Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Small Solar System
| Small Solar System [message #189977] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 11:25  |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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The last two weekends, and the evenings in between, I have been working on the installation of a small (140 watt) solar charging system for my batteries. After much consultation with Dan G. and much reading up on the subject, Kathy and I finally went for it. We like to dry camp, not for extended periods, but for anywhere from a few days to a week at a time. Living in Southern Arizona, we decided to take advantage of the abundant sunshine we have here.
I have taken other steps to prepare our coach for dry camping, such as installing LED lights in appropriate locations throughout the coach, installing a Trimetric battery meter (it's like a gas gauge for your batteries), and installing a Heat absorption refrigerator. The only thing we lack is a means of heating water without running either the Onan or the 455.
I started out with a small system, but sized the controller, wire, etc. so as to be expandable if we find that we need more charging capacity. Below is a list of the items I used:
http://www.solar-electric.com/kykd140wasom1.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/tracc35solch.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/xabatese25fo.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/xlp--6.html (about 50')
http://www.solar-electric.com/maxfusholinw.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/dipozrvmofe.html
I installed a 20 amp fuse between the panel and the controller and a 40 amp between the controller and the battery.
I will be taking my annual sand dune trip in a few weeks (Thanksgiving Weekend) and will get a chance to see how well the system keeps up with our power usage.
Here is a link to the 'photo essay' I put together on the photo site:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6227-solar-battery-charging.html
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
[Updated on: Mon, 12 November 2012 12:36] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Small Solar System [message #189986 is a reply to message #189977] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 12:35  |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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| Carl S. wrote on Mon, 12 November 2012 10:25 |
The last two weekends, and the evenings in between, I have been working on the installation of a small (140 watt) solar charging system for my batteries. After much consultation with Dan G. and much reading up on the subject, Kathy and I finally went for it. We like to dry camp, not for extended periods, but for anywhere from a few days to a week at a time. Living in Southern Arizona, we decided to take advantage of the abundant sunshine we have here.
I have taken other steps to prepare our coach for dry camping, such as installing LED lights in appropriate locations throughout the coach, installing a Trimetric battery meter (it's like a gas gauge for your batteries), and installing a Heat absorption refrigerator. The only thing we lack is a means of heating water without running either the Onan or the 455.
I started out with a small system, but sized the controller, wire, etc. so as to be expandable if we find that we need more charging capacity. Below is a list of the items I used:
http://www.solar-electric.com/kykd140wasom1.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/tracc35solch.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/xabatese25fo.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/xlp--6.html (about 50')
http://www.solar-electric.com/maxfusholinw.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/dipozrvmofe.html
I installed a 20 amp fuse between the panel and the controller and a 40 amp between the controller and the battery.
I will be taking my annual sand dune trip in a few weeks (Thanksgiving Weekend) and will get a chance to see how well the system keeps up with our power usage.
Here is a link to the 'photo essay' I put together on the photo site:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6227-solar-battery-charging.html
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A few corrections for you emailers:
It SHOULD read "The last TWO weekends...
and it is a 140 watt panel, NOT 240.
Sorry, I should proof read better before I post.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
[Updated on: Mon, 12 November 2012 12:36] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Small Solar System [message #189990 is a reply to message #189987] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 12:53 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Thanks Dan.
I was getting a peak charge of about 5.2 amps out of it yesterday. I suspect I could get as much as 8 amps with the sun a little higher in the sky. An added bonus to mounting the panel on the pod (if it works out) is that, if I'm parked the right direction, I can tilt the panel toward the sun by opening the lid and putting a prop under it (on a calm day). It's probably more hassle than it would be worth and I'm not saying I will do it, but I COULD if I wanted to. 
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small Solar System [message #189994 is a reply to message #189977] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 13:01 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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Hi Carl, your system looks GOOD !!!
We also prefer to BOON-DOCK camp.
I wouldn't consider a 240 Watt system a SMALL system, you should have plenty of
power.
