Solar panel corner mounting brackets spoilers & wire entry

[bdosborn]

AM Solar has changed their PV panels. They used to have a higher voltage panel that required an MPPT controller, looks like they don't use that anymore. They had some marketing justifying the higher voltage that was savaged over on the NAWS web site, it looks like it's gone from the AM solar web site now. They're heavy into the Blue Sky controllers - the older stuff used antiquated MPPT algorithms but I haven't read anything about their newer controllers. I personally think AM solar's stuff is spendy but they have a lot of happy customers over at RV.net.

Bruce

[Shadow Catcher]

When Compass Rose was being built I specified two exterior outlets one up near the front to be used with the AC, it is on a 15A GFI and the other in back also GFI protected. There are five interior and four outside AC outlets two inside DC outlets and one outside for the refrigerator. There is one heavy gauge lead from the battery/shunt with a 150A Anderson Power Pole connector , to power the Morningstar Sure Sine inverter or with a jumper cable that can be used to recharge from the TV. Everything has been used, except the jumper from the TV, solar works well enough I don't need it, or at least not yet.

[Esteban]

Bruce and SC, thanks for your continuing input.

Bruce, I agree AM Solar is often spendy and some/many parts, like controllers, can be purchased else where for less. On the up side they offer solar panels that are sometimes/often physically smaller than most others on the market of the same wattage. That may be helpful for people, like me, with limited roof space/width. Their solar panels, they claim, have a higher Vmpp than many available (residential) panels which they say helps RV solar set ups. Not sure how to evaluate that? They have some custom parts like their stainless steel mounting brackets I might use, if I did not prefer using the corner brackets and spoiler mounts.

Their solar panel kits help me consider what needs to go together for a complete system (which I will change/customize to my fit needs/budget). Their web site explains core solar RV concepts better than almost any other one I have seen. So buying solar panels or other parts from them may be a fair payback, kind of a thank you, if their products are what I want/need and their price is reasonable (enough).

Their solar plans seem like helpful, inspirational, road maps to follow, and or to customize/change, as wanted/needed. Like Bruce, I'd rather use a Monrningstar controller than one from Blue Sky.. Their wiring plans can be printed which greatly helps (me) visualize and save the ideas/plans. We can make our own notes on the print out of changes, specific part numbers, etc. we want to customize for our needs. In my prior posts I've mentioned or linked to many parts I plan to use. Writing them in on an AM Solar "system wiring overview" may be a good idea to brainstorm, complete a plan, and make a shopping list.

SC, if I could fit a 160 wall solar panel on the roof I agree there would be much less need to use the tow vehicle to charge the battery. Maybe no need at all...which could save time and money by eliminating a need to wire my tow vehicle to recharge the teardrop's battery. My teardrop will not be as large or as fully equipped as yours, or Bruce's, so I do not need as many AC outlets as you have. I do keep in mind your caution to plan for future needs and expansion. So I will put in more than a bare minimum number of outlets