Solar panels (what to do with them)

Dalehelman

I have wanted to add solar panels, but the problem has always been what to do with them. Even the suitcase type weren't quite right. I wanted no setup no take down yet be portable. What I wanted was for it be always available yet invisible. What I found was a 150 watt 39"x39 1/2"single panel. Easy on easy off and plug and play. This works for me. 

Tabaz

Dale - is this the new Tesla I've been reading about?

Sharon_is_SAM

Hey, smart.  Who said it had to be mounted to your Tab!

Tabaz

Dale has come up with some really cool mods for the Tab.  After seeing this post, I'm curious what he's done to his regular house. I can't imagine his creativity is limited to the Tab.

Dalehelman

Tabaz said:

Dale has come up with some really cool mods for the Tab.  After seeing this post, I'm curious what he's done to his regular house. I can't imagine his creativity is limited to the Tab.

The DW keeps me on a short  leash when it comes to the house.Tabaz said:

Dale - is this the new Tesla I've been reading about?

Good one

jkjenn

Tell us about how you mounted it, @Dalehelman . I had a 50w flexible I left on top of my Wrangler roof rack and I liked that for lunch stops and such. Very handy. Will you pop it off at the campsite?

Dalehelman

jkjenn said:

Tell us about how you mounted it, @Dalehelman . I had a 50w flexible I left on top of my Wrangler roof rack and I liked that for lunch stops and such. Very handy. Will you pop it off at the campsite?

I modified a roof rack for our Jeep GC. Remember I come up with ideas and it's up to you to make them work for you if you like the idea. I am more than happy to help if I can. Yes it can be quickly removed for better placement.

Homebodyatheart

Genius! Thanks Dale!

Michigan_Mike

I can see some possibilities here (and food for thought) for a foldable or stackable pickup truck bed cover with solar incorporated into it.  Would be nice to have something along those lines for a plug & use solar power source for RV owners.  

ericnliz

@Michigan_Mike, 'Ya just gave me a great idea for the Avalanche! I usually leave at least one, or two of the cover panels on covering the back. That would allow me to use the adjustable frame on my Renogy 100W suitcase model, and get those suckers off the ground!
@Dalehelman, Do the panels remain flat on the roof, or did you incorporate an adjustable frame as well? Great idea. How long are the connecting wires for your panel, and where did you install the controller?
I'm still waitin' for the retractable pontoons, and a trolling motor for the real "Lake side view"!

Dalehelman

For the time being it will remain flat. They can be easily  released and propped up if needed. As for the pontoons it's been done. Thinking about wings.

ericnliz

Hover craft for those January trips to Tabazona???

jkjenn

Dalehelman said:

jkjenn said:

Tell us about how you mounted it, @Dalehelman . I had a 50w flexible I left on top of my Wrangler roof rack and I liked that for lunch stops and such. Very handy. Will you pop it off at the campsite?

I modified a roof rack for our Jeep GC. Remember I come up with ideas and it's up to you to make them work for you if you like the idea. I am more than happy to help if I can. Yes it can be quickly removed for better placement.

Thanks, Dale. I, too have a GC and was recently w/o dieting what I would need to get to out my flexible panels to the factory rails. It appears as though you are just towers? Or are you using crossbar, too.

Dalehelman

@jkjenn  here are some pictures. The only modifications were the aluminum angle and I replaced the Allen screws with knobs. I for got about the 4 suction cup feet that the panel sits on.

RollingLagrima

Dude, you are a GENIUS.  nuCamp...hire this guy as a consultant!!

jkjenn

Thanks, Dale! Brilliant! I love the low profile fit.

ericnliz

@Dalehelman has an honorary professorship at T@B University! He & @Pop-T@B are the unofficial advisory board members (guidance counselors if you will!), and darn good at it.

Dalehelman

Most people just call me a know it all

ericnliz

@Dalehelman, All I can say is that you've always been there when after an hour of "head scratchin'", I finally pick up the phone & get some excellent advise & guidance! Thanks for being a good tutor & friend!!  

ScottG

Dalehelman said:

Most people just call me a know it all

"People who think they know it all really annoy those of us who do."   :-)

(with apologies to Isaac Asimov)

Dalehelman

ScottG said:

Dalehelman said:

Most people just call me a know it all

"People who think they know it all really annoy those of us who do."   :-)

(with apologies to Isaac Asimov)

Love it thank you

ScottG

Two other personal favorites...

"Those who think they know it all have no way of finding out they don't."
- Leo Buscaglia

"What is really important is what you learn after thinking you know it all."
- Waite Phillips

Ratkity

Any science advanced enough is indistinguishable from magic OR..... Any magic advanced enough is indistinguishable from science.

Restless_Native

That's a brilliant idea!

Ratkity

@Dalehelman, I have to second the genius of your mod. Your panels have air space under them to have air flow, they are not permanently mounted, yet very secure. Speaking of secure, they aren't in a position for someone to "grab and run" in a campground. You also have no obstructions found on many RVs and campers (fan covers, vents). 

ColleenD2

Hey @Dalehelman is 150 enough? Just about to order and curious if I need one or two for Boondocking. Thanks for being so smart! You teach me something every day on the Forum.

Dalehelman

@ColleenD2
Its really hard to say how much is enough. First it depends on your battery capacity. The more batteries the more wattage needed.  With a single group 24or27 100 watt minimum to 200 watt. IMHO

KRG

Looks great!

BrianZ

Great idea, @Dalehelman!  Which solar panel source did you use?  And can you share any details about wiring, controller, etc?  Do you use a long cable for repositioning on the ground if needed?

TABaker

RV Sue of the RV Sue and Crew blog has her panels mounted on the roof of her tow, a van.  She can park her Casita in the shade while she runs around in the van sightseeing or shopping, and the panels are charging.  I always liked her setup.  On her return, she plugs back into the trailer.

Sharon_is_SAM

Crystal, does she have an extra battery in the van that she charges with the panels while away from the RV?