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Topic: Renolgy solar panles (Read 1097 times) previous topic - next topic

Renolgy solar panles

Has anyone thought of using these panles/equipment for solar power?
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Renolgy solar panles

Reply #1 –
Quote from: rbark –
Has anyone thought of using these panles/equipment for solar power?
Have used their flexible panels and was not impressed. Their standard panels appear more expensive than many other panels of the same wattage.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Renolgy solar panles

Reply #2 –
I have extensively reserched solar panel costs. Like any market, the "Name Brands" cost more. I bought well-made generic american-made panels for $.45 per watt, not including shipping. See my solar panel video at:

Tim's RV Tips #1 - RV Solar Panel 48 Volt Lithium Installation, January 5,...
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Renolgy solar panles

Reply #3 –
If you buy two 300 watt panels from Renogy, and have them shipped to you, you will be paying $2.91 a watt. Even more if buying smaller panels. Best to find a local guy on CL and pick them up. I bought Suniva 320 watt panels [American Made]  for $225, did have to drive 20 miles to get them. About $0.70 a watt. New 340 watt mono Solar Panels, UL rated with warranties. Any quantity -...
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Renolgy solar panles

Reply #4 –
My guru buddy mentioned that the 50volt panels are residential and the volts are more dangerous than the 24 volt rv panels.

Mentioned wires were designed to be in conduit?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Renolgy solar panles

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
My guru buddy mentioned that the 50volt panels are residential and the volts are more dangerous than the 24 volt rv panels.

Mentioned wires were designed to be in conduit?
Very true Bob, and the 110 volts that runs through your coach, [mostly not in conduit] is even more dangerous.
www.electronicproducts.com/Power_Products/AC_DC_Power_Supplies/Which_is_more_dangerous_to_the_human_body_AC_or_DC_current_and_voltage.aspx
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Renolgy solar panles

Reply #6 –
My 128 cell 73 volt panels will really bite. I have messed with them a good bit never had a problem. I suppose if you tried on a damp day you might get a shock.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Renolgy solar panles

Reply #7 –
My guru mentioned the higher voltage will "draw you in" versus be able to pull away from it?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Renolgy solar panles

Reply #8 –
I have 4 of the 100 watt units on the roof now. Plan on 4 more 400 watts not quite enough. They seem to work fine so far.
The Starship- 1990 Grandvilla Unihome U300 40ft
6V92 Detroit Diesel w/ 4 spd Allison w/ retarder. Build# 3575 , Foretravel# 17895
The Shuttlecraft- 2015 Ford Explorer
Steve ( N6EKV ) & Lori ( N6JTD ) Faries  w/ Marlee our precious pup.
Patterson CA.

Re: Renolgy solar panles

Reply #9 –
OOPS, Hit the post button too quick. Got them from Amazon, $139 each. No freight. Mounted the panels themselves on U shaped aluminum channel and mounted channel to roof with VHB tape. 
The Starship- 1990 Grandvilla Unihome U300 40ft
6V92 Detroit Diesel w/ 4 spd Allison w/ retarder. Build# 3575 , Foretravel# 17895
The Shuttlecraft- 2015 Ford Explorer
Steve ( N6EKV ) & Lori ( N6JTD ) Faries  w/ Marlee our precious pup.
Patterson CA.

Re: Renolgy solar panles

Reply #10 –
$.64 per watt would be my goal.
Here are some of the same, Grade A panels I used. They are about .$64/watt and are in Las Vegas, so freight cost has to be added.

320 watt Solar panels 24v Polycrystalline new lot of 6pcs 1920 watts | eBay

The 320Watt panels are larger and heavier, but they generate a lot of power and simplify the electrical connections.

I wouldn't worry about getting shocked if you cover the leads with tape while installing.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Renolgy solar panles

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Tim –
$.64 per watt would be my goal.
Here are some of the same, Grade A panels I used. They are about .$64/watt and are in Las Vegas, so freight cost has to be added.

320 watt Solar panels 24v Polycrystalline new lot of 6pcs 1920 watts | eBay

The 320Watt panels are larger and heavier, but they generate a lot of power and simplify the electrical connections.

I wouldn't worry about getting shocked if you cover the leads with tape while installing.
That is who I bought mine from.. Roger also I think.. Hes local to me.. about 20 miles away

Re: Renolgy solar panles

Reply #12 –
$0.50/watt panels are not that hard to find. I like the commercial panels with the HD aluminum edge construction. Yingi panels from China are great and used in many solar farms here in the states. Domestic commercial panels are also good. The aluminum really stiffens them up so will take more abuse from trees or an accidental fall if on the roof. Check your local Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. That's the way I found ours. $0.57/watt almost 9 years ago. Check your roof before buying as the larger size limits where you can install them. The larger panels also need three fasteners on each side to attach to the roof. Our local Facebook marketplace has used BP panels for $0.33/watt or new 350 watt panels for $160 today.

I did series/parallel wiring with 72 volts coming down to the controller. I shocked myself several times reaching in the area behind the controller to attach the wires but no big deal, just a quick jolt and a good reminder to pay attention. And no, it won't suck you in. Using solar connectors, there won't be any exposed wires to shock you, only where it connects to the electrical bus behind/close to the controller. They are super easy to make up and only require a very basic skill level.

Use plastic electrical flex conduit on the roof to run the wires in. It's easy, keeps the UV off the wires and prevents anything hooking them and pulling. Plus, it looks professional, not shade tree.

I screwed everything down. The U300 already has a couple hundred holes in the roof so if you use any care and seal each fastener, no water will get inside the roof. A conventional stud finder works well to locate the aluminum in the roof. The roof is 0.400 thick  glass and wood so other kind of fasteners will provide a secure base for the areas where the aluminum is not convenient.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Renolgy solar panles

Reply #13 –
I got 300 watt commercial panels from Las Vegas.  Less than 40ยข per watt.  They shipped a half pallet (10 panels)  to me in MN and delivered them with a lift gate truck for about $300.  At my door, about $150 per panel.  These have a 25 year performance warranty and are rated for 50 mph golf ball sized hail resistance.  So far they are flawless.

Renesola brand.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN
 

Re: Renolgy solar panles

Reply #14 –
if Roof space is a consideration the newer more expensive Panasonic panels are over 21% efficient and may allow easier mounting for some. 32" X 62" at 240 Watts looks good to me.  I want the smaller footprint to allow some roof access.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4