How NOT(?) to connect an external solar system (just for entertainment)

Bayliss

I saw this RV in a parking lot the other day and just had to share it with others on the forum.  I've never seen anything like it, but it is definitely a "unique" way of mounting and wiring an external solar system.  I should have checked the other side of the RV to see what was there, but it was gone after I completed the dental appointment that brought me to the parking lot.  I am now curious if the owner has a similar setup on the other side so they can park the RV so it faces the sun from either side.  I'm unsure as to what is connected to the wires leading to the roof (because there are also wires from the panels routed through the passenger side door window), but presumably more solar panels??  Crazy!  

Sharon_is_SAM

The answer to “no room on the roof for solar”😂

dragonsdofly

DH and me boondock almost exclusively and have seen a few OMG and Frankenstein installations, and even a few wow that's brilliant applications. In Tucson, AZ last spring we saw one of the latter. A 40' skoolie rolled in with what looked like armored sides. Turns out that each side had a solid awning with solar panels attached. Once raised into position, the entire bus was shaded and powered by the approx 3,000 watts (3 k) mounted on the rigid awnings. They were able to power A/C during the day and electric heaters at night. It was impressive.

And I agree, it IS a pic of how NOT to mount a  solar installation, but the husband says it appears to be solely intended for early morning and late evening solar power generation.

pthomas745

appears to be solely intended for early morning and late evening solar power generation.

I was thinking about the same thing.  Except: designed for the winter months when the sun is pretty low on the horizon all day!

bubbazanetti

If you rad about optimized solar panel alignment. You learn that the panel must be at 90* degrees to the sun. Mounting panels on your roof, is a waste of solar potential, unless you live in the sun belt. Moving portable panels, to align with the sun is most effective. 

fstop32

Maybe they are working on a turntable that will rotate the RV and follow the sun as it tracks across the sky...?  I wonder if they map their trips to always go in an east/west direction to maximize exposure? 

bubbazanetti