Solar Tweak Finished

[hwitten]

I now have 70 watts on the roof. Hopefully that will do me as my usage is actually quite minimal, primarily the Engel fridge that lives in back of TV.

I found some wide tape that actually matches quite closely. I'm going to try it as it does allow for a bit of hiding of wiring. The downside of a store-bought vs built-ur-own, much more exposed wiring, etc.

First trip will tell if I will try and leave it on. Tape is only for looks but it might serve to protect a bit too as a bonus.
I just hope all the wiring and connections are good. Will have to wait until a day in the sun I guess.

Wiring in the raw.

solar2-Black640.jpg (172.17 KiB) Viewed 577 times

Wiring covered for perhaps a bit better look.

solar2-White640.jpg (159.1 KiB) Viewed 577 times

[Vedette]

Good Luck with that Heinz.
Just don't drive too fast!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[PKCSPT]

I will be interested to see how this works. I am thinking of adding solar to mine next year and am thinking I want to do as you did.

[Esteban]

Heinz, I'll be interested in your experience with yours.

Flexible panels would seem to free us from needing enough flat roof area to mount rigid solar panels

Grape Solar has flexible solar panels that are as compact as their aluminum framed ones with the same output. They are tempting me. They have them with 15, 30, 50 and 100 watt capacities. Here is a pdf of the 100 watt one PhotoFlex-100W Lowes and Home Depot sell them.

[hwitten]

Thanks Steve.

That sure looks interesting. Assuming it can stand being rolled up for storage after each use it will be an excellent candidate to throw on TV roof, etc.

[Esteban]

Thanks Steve.

That sure looks interesting. Assuming it can stand being rolled up for storage after each use it will be an excellent candidate to throw on TV roof, etc.

Recently I called Grape Solar about mounting one on top with 3M tape like Shaddow Catcher has done with one of his panels. I was told many RVers and boaters do it. Or it can be rolled up for storage. You might give them a call with your questions during business hours. They answer the phone (no voice mail he!!) and the person I talked with was friendly and very helpful. He knew about teardrop trailers too.

[Shadow Catcher]

If you can find them, Unisolar made flex panels, I have one 145W, the only problem is that it is 18' long, it is my roll it out in the sun on an extension cord panel. I found mine on ebay for $65. There are other thin film manufacturers but most of the prices I see are inflated.

[Esteban]

Bruce posted a link elsewhere Mounting Solar Panel on curved roof that led me to find a 135 watt flexible solar panel for $275.00 that is approx. 21" x 58". ebay.com/Semi-Flexible-135-Watt-Solar-Panel-High-Efficiency-Sunpower They can be bent up to 30% which makes mounting one on a curved surface/roof/galley hatch easier to do.

[Esteban]

Getting back to Heinz, how is your solar power system working for you?

[hwitten]

Too early to answer if satisfactory success
Installation went good and relatively easy. Just had to make sure roof was clean. I used some painters masking tape to outline so that I'd have a better chance of being straight as once it's on.... it's on. Used a rolling pin to apply even pressure. Had done one side earlier as the manufacturer "forgot" that I wanted 2 panels. Made me a bit braver to try this latest tweak.

The PowerFilms are not cheap but are "supposed" to be more efficient in less than ideal conditions. Solar is a bit of a black box, really hard to test. I'll report on it after next trip. Maybe earlier if I get restless and yank it out on a nice day.

[Esteban]

Thanks Heinz for sharing your solar set up.

I'm very interested to hear from you, and others, with solar collectors who also use a fridge/freezer.

I wonder how much power fridge/freezers use in real world circumstances.

I also wonder how much solar power is needed to provide sufficient power to charge a battery to run a fridge, a Fantastic Fan and LED lights.

I had estimated maybe 20-30 amp hours per day would be used knowing it will vary with time of year, weather, location, devices, and individuals.

[hwitten]

I did some measurements in actual use while I was trying to figure out my setup. The Fantastic Fan has highest draw. The Engel Fridge about 2 amps but not on all the time. I also planned on 12 Volt TV/DVD for 3-4 hours per day. My goal is to be able to "live" self-contained for 3-4 days at a time. By then a shower will be needed so we'll probably have power for a night

[Tucguy]

I can see this wiring harness under the upper skin in a new build or maybe in a hidden conduit installed at the build time for add on equipment such as your solar panels, cameras, lights, any additional wiring needs. Maybe we can come up with some standard design that could be put under the outer skin anywhere on the tear to allow later additions such as found on our automobiles for accessories like driving lamps, trailers lights, raised stop lamps, etc. Little Guy has wiring installed in their trailers that do not come with an electrical system for just such an addition. Love the flexible look.