Solar

[GotSmart]

When designing a Solar System, you have to consider a few things.

What you want to power

Roof space

Battery storage area.

With a TT, you should have plenty of room.  A 100W panel takes up less than a 2ft X 4 Ft area.  So you have room for 9 to 12 panels.

As for battery storage, finding room for 4 batteries should be fairly easy.  

What you want to power is up to you.  Here is a nice chart Bob made.  Instaling it is simple, wires, distribution box, and controller.  Also safety fuses everywhere.  Lights, power outlets.

 

[Mobilesport]

Sternwake, you don't  have room for another 100 watt panel? 
Can you post a picture of your roof?

 

[jimindenver]

Rob

Can you tell me how much room you have on your roof? I can pick up a 435w panel like I am putting on the truck for a bit more than $200. a 325w for a bit less than $200. I have seen under 300w panels for $150 or less. A MPPT controller is more expensive but worth it for the additional power it provides. Actually for the power it does not waste like a PWM controller does. Even though I had help getting my batteries in the trailer and again getting the panels on the roof, I mounted the panels, ran the wiring, and did all the crimping of the wire ends using a 16 ton crimp tool. New Mexico where I will be is closer than Denver, stop on by and we will get you powered up in a day or so. The park has full hook ups so power while we do it will not be a issue. (had you posted a day earlier, I would not have put a 230w panel on the free mat.)

 

[Gunny]

Jim I don't know the dimensions yet, there is an air conditioner there. New Mexico sounds great. Thanks Jim

Rob

How long is your host position for?

 

[jimindenver]

You are welcome Rob, and as long as I am willing to stay as it stands right now.

 

[Gunny]

I am working on a mailing address that keeps me in the Dallas VA's area. I don't get much mail except for my meds and appt cards. Gives me something to work on. Those chili dogs you guys were handing out looked so good I went and bought dogs and chili sauce so in a way I had dinner with you all..

I took my second sleeping pill (the magic one) so if I start misspelling things there is a reason.

I am really happy to see things go your way. I was always glad to see my Marines go home uninjured and my friends do well. When I contracted with KBR I never lost a driver. Small things I am proud of.

And you hit the ground running. Damn. GREAT job Jim...Rob

 

[Gunny]

I'm sort of putting the cart before the horse but I saw Lowe's has a sale on Deka Batteries. I know they aren't Trojans but two 6 volt Deka's should be decent?

Rob

 

[rvpopeye]

My first pair of 6 volts were Dekas, lasted 5 years before replaced and that was just because they were losing a little capacity , maybe 25%...........

 

[Gunny]

Thanks Popeye, sounds good.

Rob

 

[SternWake]

I recommend getting freshest possible batteries only when you are otherwise ready to start cycling them.


If you do get them now make sure to either float charge them or top them up at least every 30 days.