I did a very similar system this past summer. Started out with 1-100 watt panel
than then increased it to a total of 275 watts of panels. I installed the
Xantrex C60 controller and the Trimetric Meter. We've converted to all LED
lighting too. For heating the water, I'd recommend going to a tankless propane
heater, it's the only way to go in my opinion. Here are the links to our solar
system and to our tankless water heater installation.
Solar..
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6188-rays-solar-battery-charging-system.html
H2O Heater..
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6188-rays-solar-battery-charging-system.html
I've calculated our usage a gazillion different ways and here's what I came up
with.
On a typical day, we use about .6 kWh of power. If we get 5 hours of good sun,
our panels will give us 1.25 kWh of charging power. Last summer on our
vacation I only had the 1 - 100 watt panel and we went nearly 5 days before we
had to charge the batteries. Now with 250 watts I feel we should be able to go
as long as we'd ever need to. The 3 biggest users of our power are; A
Fantastic Vent, the Water Pump and my Cpap machine.
We also do early spring and late fall camping where heat is needed. Our
Suburban furnace really sucks the batteries down, it draws 8.5 amps, so I
purchased and installed a Mr. Heater Big Buddy Catalytic heater. We used it in
October one weekend and the outside temp got down to 24 degrees on Saturday
night....we were warm as toast and the Big Buddy heater requires no electrical
use. Plus the Big Buddy heater has it's own low oxygen sensor with auto flame
shut off, it's always good to also keep an over head vent slightly open when
using that heater and to have a good CO sensor/alarm in the coach.
I've been thrilled the way everything works.
Ray
Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
________________________________
From: Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, November 12, 2012 11:26:02 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Small Solar System
The last tow weekends and the evenings in between, I have been working on the
installation of a small (240 watt) solar charging system for my batteries.
After much consultation with Dan G. and much reading up on the subject, Kathy
and I finally went for it. We like to dry camp, not for extended periods, but
for anywhere from a few days to a week at a time. Living in Southern Arizona,
we decides to take advantage of the abundant sunshine we have here.
I have taken other steps to prepare our coach for dry camping, such as
installing LED lights in appropriate locations throughout the coach, installing
a Trimetric battery meter (it's like a gas gauge for your batteries), and
installing a Heat absorption refrigerator. The only thing we lack is a means
of heating water without running either the Onan or the 455.
I started out with a small system, but sized the controller, wire, etc. so as to
be expandable if we find that we need more charging capacity. Below is a list
of the items I used:
http://www.solar-electric.com/kykd140wasom1.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/tracc35solch.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/xabatese25fo.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/xlp--6.html (about 50')
http://www.solar-electric.com/maxfusholinw.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/dipozrvmofe.html
I installed a 20 amp fuse between the panel and the controller and a 40 amp
between the controller and the battery.
I will be taking my annual sand dune trip in a few weeks (Thanksgiving Weekend)
and will get a chance to see how well the system keeps up with our power usage.
Here is a link to the 'photo essay' I put together on the photo site:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6227-solar-battery-charging.html
--
Carl S.
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
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Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small Solar System [message #189996 is a reply to message #189977] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 13:13 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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I attached the wrong link for the tankless water heater.......CRS is really
kicking in !
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5266-tankless-water-heater-installation-2009.html
Ray
Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
________________________________
From: Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, November 12, 2012 11:25:56 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Small Solar System
The last tow weekends and the evenings in between, I have been working on the
installation of a small (240 watt) solar charging system for my batteries.
After much consultation with Dan G. and much reading up on the subject, Kathy
and I finally went for it. We like to dry camp, not for extended periods, but
for anywhere from a few days to a week at a time. Living in Southern Arizona,
we decides to take advantage of the abundant sunshine we have here.
I have taken other steps to prepare our coach for dry camping, such as
installing LED lights in appropriate locations throughout the coach, installing
a Trimetric battery meter (it's like a gas gauge for your batteries), and
installing a Heat absorption refrigerator. The only thing we lack is a means
of heating water without running either the Onan or the 455.
