How many have solar panels? - Montana Owners Club

Ozz · 10-29-2010, 03:03 PM

What did you install, and what controller did you get?
I have a 3K Inverter and a transfer switch, so I have a start on it.
I now have 2 golf cart batteries, but will expand to 4 or 6? Maybe too much weight with 6...?
Thanks, Ozz

Jolu · 10-29-2010, 03:23 PM

Ozz,
Here is the link to my solar install. Solar
Joe

8.1al · 10-29-2010, 03:35 PM

Okay Jim, when we met you in Havasu you told me you don't boondock, have you changed your mind?

Ozz · 10-29-2010, 03:48 PM

Thanks for the link. I will study it
I want to expand our experiences when we hit the road, as the kids say: "It's all good..."

The Oldguard · 10-29-2010, 04:29 PM

Jim, here is a link to AM Solar

Ozz · 10-31-2010, 01:35 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Jolu

Ozz,
Here is the link to my solar install. Solar
Joe

Joe, that is as much a work of art as a solar install. You are a craftsman indeed. Very well thought out and executed job, I will refer to your pictures and procedure for my install, Thanks.

Ozz · 10-31-2010, 01:36 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by The Oldguard

Jim, here is a link to AM Solar

Thanks for the link, that is just what I needed.

The Oldguard · 10-31-2010, 03:31 AM

I like their complete new line of higher efficiency solar panels that can be mixed and matched to use available spaces on you’re roof. They used to only have 100 watt panels, and now have 50, 100 & 150 watt panels.

Tom S. · 10-31-2010, 04:46 AM

Does my bald head count as a solar panel? It sure generates heat in the summer sun!

Ozz · 10-31-2010, 05:04 AM

well Tom, I think there may be something in that noggin, I was inspired by your twin Honda's, I am buying a second one, so I can have the extra generating capability. I assume you have the twin power cord? Someone had a gas tank mod that extended the run time, I think the info is buried in one of my computers someplace.

Jolu · 10-31-2010, 07:06 AM

Ozz,
This might be the thread you are looking for. It is the aux gas tank for the Honda.
Aux Tank Mod
Joe

Ozz · 10-31-2010, 07:30 AM

Thanks, I printed it and have it in my 'to do' file

Tom S. · 11-01-2010, 02:11 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Ozz

well Tom, I think there may be something in that noggin, I was inspired by your twin Honda's, I am buying a second one, so I can have the extra generating capability. I assume you have the twin power cord? Someone had a gas tank mod that extended the run time, I think the info is buried in one of my computers someplace.

Thanks Ozz. That picture is old and the two gas cans in the center have bee replaced with a single 'over sized' tank that feeds both generators. And yes, I do have the twin power cord. I mentioned it in another thread, but the wood base everything sits in is very tight fit. It has to be turned and tipped at an angle to be removed. With the two generators secured to it and my hitch via a heavy cable. nothing can be removed with out cutting the cable first. Not completely theft proof by any means, but hopefully a big enough pita to make a would be thief look for easier game.

BTW, if you look closely at the left side of my tool box, you'll see an outdoor 120v receptacle. I have a power inverter mounted in the tool box for times when a quick power source is needed.

Ozz · 11-01-2010, 02:22 AM

I like the entire set-up and will be copying it, got to figure where to put my Grill now...

7.3Ford · 11-01-2010, 03:54 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Ozz

What did you install, and what controller did you get?
I have a 3K Inverter and a transfer switch, so I have a start on it.
I now have 2 golf cart batteries, but will expand to 4 or 6? Maybe too much weight with 6...?
Thanks, Ozz

Ozz,

I went with all I had room for.

I use stick on panels which you can walk on. I have 408 Watts total. Two 136 Watt and two 68 Watt panels. I might have got more on there, but wanted to have walking paths on the roof since panels can be slick when wet.

The 136 Watt and 68 Watt are in Series, and in parallel with the other set. Open circuit voltage is around 68 Volts, and peak output voltage is around 48 Volts and 8.5 Amps from the panels. Wires from the panels to controller are MC-3 (10GA) and wire from control to batteries I used 0GA.

I used Morning Star TriStar-MPPT-60 Controller (which is over kill), because it has Ethernet connections, and I can program or monitor with my Tablet PC, so I don't need to wire a display. Mounted on Front left wall of basement, you can also see the 2500 Watt Inverter to the right. MPPT Controller will cost you more, but allows you to operate your panels at peak voltage, and get the most Watts going to your batteries. I used 30AMP Car Audio circuit breaker (green left of controller) coming from panels to control, and 100AMP Car Audio circuit breaker (red to right of controller). Besides circuit protection they act as disconnects also.

As you can see I went with six 6 Volt Golf Cart Batteries (Trojan T-105). I got them from a local golf cart dealer $96.50 each. I have had zero problems with gassing, and batteries have used very little water since March when I installed them. Solar controller has battery voltage and temperature probes, and charges the batteries everyday. With PC I can get history going back around 150 days from the Solar controller.

Ozz · 11-01-2010, 04:24 PM

sweet! I like it and the engineering you put into the system. You have plenty of power for extended stays.
I have a 10 battery system, not Solar, I power the house with, back-feed the panel. I will dig up some pictures of it.
I have a pretty good to-do list for the Monte, a little under a year, to get ready.

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