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Old 09-09-2014, 05:58 PM   #1
bobcat92
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Solar System Install

Got the new system installed during the month of July.

Thanks to everyone that provided guidance and advice!

I have attempted to post this for the last month or so and have had problems so I will keep this short and will add more details if this is successful.

https://plus.google.com/photos/10927...721?banner=pwa
 
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Old 09-09-2014, 11:01 PM   #2
Bigboomer
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Looks nice and clean. Good luck and hope the sun shines a lot for you! Was this a self install or if not who did your install?
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Old 09-10-2014, 01:30 AM   #3
Ozz
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I guess Les saw the pictures, but I just get a blank page.
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Old 09-10-2014, 04:15 AM   #4
DQDick
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Nice looking job!
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Old 09-10-2014, 10:34 AM   #5
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Conduit makes it look sharp.
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Old 09-10-2014, 10:46 AM   #6
Ozz
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I can't figure out why I can't see the pics, looks like it's just me.
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Old 09-10-2014, 02:44 PM   #7
Mudchief
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Very nice install.
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Old 09-10-2014, 04:25 PM   #8
bobcat92
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Thanks for the compliments. It is always hard to make the first cut into your new trailer when you start these projects.

This whole projected started when the DW asked if we had a way to run the microwave without shore power and generators. I guess I should have said it was impossible but being an electrical engineer my professional pride got in the way.

The DW and I installed four Uni-Solar 136 Watt panels on the roof. These panels have an adhesive back and start to stick to the peel back when the temperature goes above 100 degrees. Well we went over the limit just as we started to peel them. I thought for a short while I was going to have four panels that were all glued in a ball and I wouldn't be able to do anything with but we figured out the trick of getting the backing off. The trick is to get the backing started, don't stop and quickly peeling it all off!

From all of my research it became clear that the best way to recharge the batteries is a good solar system controller so I purchased a TriStar TS-MPPT-45.

The battery charger/inverter is a Magnum MS2812. I could have gone with a smaller unit but I wanted to make sure the system would be able to run the microwave. This was the DW requirement. LOL. I welded up the rack for the charger/inveter from one inch steel square tube. DW painted it black which added a really nice touch.

Since I was going to be rewiring now was a good time to add a hard wired surge guard. I added a remote so I could install it behind the removable panels in the pass thru.

To monitor the power flow in the DC system I installed a Tri Meteric 2025 battery system monitor.

To store the 50 amp shore power cord I added a TRC power reel below the charger/inverter. TRC is the same company that makes Surge Guard.

To store the power generated by the panels I needed a bigger battery bank so I replaced the OEM batteries with four 6-volt Kirkland GC2 batteries. DW found a plastic storage container at Walmart that fit the four batteries perfectly! I made a hold down out of a plastic cutting board from Sams club, 1/4" thread all and wing nuts. I cut the vent connection off the original battery box and used silicone and sheet metal screws to attach it to the lid after using a hole saw to create and opening for it. I built battery cables from 4/0 cu welding cables and crimp lugs.

Installing the DC system was interesting and not something I have done a lot of so I can add it to the list.

We have stayed a couple of days this year only using the solar power which isn't as many as we would have liked but we will get more use out of it next season.

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Old 09-11-2014, 05:43 AM   #9
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Nice job Keith, you do good work.
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