I started out with a small system, but sized the controller, wire, etc. so as to
be expandable if we find that we need more charging capacity. Below is a list
of the items I used:
http://www.solar-electric.com/kykd140wasom1.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/tracc35solch.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/xabatese25fo.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/xlp--6.html (about 50')
http://www.solar-electric.com/maxfusholinw.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/dipozrvmofe.html
I installed a 20 amp fuse between the panel and the controller and a 40 amp
between the controller and the battery.
I will be taking my annual sand dune trip in a few weeks (Thanksgiving Weekend)
and will get a chance to see how well the system keeps up with our power usage.
Here is a link to the 'photo essay' I put together on the photo site:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6227-solar-battery-charging.html
--
Carl S.
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small Solar System [message #189998 is a reply to message #189994] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 13:24 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Thanks Ray.
I amended my post to correct a couple of typos. The system is actually 140 watts. I think with judicious use of power, it will get us by for now and is certainly better than nothing. Good advice on the water heater, I am considering that. As it is, on our last dry camping trip, we fired up the Onan one time, in three days, mostly to heat some water, but also for battery charging. We let it run for about 45 minutes and it took the batteries from 81% up to 92%, plus gave us a chance to take hot showers. The water stays hot for quite a while. The radiant type propane heater is also a good idea but, where we live, we can throw on an extra blanket for the cold nights and it generally warms up to the point of almost wishing we had some cooling during the day.
I think this system will work well for us, for the time being anyway, but we are always looking for ways to improve our dry camping abilities. Now if we could only do something about that small holding tank....
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small Solar System [message #189999 is a reply to message #189994] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 13:20 |
Douglas Norton
Messages: 191
Registered: April 2008
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Ray, your link to the water heater was only to the solar; could you repost? I would like to see the tankless setup as I think it is in my future.
Doug Norton
73 Sequoia with solar and towing a tiny tin teal tone toad Geo
________________________________
From: Ray Erspamer <78gmc-royale@att.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 11:01 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Small Solar System
Hi Carl, your system looks GOOD !!!
We also prefer to BOON-DOCK camp.
I wouldn't consider a 240 Watt system a SMALL system, you should have plenty of
power.
I did a very similar system this past summer. Started out with 1-100 watt panel
than then increased it to a total of 275 watts of panels. I installed the
Xantrex C60 controller and the Trimetric Meter. We've converted to all LED
lighting too. For heating the water, I'd recommend going to a tankless propane
heater, it's the only way to go in my opinion. Here are the links to our solar
system and to our tankless water heater installation.
Solar..
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6188-rays-solar-battery-charging-system.html
H2O Heater..
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6188-rays-solar-battery-charging-system.html
I've calculated our usage a gazillion different ways and here's what I came up
with.
On a typical day, we use about .6 kWh of power. If we get 5 hours of good sun,
our panels will give us 1.25 kWh of charging power. Last summer on our
vacation I only had the 1 - 100 watt panel and we went nearly 5 days before we
had to charge the batteries. Now with 250 watts I feel we should be able to go
as long as we'd ever need to. The 3 biggest users of our power are; A
Fantastic Vent, the Water Pump and my Cpap machine.
We also do early spring and late fall camping where heat is needed. Our
Suburban furnace really sucks the batteries down, it draws 8.5 amps, so I
purchased and installed a Mr. Heater Big Buddy Catalytic heater. We used it in
October one weekend and the outside temp got down to 24 degrees on Saturday
night....we were warm as toast and the Big Buddy heater requires no electrical
use. Plus the Big Buddy heater has it's own low oxygen sensor with auto flame
shut off, it's always good to also keep an over head vent slightly open when
using that heater and to have a good CO sensor/alarm in the coach.
I've been thrilled the way everything works.
Ray
Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
________________________________
From: Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, November 12, 2012 11:26:02 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Small Solar System
The last tow weekends and the evenings in between, I have been working on the
installation of a small (240 watt) solar charging system for my batteries.
