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Topic: Another PV Install at AM Solar (Read 5783 times) previous topic - next topic

Another PV Install at AM Solar

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.

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #1 –
Can't wait to see more pictures Oscar, as our coach is the same as you're except a year older.

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #2 –
How does the 24v work with a 12v system and how did you fit that much solar on the roof?

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #3 –
Very impressive, 3300 watts on a 38 ft coach will probably set a record.

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #4 –
Quote from: DavidS –
How does the 24v work with a 12v system and how did you fit that much solar on the roof?

They are using a Buck-Boost DC-DC converter 24/12 100A for 12V alternator charge to 24V lithium and a Orion 24/12-70A DC-DC converter IP20 for 12V House DC from 24V Lithium (I think this is what they said...).  Getting that much solar is only possible if their new mounting technique works which they will be trying out tomorrow.  I will explain it in more detail tomorrow if it works ^.^d .  Also my DW and I are not TV watchers so we deleted the dish and the local TV antennae.  If we get the itch to watch TV we will just stream if we have enough signal.  A Wilson signal booster is in the future (our money tree needs more time to grow more funds for us) ;) .  They will be making two zones: 1560W and 1760W solar arrays.  They will also be using, for the first time (I get to be the guinea pig) Victron BlueSolar Smart MPPT 150/70-Tr VE.Can for each array.  These MPPT's use a Can connection for communication.

Hope I got this answers the questions you had and I did not mix up the DC-DC info.

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #5 –
Thinking with good sun and running one ac, you will not even be thinking about generators or shore power.

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #7 –
Would you be willing to share total cost when done?
Chris

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #8 –
Sounds awesome!  We will need as many details and photos as possible, since you are "pushing the limits" with your install.

KEEP THE REPORTS COMING!

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #9 –
Wow that's a pretty big setup. Waiting on the details and pics. Sure to be a cool project.
One thing though, all that solar on the roof makes for a very difficult footing up there. I only have 1500 watts and its pretty dicey getting around up there. Keep that in mind. You will have to go up from time to time.

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Bob and Julie –
One thing though, all that solar on the roof makes for a very difficult footing up there. I only have 1500 watts and its pretty dicey getting around up there. Keep that in mind. You will have to go up from time to time.

Absolutely.  If their new mounting technique works I will still be able to do my annual maintenance on my A/C units.  We will see...

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Chris m lang –
Would you be willing to share total cost when done?
Chris

Expensive :o ...I will have enough tax credit (this is the last year at 30% tax credit) to cover my taxes for a few years.  I will not be able to provide my cost due to some special pricing I received being the guinea pig on some new equipment and installation techniques.  If you go to AM Solar's webpage - amsolar.com - you will be able to estimate an order of magnitude of the cost.

We wanted to be able to not worry about plugging in or having to run the generator and still using all of our appliances and limited A/C.  My only limiting factor will be water and waste disposal.  We will now be able to pull into our children's driveway and visit without electric hookup or bothering the neighbors with generator noise.  Did we have to have such a large system, absolutely not, but the peace of mind to us is worth it.

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #12 –
Quote from: valento –
Expensive :o ...I will have enough tax credit (this is the last year at 30% tax credit) to cover my taxes for a few years.  I will not be able to provide my cost due to some special pricing I received being the guinea pig on some new equipment and installation techniques.  If you go to AM Solar's webpage - amsolar.com - you will be able to estimate an order of magnitude of the cost.

Safe to say $15-20K?

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #17 –
Not much to show or report today for most of the work was done where I could not get any pictures.  Lots of wire routing and building up of the panels they are going to install.  Right at quitting time they put the first bank of panels up onto the roof.  They  bolted together sets of two Zamp 100W panels and two Zamp 90W long panels.  These will have four anchor points that allow for tilting to the sides.  By bolting them together in pairs it is theoretically supposed to give me enough room to get between them to tilt them towards the outside of the coach creating a larger walkway when I want to perform maintenance on my A/C units.  These sets of two solar panels are in series and each set is in parallel to the Victron BlueSolar Smart MPPT 150/70-Tr VE.Can.

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #18 –
Quote from: valento –
They  bolted together sets of two Zamp 100W panels and two Zamp 90W long panels.
100W panels?? That will take 33 panels! Why not use 375W panels it would only take 9. Is there an advantage to 100w panels? Not criticizing just asking. :)

see ya
ken

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #19 –
Sounds like you are going to make your coach into the first Foretravel Earthroamer.  Hope this works out the way you want and you get many years and miles enjoying it Oscar and Janet.              ^.^d