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Topic: Another PV Install at AM Solar (Read 4202 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #75 –
Quote from: Chris m lang –
Oscar, what is the benefit of using 90 and 100 watt panels over say 325 watt panels?  I'm not a solar guru so just wandering what the difference is?

Chris

Chris,

Good question!  I was first looking at using LG's 21% efficiency 365 watt panels but was not able to get as much total wattage do to their size.  I also wrote to LG to ask if they would warranty the panels if mounted on my RV.  I got passed around to different departments and they would never answer the question.  Using the ZAMP 100 and 90 watt panels I was able to utilize more of the available space on the roof and maximize my total wattage.  ZAMP panels have a 25 year warranty and are built to be placed on mobile platforms.  Their efficiency is only 18% vs LG's 21%.

Hope this answers the question.
Oscar
Oscar & Janet Valent
2023 Coach House 261XLQD
Former 2004 U320 3820 PBBS
Former 2007 Newell Coach #815
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #76 –
I was lucky to be able to mount four commercial panels on our roof because of their size. Unless you use a residential fridge, four big panels are plenty. We could use more battery capacity.

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

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #77 –
Finally finished the install today.  Everything works as planned.  I really like the number of options for automatically starting the generator.  You can have your generator start by each of the following parameters:  SOC, battery voltage, battery current, AC load, inverter high temperature, inverter overload, and periodic run.  I only have enabled the SOC and battery voltage.

We are on our way to Jojoba Hills RV Resort (Escapees SKP) and am anxious to see if I can run totally off of my solar and batteries during the winter months.  I know we will not have any issues during the summer on our travels.

Below is a picture of my AM Solar DC layout if you are interested.
Oscar & Janet Valent
2023 Coach House 261XLQD
Former 2004 U320 3820 PBBS
Former 2007 Newell Coach #815
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #78 –
Quote from: valento –
We pulled the trigger and we are having AM Solar install a 3320W PV system to include 1200Ah 24V LifeBlue lithium battery and monitoring system, Victron Quattro 24/5000/220-100/100 120V Inverter/Charger system, and auto generator start system.  They are estimating it will take about 3 weeks to install.  They are trying a new technique of PV installation so that I will still be able to tilt the panels and also have room to service my A/C units.  Below are some pictures of them removing my satellite dish, local TV antennae, and compass unit.  Tomorrow starts the PV install.  I will see if they will let me enter the shop at the end of the day tomorrow to get some inside pictures of the work they have done.
They do good work, and I've been really happy with RV Solar Solutions which is one of the authorized installers. 
Prior 2003 U295  40ft  400Hp -Sold
2020 F350 Tremor - Sold
2021 Bundutec Roadrunner - Sold
2017 Airstream Classic - Sold that POS
2017 F250 - Sold
2019 Sprinter Van - Sold
2022 Winnebago Revel 4x4


Army Airborne Vet.

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #79 –
How's it working Oscar?
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #80 –
Quote from: Jeff & Sandy –
How's it working Oscar?

I have not plugged in since they finished the install.  We are having our first "Winter Storm" (rain) here in Aguanga, CA, the last few days so with the clouds and not much sun I am down to 75% SOC.  We are supposed to get about 4 days of sunshine starting tomorrow and that should get me back up to 100% SOC before the next storm hits starting next Tuesday.  Sure does seem nice not having to use any shore power with an all electric coach!  Now that the days are getting shorter and the angle of the sun is lower I use the diesel mode in the AquaHot.  When the sun shines more and is at a higher angle I will go back to using electric for heating the water and the coach.  I am down to between 10-11 kilowatt hours of solar production a day (when the sun is out).
Oscar & Janet Valent
2023 Coach House 261XLQD
Former 2004 U320 3820 PBBS
Former 2007 Newell Coach #815
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #81 –
Quote from: jcus –
Very impressive, 3300 watts on a 38 ft coach will probably set a record.
That's a healthy size! For total crazy a friend of ours has an older Prevost (AC not on roof) he is kinda a mad scientist guy..6000W on the Roof and a Battery Bank out of a Tesla...It's a Beast. Did it all himself and built a custom roof rack out of 80/20...WOW is what I said
Prior 2003 U295  40ft  400Hp -Sold
2020 F350 Tremor - Sold
2021 Bundutec Roadrunner - Sold
2017 Airstream Classic - Sold that POS
2017 F250 - Sold
2019 Sprinter Van - Sold
2022 Winnebago Revel 4x4


Army Airborne Vet.

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #82 –
Sounds like an awesome system!  I am sure he is enjoying his as much as I enjoy mine.

Always fun to hear what others have done.
Oscar & Janet Valent
2023 Coach House 261XLQD
Former 2004 U320 3820 PBBS
Former 2007 Newell Coach #815
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
 

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #83 –
Ran out of room on coach roof, so put 5200 watts of solar on the S&B roof.  21 kwh leaf battery [48 volts], backup for house incase of power outage. But now I use it to recharge my Tesla every other day with it.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.