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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Boondocking, Solar Power, and Related Items -> Finally....Our Solar Panel System is Up and Running!
Post Info TOPIC: Finally....Our Solar Panel System is Up and Running!
bigboomer


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Finally....Our Solar Panel System is Up and Running!
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Well folks it has been a long time in planning but I finally got the solar panel system completed this past weekend. First, my thanks must go out to John Kohl, Joe (Jolu), John (7.3Ford) of the Montana Owners Forum and Jack Mayer for allowing me to pick their brains and provide guidance thru observation of their installed systems. Here is the system basics:

3 - SolarWorld SW-270Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Midnite Solar Classic 150 MPPT Charge Controller 96 amps 150 volts
Magnum MS-2812 Inverter with ME-RC50
Midnite Solar E-Panel MNE-250-Alum-L (with solar controller disconnect)
Magnum BMK Monitor w/ 500 AMP Shunt
PV Array Breaker, 2 amp 150 VDC Din Rail for Combiner
PV Array Breaker, 30 amp 150 VDC Din Rail for Input of Charge Contoller
PV Array Breaker, 100 amp 150 VDC Din Rail for Output of Charge Controller
Midnite Solar MNPV4-MC4 Combiner
115 Volts max DC and 90 Volts max AC Surge Protection
385 Volts max DC and 300 volts max AC Surge Protection
6 - Concorde PVX-3050T AGM Batteries - 6V/305 amp (12V/915 amp total capacity)
Progressive EMS-LCHW50 Hardwired Surge/ Power Protector

Due to the high end capabilities of this system, one of the things that I wanted to achieve was to make sure that this system was able to be removed from the existing 5'er and moved to another should be decide down the line to trade up to a newer model. I did not want to install the panels on the roof but needed to make them transportable when we move around the country. With the drywall lift system I came up with I will be able to put the panel on the roof of the truck with a locking rack system (still being assembled and installed on truck). The drywall lift allows me to move the panels around and also allows for adjustment to the solar array depending on the location of the country relative to the sun angle at various times of the year. With the Lift I can raise the panels up to 11'-6" off the ground and can tilt the panels between 25 and 75 degrees for optimal performance. It will also allow me to move the panels to a sunny location within 30 feet of the coach.

Here is a link to the photos during construction:

http://s962.photobucket.com/user/mybigboomer/library/RV%20Solar%20System

Quartzite here we come!!!!



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Les and Sue

http://ramblingrvrat.blogspot.com/?m=1

"CHARACTER is doing the right thing when no one is looking"

9/11 Never Forget!

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'09 Intl 4400 LP Customized by 2L Custom Trucks, Pooleville, TX

'20 DRV Mobile Suites 40KSSB4

 
GENECOP


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Great job.....where are you storing the lift during travel?

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bigboomer


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Gene,

The great thing about the lift is it comes a part into 3 parts, each part weighing about 35 lbs. when broken down the lift can fit in a trunk of a car with ease. I will be able to store it under the lift deck in the garage of the truck.

 



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Our Home

Les and Sue

http://ramblingrvrat.blogspot.com/?m=1

"CHARACTER is doing the right thing when no one is looking"

9/11 Never Forget!

GOD Bless America!

'09 Intl 4400 LP Customized by 2L Custom Trucks, Pooleville, TX

'20 DRV Mobile Suites 40KSSB4

 
GENECOP


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Maybe I missed it in the photos but how does the system connect to the Rig...is there some kind of exterior plug connector and is that how you get your 30' Length ability to posistion the array?

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Lucky Mike


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nice set up !!


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We are not lost in the Woods.....Just Extreme boondocking!!!!!!
bigboomer


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Gene, The panel cables are feed thru the existing battery box vent in the front of the compart where I removed the mini louver to run the cables thru. I will add a picture to the folder.

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Our Home

Les and Sue

http://ramblingrvrat.blogspot.com/?m=1

"CHARACTER is doing the right thing when no one is looking"

9/11 Never Forget!

GOD Bless America!

'09 Intl 4400 LP Customized by 2L Custom Trucks, Pooleville, TX

'20 DRV Mobile Suites 40KSSB4

 
bigboomer


RV-Dreams Family Member

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Posts: 435
Date:
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Thanks folks for the kudos but I honestly could not have done it some of the brightest minds we have here in RV Dreams like Jack Mayer and Howard.

I also wanted to note that all of the main components for the system aside from the items that I could get locally such as the sub panels, etc. I purchased from Northern Arizona Wind and Sun http://www.solar-electric.com/ They were a big help and being able to purchase everything I a single source really helped keep the costs in check and also allowed a good coordination.

We cannot wait to hit up Quartzite in January for the Circling of the Montana's!



__________________

Our Home

Les and Sue

http://ramblingrvrat.blogspot.com/?m=1

"CHARACTER is doing the right thing when no one is looking"

9/11 Never Forget!

GOD Bless America!

'09 Intl 4400 LP Customized by 2L Custom Trucks, Pooleville, TX

'20 DRV Mobile Suites 40KSSB4

 
bigboomer


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 435
Date:
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For you folks with Solar panel systems here is a cool link to help with positioning your rig or panels accordingly to provide optimal sunlight contact:

http://www.sunearthtools.com/dp/tools/pos_sun.php

Enjoy!

Les

 

 



__________________

Our Home

Les and Sue

http://ramblingrvrat.blogspot.com/?m=1

"CHARACTER is doing the right thing when no one is looking"

9/11 Never Forget!

GOD Bless America!

'09 Intl 4400 LP Customized by 2L Custom Trucks, Pooleville, TX

'20 DRV Mobile Suites 40KSSB4

 
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