Finally...Our New Solar System Is Up And Running!

[Bigboomer]

Well folks it has been a long time in planning but I finally got the solar panel system completed this past weekend. First, my thanks must go out to John Kohl, Joe (Jolu), John (7.3Ford) and Jack Mayer (RV-Dreams Forum) for allowing me to pick their brains and provide guidance thru observation of their installed systems. Here is the system basics:

3 - SolarWorld SW-270Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Midnite Solar Classic 150 MPPT Charge Controller 96 amps 150 volts
Magnum MS-2812 Inverter with ME-RC50
Midnite Solar E-Panel MNE-250-Alum-L (with solar controller disconnect)
Magnum BMK Monitor w/ 500 AMP Shunt
PV Array Breaker, 2 amp 150 VDC Din Rail for Combiner
PV Array Breaker, 30 amp 150 VDC Din Rail for Input of Charge Contoller
PV Array Breaker, 100 amp 150 VDC Din Rail for Output of Charge Controller
Midnite Solar MNPV4-MC4 Combiner
115 Volts max DC and 90 Volts max AC Surge Protection
385 Volts max DC and 300 volts max AC Surge Protection
6 - Concorde PVX-3050T AGM Batteries - 6V/305 amp (12V/915 amp total capacity)
Progressive EMS-LCHW50 Hardwired Surge/ Power Protector

Due to the high end capabilities of this system, one of the things that I wanted to achieve was to make sure that this system was able to be removed from the existing 5'er and moved to another should be decide down the line to trade up to a newer model. I did not want to install the panels on the roof but needed to make them transportable when we move around the country. With the drywall lift system I came up with I will be able to put the panel on the roof of the truck with a locking rack system (still being assembled and installed on truck). The drywall lift allows me to move the panels around and also allows for adjustment to the solar array depending on the location of the country relative to the sun angle at various times of the year. With the Lift I can raise the panels up to 11'-6" off the ground and can tilt the panels between 25 and 75 degrees for optimal performance. It will also allow me to move the panels to a sunny location within 30 feet of the coach.

Here is a link to the photos during construction:

http://s962.photobucket.com/user/myb...Solar%20System

Quartzite here we come!!!!

[DQDick]

That is a very cool and unique idea.

[Jolu]

Interesting and creative Les. It goes to show you, RVers are the most creative individuals you will find. Keep us posted on your system as time goes along. Nothing like pushing the button on the solar system and it meets all your needs for power.
Joe

[Alwims]

Looks great. let us know how it works out.

[Jay Bird]

Nice setup.

[Rainer]

Wow...the gold standard in a solar system. Makes mine look pale.

But mine works great for me, I've never run out of battery power as my batteries are fully recharged every day, making me a "happy camper!"

[mainer]

Wow - What a great set-up, very creative!

[Bigboomer]

Thanks folks for the kudos but I honestly could not have done it some of the brightest minds we have here in the MOC.

I also wanted to note that all of the main components for the system aside from the items that I could get locally such as the sub panels, etc. I purchased from Northern Arizona Wind and Sun http://www.solar-electric.com/

Sue is so excited and has already stated that she is looking forward to the Circling of the Montana's in Quartzite!

[BusyCarol]

Les that is one amazing install! Looks VERY PROFESSIONAL! Congratulations on a job well done and I love how you did the photobucket. Keith and I will be doing a solar install, HOPEFULLY, this coming month! I don't know if we will do such a good job of documenting the process but will definitely picture the end result if and when it ever happens! ENJOY your freedom from the grid!

[Bigboomer]

Thanks Carol. It took a lot of planning and research. Sue is so looking forward to the Q next year now with our set-up. I just finished the final touches with the panels up on the truck and will post them shortly.

Needless to say when that Zombie Apocalypse starts we will be in the desert with the rest of the Monty's circled defending our turf!

[jsmitfl]

That's nice Les. Very professional.

[Bigboomer]

For all you folks with solar panels on your rig here is a neat website to determine the best positioning of the panels relative to the sun....figuring that you have flexibility to position the rig as required for optimal sun.

http://www.sunearthtools.com/dp/tool...un.php?lang=en

[CORattler]

That is impressive and well documented! Thanks for sharing this.

[Recumbent]

bigboomer that awesome! Do not know much about solar, and think it's a good idea to be free of the grid. Will your setup supply all your electrical needs year round, and do you need a generator for prolonged cloudy/rainy days?

[Bigboomer]

quote:Originally posted by Recumbent

bigboomer that awesome! Do not know much about solar, and think it's a good idea to be free of the grid. Will your setup supply all your electrical needs year round, and do you need a generator for prolonged cloudy/rainy days?

Recumbant,

Thanks. The way we have the system set up and installed figuring that typically you do not want to use more than half the total battery storage on a regular basis, we have approximately 458 AMP hours of usage out of the 915 total amps. Even on an completely overcast day with the high voltage panels we still are getting some charging. There have been spells of 2 and 3 days of rain where there was limited charging and the batteries never dropped below 75% capacity.

We can run everything except the A/C off the batteries and have seen a significant decrease in our grid electric usage by both using the inverter and by not having to have the converter constantly using AC to convert to DC.

We still have a Honda 2000 just in case though.

[Recumbent]

Thanks bigboomer