After much consultation with Dan G. and much reading up on the subject, Kathy
and I finally went for it. We like to dry camp, not for extended periods, but
for anywhere from a few days to a week at a time. Living in Southern Arizona,
we decides to take advantage of the abundant sunshine we have here.
I have taken other steps to prepare our coach for dry camping, such as
installing LED lights in appropriate locations throughout the coach, installing
a Trimetric battery meter (it's like a gas gauge for your batteries), and
installing a Heat absorption refrigerator. The only thing we lack is a means
of heating water without running either the Onan or the 455.
I started out with a small system, but sized the controller, wire, etc. so as to
be expandable if we find that we need more charging capacity. Below is a list
of the items I used:
http://www.solar-electric.com/kykd140wasom1.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/tracc35solch.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/xabatese25fo.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/xlp--6.html (about 50')
http://www.solar-electric.com/maxfusholinw.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/dipozrvmofe.html
I installed a 20 amp fuse between the panel and the controller and a 40 amp
between the controller and the battery.
I will be taking my annual sand dune trip in a few weeks (Thanksgiving Weekend)
and will get a chance to see how well the system keeps up with our power usage.
Here is a link to the 'photo essay' I put together on the photo site:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6227-solar-battery-charging.html
--
Carl S.
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
_______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small Solar System [message #190000 is a reply to message #189996] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 13:21 |
Douglas Norton
Messages: 191
Registered: April 2008
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Thanks
Doug
________________________________
From: Ray Erspamer <78gmc-royale@att.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 11:13 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Small Solar System
I attached the wrong link for the tankless water heater.......CRS is really
kicking in !
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5266-tankless-water-heater-installation-2009.html
Ray
Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
________________________________
From: Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, November 12, 2012 11:25:56 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Small Solar System
The last tow weekends and the evenings in between, I have been working on the
installation of a small (240 watt) solar charging system for my batteries.
After much consultation with Dan G. and much reading up on the subject, Kathy
and I finally went for it. We like to dry camp, not for extended periods, but
for anywhere from a few days to a week at a time. Living in Southern Arizona,
we decides to take advantage of the abundant sunshine we have here.
I have taken other steps to prepare our coach for dry camping, such as
installing LED lights in appropriate locations throughout the coach, installing
a Trimetric battery meter (it's like a gas gauge for your batteries), and
installing a Heat absorption refrigerator. The only thing we lack is a means
of heating water without running either the Onan or the 455.
I started out with a small system, but sized the controller, wire, etc. so as to
be expandable if we find that we need more charging capacity. Below is a list
of the items I used:
http://www.solar-electric.com/kykd140wasom1.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/tracc35solch.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/xabatese25fo.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/xlp--6.html (about 50')
http://www.solar-electric.com/maxfusholinw.html
http://www.solar-electric.com/dipozrvmofe.html
I installed a 20 amp fuse between the panel and the controller and a 40 amp
between the controller and the battery.
I will be taking my annual sand dune trip in a few weeks (Thanksgiving Weekend)
and will get a chance to see how well the system keeps up with our power usage.
Here is a link to the 'photo essay' I put together on the photo site:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6227-solar-battery-charging.html
--
Carl S.
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
_______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small Solar System [message #190002 is a reply to message #189998] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 13:41 |
Ronald Pottol
Messages: 505
Registered: September 2012
Location: Redwood City, California
Karma: -2
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Senior Member |
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Someone did do a 4 tank set up, they used it for gas, but I don't see why
you couldn't move a gas tank into the new space and add a grey water tank.
He went to one of the modified exhaust setups, and moved a frame cross
brace forward. There is a write up on one of the GMC web sites.
Ron
On Nov 12, 2012 11:24 AM, "Carl Stouffer" <carljr3b@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> Thanks Ray.
