Portable Solar on steriods

[jimindenver]

I love my roof top system except when the sun is low early on or late. I've used portables since I started using solar in 2012 and it's a pain to have any decent amount of power coming in. Storing the big panels in the trailer killed overnight stays and there was always the risk of them growing feet when I wasn't around.

While in Quartzsite I had Solar Bills mount my 435w panel so that it could tilt on the roof of my Expedition. I finally got around to mounting the TS-MPPT-45 and running the wiring including 25 ft of 8 Gauge under the trailer to the tongue. From there a 50 ft run of 10 gauge makes for lots of movement for the truck to avoid shade and keep it lined up throughout the day. I was very happy when I tilted it up and saw 29 amps being added to the roof systems output, making running the little A/C a breeze in the 85 degree heat down here. It's not walking off and adjusting it is as easy as starting the truck, cocking the wheel and moving a few feet forward or back. At the end of the day I move the truck back to where the panel will take advantage of the earliest light the next day. I am working on more adjustable struts to change the tilt but this will do until I figure that out.

 

[GotSmart]

I have seen some battery powered hydraulics on low riders.  That might take care of the tilt.

 

[BobBski]

Looking good there Jim, 435 watts WOW!!

 

[Wabbit]

29amps... Sweet!

 

[Goshawk]

Is this typical? 435 watts for solar? ----- Know that a 5 amp appliance at 110 vac is 550 watts. A plug circuit in a house circuit breaker is 15 amp at 110 vac, which gives 1650 watts. A gasoline generator can generate this.

So a generator creates four times as much power as the solar on steroids. Yes I know that's burning gasoline at no more than a gallon an hour. So $2.50 per hour for generators.

It will take four hours of solar to make one hour of generator.

General rule of thumb I guess is $5 per two hours generator, equals eight hours of solar on steroids. Suppose if lucky. Saving $5 a day is nothing to sneeze at.

So assume that $1000 system pays for itself in one year. As long as the solar system costs that only.

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[GotSmart]

No noise is a huge benefit.

 

[jimindenver]

Is this typical?  435 watts for solar?    -----  Know that a 5 amp appliance at 110 vac is 550 watts. A plug circuit in a house circuit breaker is 15 amp at 110 vac, which gives  1650 watts. A gasoline generator can generate this.

So a generator creates four times as much power as the solar on steroids.  Yes I know that's burning gasoline at no more than a gallon an hour.  So $2.50 per hour for generators.

It will take four hours of solar to make one hour of generator.

General rule of thumb I guess is $5 per two hours generator, equals eight hours of solar on steroids. Suppose if lucky. Saving $5 a day is nothing to sneeze at.

So assume that $1000 system pays for itself in one year. As long as the solar system costs that only.

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So the generator is free? The gas to go get more gas is free? Oil changes and tune ups are free? Replacing batteries that are not properly charged and cycled deeper are free?

Now lets talk propane since I use a electric hot plate to cook with, a Hott rod to heat the water heater, a electric coffee maker and even small electric heaters to augment the furnace.

The portable combines with the 750w on the roof. I'm not saying it was free but I'll never buy a drop of sunshine either.

 

[DuneElliot]

Where did you get a 435W solar panel? I'd much rather have one panel to install than 4 100W panels.

 

[GotSmart]

Where did you get a 435W solar panel? I'd much rather have one panel to install than 4 100W panels.

Rough size 3.5 foot X 7 foot.  Weight 56 lbs.  Shiping on that would run about $100 as the size makes it freight. You might get lucky and find one on CL.  But you need a expensive controller as those usually are set up as part of a higher voltage power grid.  

http://www.solardesigntool.com/comp...SPR-E20-435-COM/specification-data-sheet.html

 

[DuneElliot]

Rough size 3.5 foot X 7 foot.  Weight 56 lbs.  Shiping on that would run about $100 as the size makes it freight. You might get lucky and find one on CL.  But you need a expensive controller as those usually are set up as part of a higher voltage power grid.  

http://www.solardesigntool.com/comp...SPR-E20-435-COM/specification-data-sheet.html

Thanks. I was planning on an MPPT controller anyway.

