Solar Panels

[tbethurum]

I would like to add a larger solar panel to our 2000 Winn Ultimate Advantage 40J as we only have the small one that doesn't work, all I want is to power is tv etc. not the refer we have a 1500 watt inventer and three 12 volt house batteries any advice to size of panel, controller and how to install or have a dealer install as it looks like it will not be easy to run the wires.

I did follow the wires from our small solar panel that go down the refer vent but from there who knows, I do know you need a controller and the controller hooks to the inverter and batteries.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[LandKinaMoho]

AM Solar.com located in Oregon.

[John Hilley]

I wouldn't go with less than around 200 watts. Two 100 watt panels or a single 190 watt panel would be the least expensive. Two Kyocera 140 watt panels woulf work nicely.

You would probably want to run the cable the same path as the small panel, down the refrigerator vent. Use at least 4 gauge wire and mount the charge controller as close to the batteries as possible.

An RV dealer wouldn't necessarily be the best to install if they aren't familiar with solar installs.

[tbethurum]

Why the large size I would think 10 would be enough to carry the amps.

[John Hilley]

Originally Posted by tbethurum

Why the large size I would think 10 would be enough to carry the amps.

Ampacity tables are primarily a safety measure for 120 VAC wiring and are a combination of keeping temperature to a certain level and voltage drop.

The main issue with solar DC wiring is voltage drop, where even tenths of a volt count. This is where a lot of solar installations go wrong. The key to a good installation is large wire size kept to the shortest possible length and making sure the panels don't have any shadows on them.

[LandKinaMoho]

Originally Posted by John Hilley

Ampacity tables are primarily a safety measure for 120 VAC wiring and are a combination of keeping temperature to a certain level and voltage drop.

The main issue with solar DC wiring is voltage drop, where even tenths of a volt count. This is where a lot of solar installations go wrong. The key to a good installation is large wire size kept to the shortest possible length and making sure the panels don't have any shadows on them.

Yup, short and fat. If AMSolar.com say so also then its the rule to follow :-)

[wonderer1]

you might try discountsolar.com 321 exeter, ca 1-877-736-8944 they have a lot of panels listed. but i found listed at their site 50 watt for $99 --75 watt for $129 --90 watt for $149 good luck -------also on ebay 2)100 watt panels $299 from solarpenny.com free shipping 1-480-374-3230 mesa, az.

[Cheryl Bisson]

Another vote for AM Solar in Oregon. They installed our 300 watt system which has served us well.

[tbethurum]

Looks like I will install a 140 first and a Blue Sky Controller, now to pay income tax in April.

Thanks for the info.

[LandKinaMoho]

Originally Posted by tbethurum

Looks like I will install a 140 first and a Blue Sky Controller, now to pay income tax in April.

Thanks for the info.

:-)