Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Topic: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems) (Read 3179 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #25 – February 20, 2017, 10:25:56 am

My Family used to own a farm in Mayo. If you get a chance try the lunch buffet.

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #26 – February 25, 2017, 02:09:22 pm

Quote from: Chuck Pearson – February 15, 2017, 09:18:58 am

Impressive. I do have one question, though. The panel mounting, one clip at each corner, is it sufficient? Can't grab the panel between mounts and flex it? Not criticizing, just surprised that mounts could be this simple. No personal experience.

Update: Turns out these weren't sufficient! The panels in the rear that were protected from air flow by A/C shrouds and fan covers were fine. However, the front panel is mounted less than a foot from the front cap. When I got over 40 MPH, there was a pretty aggressive squeaking and rattling, presumably from the air coming up off the windshield/front cap area. Given how close these panels were mounted together - adding an additional bracket on each side wasn't really an ideal solution. So here is the low-tech solution we went with:

1) Lower the front panel - we lowered the "rear" screws by 1 notch, and the "front" screws by 2 notches, giving the front panel a slight aerodynamic forward tilt, and preventing some of the air flow.
2) Bought some piping insulation, and slid it underneath the center of each panel to provide some cushion.

After these changes, we had zero noise, zero rattling, zero squeaking. Worked like a charm. At first, we didn't secure the piping. Drove 30 minutes and checked - they hadn't moved. Drove another 3 hours and checked - they had moved left/right a few inches, so the solution was less than permanent. When we got home I drilled a hole in the side of each of each panel, and put a zip tie around each piece of pipe insulation to prevent movement.

Some of you may be surprised by this type of "fix" - but after seeing it in action I am quite sure it is an adequate solution. I'll probably replace the insulation every few years. If we have one of the panels flex and shatter, I will be sure to update this post so nobody makes the same mistake on this type of "easy fix"!

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #27 – February 25, 2017, 02:13:36 pm

Also want to update that everything is working great!! We've been going through about 200 AHs each evening/overnight, and we've made it back to 100% each day, even being in a less-than ideal location. Been using the microwave again after 3 months of a microwave-less life! One day it was really cloudy, and we only made it back to 96%.

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #28 – February 25, 2017, 02:25:29 pm

About the mounting of your front panel...I think the biggest problem is the close proximity to the front of the coach. That, and the fact that the "long" side of the leading panel is facing into the wind. We only have 4 mounting brackets on our panels, and they have been perfectly secure for almost 10,000 miles since installation. BUT, the panel nearest the front end is still well back (behind the laid-down crank-up TV antenna), and all the panels are oriented lengthwise.

If the foam doesn't hold up, you might be able to add some kind of low spoiler lip above the windshield, to deflect the air over the panel.

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #29 – February 25, 2017, 02:45:51 pm

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – February 25, 2017, 02:25:29 pm

If the foam doesn't hold up, you might be able to add some kind of low spoiler lip above the windshield, to deflect the air over the panel.

Yes that was another option we considered, good advice! I think if the compression of the pipe insulation doesn't hold up, maybe we'll try a 'pool noodle' that's firmer, if we can find the right size. Otherwise, a spoiler lip is probably the next option. Luckily, I think that if whatever option you go with isn't working - the panels will speak and let you know it! This issue isn't likely to escape unnoticed.

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #30 – February 25, 2017, 02:50:36 pm

In addition to the foam support you have added, maybe put a foam tube all the way across the front to block air from getting under the front panel. Just a thought... I guess you would have the roof curvature to overcome...

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #31 – February 25, 2017, 03:15:42 pm

Some of the problem might not be air getting "under" the panel, but rather air turbulence effecting the whole top panel surface. Since a Unicoach going down the highway is basically a brick, the airflow directly behind the front leading roof edge could be quite disruptive.

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #32 – February 25, 2017, 03:20:15 pm

James, once I finish my lunch I will send a pic of what I did for the cure. Simple and has been on for 4 yrs with no movement or noise.
Give me 15
JohnH

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #33 – February 25, 2017, 03:39:17 pm

I made these out of Aluminum and then cut with hacksaw up centre from base to be able to bend ever so slightly to fit curve of roof. They are held down with VHB tape (of course) and I put 3 up on roof to be in line with the rows of panels. have not moved in 4 yrs and worked as expected.
JohnH

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #34 – February 25, 2017, 08:20:04 pm

Wow John, I don't doubt you'll never have to touch those. Looks great, wouldn't expect anything less from you. I'm saving a copy of those pictures as a blueprint for if I end up having to do something like that.

By the way, do you have a link for the air scoops you used to protect the battery bank / propane tank grates from water spray?

Would also be interested in knowing what flavor of VHB tape is your favorite for exterior surfaces. There are so many types.