That link doesn't show any prices though

 

[jimindenver]

I picked up mine in Albuquerque off of a craigslist ad. You will need a MPPT controller of at least 30a and that can handle 80 volts. I set mine up with the 45 amp simply because it was available.

 

[GotSmart]

This is what he instaled.

https://www.amazon.com/Morningstar-TS-MPPT-45-TriStar-Charge-Controller/dp/B007NMUM2E

Overkill for many things, but then with solar, no such thing as overkill.     That one can handle 7 of those panels.

 

[Txjaybird]

 Jim what a great idea!   Your Expedition takes " portable " solar to a whole new level  

How's Max?

Jewellann

 

[Glenda From Oz]

I love my roof top system except when the sun is low early on or late. I've used portables since I started using solar in 2012 and it's a pain to have any decent amount of power coming in. Storing the big panels in the trailer killed overnight stays and there was always the risk of them growing feet when I wasn't around.

While in Quartzsite I had Solar Bills mount my 435w panel so that it could tilt on the roof of my Expedition. I finally got around to mounting the TS-MPPT-45 and running the wiring including 25 ft of 8 Gauge under the trailer to the tongue. From there a 50 ft run of 10 gauge makes for lots of movement for the truck to avoid shade and keep it lined up throughout the day. I was very happy when I tilted it up and saw 29 amps being added to the roof systems output, making running the little A/C a breeze in the 85 degree heat down here. It's not walking off and adjusting it is as easy as starting the truck, cocking the wheel and moving a few feet forward or back. At the end of the day I move the truck back to where the panel will take advantage of the earliest light the next day. I am working on more adjustable struts to change the tilt but this will do until I figure that out.

Nice    

Glenda "From Oz"

 

[SternWake]

I wish that panel were an option in 2007 when I paid 735$ for a 130 watt panel. And Then $220 for a 68 watt roll out unisolar stick on panel in 2011.

I feel kind of stuck with just 198 watts now and little roof space remaining.

I can tilt my framed panel 90 degrees towards either side of the van, but never do. it could now block the 68 watt panel making the tilt even less desirable, as When i park, I try not to move until i need to go somewhere.

i had devised a method to hold and lift the panel safely in any wind sceanrio, but never actually built it. it was manual, not automatic, but I think one might be able to rig up something cleaner using perhaps those actuators which close SUV hatches at the push of a button.

My corner lock system requires insertion and truning of a Key, So my panel lift/hold design was all manual.

What i wound up doing was using a styrofoam cooler lid, and a bungee cord to keep wind from getting under it, and if i ever decide to lift the panel again to increase harvest, will do the same.

Now I only lift it to clean under it, or to access my external Wifi or Coaxial rg-6 TV antenna wiring

 

[jimindenver]

Max is doing great and growing like a weed. I think he will end up the size of a small mini Schnauzer with the attitude of a giant Schnauzer.

The systems are pulling down between 60 and 70 amps even with the light cloud cover. That means the bank is charging even while the solar runs the little A/C. I probably could get away with a larger unit, good for when it's muggy and hot.

 

[Goshawk]

So 750 + 430 = 1180 watts which is nice free sunlight. If you can get it every day.

Yes I know that a generator has its issues with just burning gas at $5 a day, or $150 a month considering the transportation costs. Yes a generator costs $1000.

Can completely agree that a solar is a great direction to go, as long as the total cost invested pays back in no more than two years. Am saying two years because the price of technology seems to drastically change every two years


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[GotSmart]

Can completely agree that a solar is a great direction to go, as long as the total cost invested pays back in no more than two years. Am saying two years because the price of technology seems to drastically change every two years

So things improve.  That should be producing power after 30 years, with only battery replacements.