>
> I amended my post to correct a couple of typos. The system is actually
> 140 watts. I think with judicious use of power, it will get us by for now
> and is certainly better than nothing. Good advice on the water heater, I
> am considering that. As it is, on our last dry camping trip, we fired up
> the Onan one time, in three days, mostly to heat some water, but also for
> battery charging. We let it run for about 45 minutes and it took the
> batteries from 81% up to 92%, plus gave us a chance to take hot showers.
> The water stays hot for quite a while. The radiant type propane heater is
> also a good idea but, where we live, we can throw on an extra blanket for
> the cold nights and it generally warms up to the point of almost wishing we
> had some cooling during the day.
>
> I think this system will work well for us, for the time being anyway, but
> we are always looking for ways to improve our dry camping abilities. Now
> if we could only do something about that small holding tank....
> --
> Carl S.
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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1973 26' GM outfitted
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| Re: Small Solar System [message #190351 is a reply to message #189977] |
Wed, 14 November 2012 21:34 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I saw this thread. Awesome to see a fellow Arizonian going solar. I use 4 (100 Watters) with a MPPT charge controller, and 300 watt wind turbine. I never looked back. I use mine to keep (6) 6Volt interstates charged. I also use LEDs, very low amperage (2.2 amp) TVs, 600watt microwave with no electronic display. I use PWM motor controllers to slow the speed on the bath fan, rear in/out fan, and one on the swamp cooler.
I have never run out of power, and vacuum a ton, keep all the lights on, etc. It helps that I use a LP instant water heater, LP frig, and LP stove top.
Power by Sun/Wind is where its at, glad to have seen this thread before it was to far back!
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small Solar System [message #190356 is a reply to message #190351] |
Wed, 14 November 2012 21:57 |
mickeysss
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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you took the onan out?
what water heater did you get"
where did you mount them cells?
the wind gen sounds great, this is where i am falling for the future. any pictures.
What is the best way to change all my normal liights to leds.
mickey
77 palm beach
On Nov 14, 2012, at 7:34 PM, Michael wrote:
>
>
> I saw this thread. Awesome to see a fellow Arizonian going solar. I use 4 (100 Watters) with a MPPT charge controller, and 300 watt wind turbine. I never looked back. I use mine to keep (6) 6Volt interstates charged. I also use LEDs, very low amperage (2.2 amp) TVs, 600watt microwave with no electronic display. I use PWM motor controllers to slow the speed on the bath fan, rear in/out fan, and one on the swamp cooler.
> I have never run out of power, and vacuum a ton, keep all the lights on, etc. It helps that I use a LP instant water heater, LP frig, and LP stove top.
> Power by Sun/Wind is where its at, glad to have seen this thread before it was to far back!
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: Small Solar System [message #190502 is a reply to message #189977] |
Fri, 16 November 2012 19:40 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I took the Onan out and turned the old Onan slide for a battery slide so I can maintain the 6 V batteries. (4) in the Onan area, (2) up front on a 3 battery tray. I sold the onan to a local GMC forum member.
Water Heater, EZ101 I installed it behind the frig. I had a friend who is a plumber give me a hand, since I scraped a lot of the old copper pipes at the same time.
Cells, I made a mount on the roof. I actually used the aluminum rib from a old storage pod. Made feet for it to attach to the roof, and made feet for the panels to rest on. So they sit about 3" above the roof. I stack the 4 panels on top of each other so one sees the sun all the time, to keep that batteries charged. I made a weather proof box with "110v" 2, 2 gang outlets to simply plug in/out the panels as needed.
Wind I use a 300 watt Turbine, with its a dump to bleed extra power. Where we own property now that we camp on, it gets very breezy and the Turbine is sweet.
Lights, I experimented with tons of LEDs and seem to like around 3500K. However I used several 6000K as well mixed in for different effects. All my lights are retrofitted to LEDs.
I have no need at all for the onan. I have all the power we need. All motors are on PWM controllers. Including the bath fan, bedroom fan, and swamp cooler motor. The MPPT charge controller works perfect in the AZ sun sucks up a ton of power.