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #35 – February 25, 2017, 10:47:01 pm

James, the scoops I make myself out of 18 gge aluminum sheet and use tape to hold in place. So no drwg just use your mental ability of pretending you are the water and want to get in??? Anything to stop entry is good as long as you do not seal the holes up.
The tape I use is at home so cannot give you specs, but it is around 1/16th thick and 1" wide so I use a few strips depending on the size of footprint that I am adhering. VHB is on the tape backing, but I think the 3m they use to hold on car door trim will be similar and that is easy to get at o'rielly's etc.
JohnH

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #36 – February 26, 2017, 08:45:07 am

Nice looking installation! How did you secure the mounting feet to the roof? VHB tape or tape plus screws? If screws, how long and did you try to go into the roof framing? I'm about to mount some panels on my roof

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #37 – February 26, 2017, 06:46:12 pm

Quote from: Blinded04 – February 25, 2017, 08:20:04 pm

By the way, do you have a link for the air scoops you used to protect the battery bank / propane tank grates from water spray?

You might look at adding these aluminum louvers temporarily at the bottom of the vents to keep the water out. They seem to work pretty well and don't require any modification other than some adhesive.

Edit: added photos.

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Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #38 – February 27, 2017, 08:23:36 am

Quote from: Richrpilot – February 26, 2017, 08:45:07 am

Nice looking installation! How did you secure the mounting feet to the roof? VHB tape or tape plus screws? If screws, how long and did you try to go into the roof framing? I'm about to mount some panels on my roof

We used screws and sealant. We didn't go into the framing - our roof is still in good shape. John H is a tape guy - either should be fine with the appropriate precautions. I honestly don't know how long the screws were. I was on panel placement and foot measuring/marking duty - another guy did the securing. Something I probably should know, but hopefully there is never a need to find out!

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #39 – February 27, 2017, 09:49:38 am

Robert, I actually tried one of them and found they did not keep heavy rain etc out, so made my own which because they hang lower keep all moisture out. I have one at every hole in basement floor not just at battery bay.
JohnH

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #40 – March 02, 2017, 01:41:13 pm

Did you remove fridge to run wires?

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #41 – March 02, 2017, 01:52:42 pm

Did not remove fridge, just used a flashlight shined up the access panel to be sure we didn't get the wires inside the coils (while we were lowering them down the refrigerator vent)

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #42 – March 02, 2017, 02:45:06 pm

We removed vent cover and used ties to guide wires down inside panel of compartment. We wanted to make sure over time they did not come in contact with heat or chafe.

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #43 – June 25, 2017, 06:51:19 pm

While at Old Town Motorcoach in April, I discussed John H's solar pane windscreen (he posted pics above). I've attached two pictures of the solution OTM came up with. Not exactly like John's, they cut a piece of metal to the curve of the roof, and used sealant to create a wind-tight flat-front in front of the first panel. I was initially concerned that the bottom edge would eventually work it's way through the sealant and cut into the roof - but we've driven 3,000 miles since then, checking it often, and it still looks good. I'll keep an eye on it.

Best of all - quiet as a whisper. No wind noise, no vibration. I'm a pleased customer.

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #44 – October 08, 2017, 11:32:26 pm

Quote from: RvTrvlr – February 17, 2017, 02:15:09 am

Impressive I love all these solar posts, it gives me motivation!

I installed a smart combiner to keep my start batteries charged. It has worked out perfectly. Since certain things run off the start batteries that I didnt know about (dash radio and the cigarette lighter I have my SiriuxXM plugged into) I didn't understand why the start batteries were going dead after a week or two. After tracing power, I got it. Added the smart combiner and eliminated the alternator isolator. Now the alternator directly charges my starting batteries and as long as they are full, the combiner sends power off to the house batteries. It does the reverse when plugged in, or running generator (I dont have solar - yet) Whenever I charge the house batteries off my inverter/charger, the start batteries get topped up too, and I havent had any starting problems since installing the combiner. In my opinion, a far smarter choice than a charger or separate solar panel, for simplicity and flexibility not to mention having a lot more amps available in the event you accidentally drain the start batteries by leaving headlights on or some other draw.

What brand and model combiner did you use?

Re: Solar Installation Progress - John Palmer in Mayo, FL (Palmer Energy Systems)

Reply #45 – October 09, 2017, 12:11:49 am

I used a Yandina combiner - an old sailboat supplier that makes excellent products. I used the Yandina Combiner 600, replacing the diode isolator with it. It performs flawlessly, I have not had a dead or low battery since installing and I am able to run the inverter down the road on trips and arrive with my house batteries still 100% full, which wasnt the case with the old isolator that sucked.

The sterling isolators seemed fine, but the yandina wins with simplicity. Start batteries and alternator on one post, house on the other, done. Start batteries ALWAYS charge even if the combiner were to fail. You can even wire the yandina in place of your boost solenoid as it is able to be remotely activated anytime in addition to the automatic operation. The yandina is based on a tyco latching relay, it doesnt get hot and draw a ton of current like the boost solenoid.

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