounted on a vehicle?

It seems to me that the large unsupported middle area of the panel would be more vulnerable. But maybe they have a center support piece to help with that?

I don't know, just asking...and I might be using this type of panel on my future rig.

 

[jimindenver]

I have used grid tied or as we call them 24v panels for five years without incident. I do have 6 feet per panel on the trailers roof but only 4 on the big panel on the truck.

 

[peteyzenn]

How good are these panels at withstanding the vibrations, bumps, bruises, and occasional brush with a tree branch while mounted on a vehicle?

It seems to me that the large unsupported middle area of the panel would be more vulnerable. But maybe they have a center support piece to help with that?

I don't know, just asking...and I might be using this type of panel on my future rig.

planning a wide, weather resistant wood frame cradling the length of the panels. rubber insulated mounting.