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07-03-2012, 03:39 PM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,294
M.O.C. #311
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Solar Panels
Link to photo album with more pictures. Work in progress.
With the help from Jim Fischer we were able to install and connect the four 18' x 15.5" solar panels. John Walker was my mentor/inspiration for this.
Here is the link for the panels.
power out was Sweep Pmax 373 watts from the controllers data sheet on 7/8/12 15 11:53.
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07-03-2012, 04:02 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: South
Posts: 2,499
M.O.C. #5140
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How did you route the wiring? Looks like you went in near the shower?
Looks good!
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07-03-2012, 04:09 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,294
M.O.C. #311
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Michael, Washer and dryer are on that side and just above it is the space that houses the converter behind the 120Vac and 12Vdc panels in the commode area. Went through the roof into that area then down the wall to under the steps, into the basement and drilled a hole to get into the battery area.
The smoke vent cover is over the commode fan.
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07-03-2012, 05:00 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Indian Land
Posts: 1,142
M.O.C. #9808
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Great job John.
I am sure you will like having power everywhere you go. I only use the convert when there isn't any sun to be had. All DC loads I run off the solar panels, even when hooked up to power.
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07-04-2012, 03:55 AM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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That's the best installation I've ever seen. Didn't even know that type of panels were out there. We're debating doing something with solar so keep us informed on how it's working for you. Thanks, Dick
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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07-05-2012, 12:17 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: merced
Posts: 983
M.O.C. #6171
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where did you get them
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07-06-2012, 05:49 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Denver
Posts: 1,042
M.O.C. #5329
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Nice installation! I saw those at Q a few years ago, but they were attached with adhesive, and I was concerned that they would come off at some point. Last time I saw them, they had a provision for riveting or screwing to the roof. How are yours attached?
You will love that solar power, BTW. We went with a conventional panel, and wonder how we ever got along without it.
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07-07-2012, 10:36 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Indian Land
Posts: 1,142
M.O.C. #9808
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by scattershot
Nice installation! I saw those at Q a few years ago, but they were attached with adhesive, and I was concerned that they would come off at some point. Last time I saw them, they had a provision for riveting or screwing to the roof. How are yours attached?
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Eugene,
Yes they are attached with adhesive, once they touch there is no going back. I put mine on in March 2010, no problem what so ever. They have some dimples from when we got hit with golf ball size hail, but no effect on performance. I think they are rated for 130MPH wind. The are a lot tougher than the rubber roof, but they can not ever be removed and re-stuck.
There is an outfit that sell the 64-Watt panels with a rubber boarder, that is screwed with stainless steel screws, but is not needed.
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07-07-2012, 05:53 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Santa Fe Springs
Posts: 4,189
M.O.C. #639
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John the install look great, how many watts do you get from the 4 strips.
__________________
Pulling a 2004, 2980 RL an oldie but goodie.
Tow vehicle is a 2009 RED RAM 3500 DRW.
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07-07-2012, 07:50 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Bakersfield
Posts: 5,316
M.O.C. #15
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7.3Ford,
I think you posted some photos when you did your rig. Can you post some of how they look now? Also your wire runs and control systems. I'm liking the looks of those flat panels!
Would you do it again? What wouldn't you do? What is the most positive thing you got out of the system? Thanks, Dennis
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07-08-2012, 05:10 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
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Sweet buddy, very nice.
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07-09-2012, 08:32 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Orangevale
Posts: 2,341
M.O.C. #49
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I'm sure those solar panels from http://www.uni-solar have garnered quite a bit of interest here on the MOC. They look like the perfect answer for solar on an RV roof.
My question:
Our 2002 Montana (which we bought in 7/2001) is about ready for the roof to be re-coated so how would one deal with solar panels that are already applied by adhesive to the roof when it comes time to replace or re-coat the rubber roof?
I couldn't find the answer to this question after a quick look at the manufacturer's website, but can you walk on them?
Thanks.
Margee.
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07-09-2012, 11:15 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Indian Land
Posts: 1,142
M.O.C. #9808
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by D and M On The Road
I'm sure those solar panels from http://www.uni-solar have garnered quite a bit of interest here on the MOC. They look like the perfect answer for solar on an RV roof.
My question:
Our 2002 Montana (which we bought in 7/2001) is about ready for the roof to be re-coated so how would one deal with solar panels that are already applied by adhesive to the roof when it comes time to replace or re-coat the rubber roof?
I couldn't find the answer to this question after a quick look at the manufacturer's website, but can you walk on them?
Thanks.
Margee.
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Margee,
The roof needs to be clean before installing panels. Once down, they can not be removed. The rubber roof coating (rolled on with paint roller) I have seen on a SOB had texture to it, so not sure how the panels would stick.
The panels are more durable than the rubber roof, so I guess you put panels on and paint on the coating around the panels.
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07-09-2012, 11:59 AM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Indian Land
Posts: 1,142
M.O.C. #9808
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by HamRad
7.3Ford,
I think you posted some photos when you did your rig. Can you post some of how they look now? Also your wire runs and control systems. I'm liking the looks of those flat panels!
Would you do it again? What wouldn't you do? What is the most positive thing you got out of the system? Thanks, Dennis
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I couldn't find any pictures this year, but will take some next time I am out to storage lot.
Yes I would do it again, maybe four PVL-144 like John Kohl did if I could make them fit. I have a vent that John Kohl doesn't have. I can't change that now.
Most positive is my batteries are always fully charged, even though my Montana sites on a lot without power. I can run power tool at the lot also without having to drag a generator over there. The solar controller is better for the batteries, has voltage sense and temperature probes, and output is pure DC.
I ran the wires down the vent pipe as others have done.
I put the solar controller and inverter in the basement.
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07-10-2012, 11:33 AM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Orangevale
Posts: 2,341
M.O.C. #49
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H. John Kohl and 7.3Ford,
Those solar panels are most intriguing and we really hope that you keep us all informed here on your experiences with them.
We are interested in getting solar of some sorts but will probably wait until we sell our 2002 Montana and purchase another one.
Thank you for all the information and pictures.
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08-06-2012, 05:34 AM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Indian Land
Posts: 1,142
M.O.C. #9808
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by HamRad
7.3Ford,
I think you posted some photos when you did your rig. Can you post some of how they look now? Also your wire runs and control systems. I'm liking the looks of those flat panels!
Would you do it again? What wouldn't you do? What is the most positive thing you got out of the system? Thanks, Dennis
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Here are some pictures I took on July 26, 2012 over at the storage place:
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