| Solar Panel Idea [message #189178] |
Sun, 04 November 2012 14:15  |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma:
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Senior Member |
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Not all GMCs use solar, but there are a lot that do. Just wanted to share a idea. This "technically" won't be correct, aka "up to code"
On my GMC I use (4) 200w hinged solar folding panels. I want to store them on the roof, but only one of them facing the sun to keep my batteries changed. I wanted to be able to disconnect them quickly for serving them or moving them. I also wanted to be able to have them able to be set up whenever I wanted without a hassle, take them off the roof, move them around while in use etc. All without having the wires in direct sun all the time. My old design had a good amount of wire in direct sun, and 1 summer in the sun the wire was already showing issues with uV.
Problem was the wires hanging from the panels, and how to "plug them in, unplug them" without hard wiring them, or having tons of wire all over the roof to trip on, and keeping it all super nice and super neat.
What I opted to do was buy two 15ft, 14q outdoor high quality ext cords. I cut off the female end and wired that directly to the panels. Keeping the male side intact.
Then I bought two 110V waterproof outlet/boxes. Wired them up in +/+. -/-, and attached them to my wires coming up from the ceiling. And wala, I'm able to store the unused cords easily in between the unused stored panels. I'm able to unplug them, or plug them in super easy for maintenance. I also used a flat piece of flashing that I shaped into a little hat making it a little roof for the waterproof outlets so they are extra protected from water as well.
The only bad part is of course if I wasn't the only on ever to use my RV someone would think the boxes were 110V not 12v. But nobody ever goes on my roof but me and nobody borrows my gmc either. Just myself and the wife/kids. Just a cool project wanted to share for those who may want to add/subtract, remove, move, solar without the hassle.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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