I use a large modified sine wave inverter. Wired it direct to the fuse panel box so all the outlets have 110v However many things run off of 12v in my coach. The TVs are 2.2 max amps. I do have a microwave (600w works perfect) but its rare we ever want to use it camping. Normally we cook fireside or LP range. Since the european cook top, EZ 101 water heater and Mr. Heater Buddy are all LP no power needed there.
I haven't looked back a second getting rid of the Onan. It was a fairly good size project but worth the savings doing it myself.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
[Updated on: Fri, 16 November 2012 19:42] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Small Solar System [message #190542 is a reply to message #190502] |
Sat, 17 November 2012 07:30 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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| RadioActiveGMC wrote on Fri, 16 November 2012 20:40 |
I took the Onan out and turned the old Onan slide for a battery slide so I can maintain the 6 V batteries. (4) in the Onan area, (2) up front on a 3 battery tray. I sold the onan to a local GMC forum member.
Water Heater, EZ101 I installed it behind the frig. I had a friend who is a plumber give me a hand, since I scraped a lot of the old copper pipes at the same time.
Cells, I made a mount on the roof. I actually used the aluminum rib from a old storage pod. Made feet for it to attach to the roof, and made feet for the panels to rest on. So they sit about 3" above the roof. I stack the 4 panels on top of each other so one sees the sun all the time, to keep that batteries charged. I made a weather proof box with "110v" 2, 2 gang outlets to simply plug in/out the panels as needed.
Wind I use a 300 watt Turbine, with its a dump to bleed extra power. Where we own property now that we camp on, it gets very breezy and the Turbine is sweet.
Lights, I experimented with tons of LEDs and seem to like around 3500K. However I used several 6000K as well mixed in for different effects. All my lights are retrofitted to LEDs.
I have no need at all for the onan. I have all the power we need. All motors are on PWM controllers. Including the bath fan, bedroom fan, and swamp cooler motor. The MPPT charge controller works perfect in the AZ sun sucks up a ton of power.
I use a large modified sine wave inverter. Wired it direct to the fuse panel box so all the outlets have 110v However many things run off of 12v in my coach. The TVs are 2.2 max amps. I do have a microwave (600w works perfect) but its rare we ever want to use it camping. Normally we cook fireside or LP range. Since the european cook top, EZ 101 water heater and Mr. Heater Buddy are all LP no power needed there.
I haven't looked back a second getting rid of the Onan. It was a fairly good size project but worth the savings doing it myself.
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Michael,
It sounds like a very effective and well thought out system. You have just about everything as right as possible. The only place I see that even could be a problem is that you can still get some aliasing it the modified square wave (I refuse to call it a modified sine) inverter and SOME switching power supplies.
A small piece of free advise (with free advice often being of less value than it cost). Don't bring your coach to Michigan. If you have to, it has to be in the late summer (both weeks), and within 1.5 miles of the western coast and north Grand Haven and south of Empire. That is only time that there is even near 60% clear, and the only place that prevailing wind is substantial enough for turbines to go positive some of the day.
You don't know that I used to be part of a team called Lambert/Vector. We specialized as "Environmental Energy Consultants" and wrote quotes and evaluations on countless wind, solar, water and geo energy systems. Problem, then as now (still, unfortunately) was Michigan. The state has so many lakes because it is so flat that water doesn't run off it. That leaves geo, and that take outside energy and a heat pump to do anything.
I wish you great success. Free energy is nice, but it is often too expensive to get.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: Small Solar System [message #190564 is a reply to message #190542] |
Sat, 17 November 2012 11:42 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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| Matt Colie wrote on Sat, 17 November 2012 06:30 |
I wish you great success. Free energy is nice, but it is often too expensive to get.
Matt
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Very true Matt. I have about $650.00 in my small system. I'm not even sure, at this point, if it will be adequate. I like the idea of having a charge going into my batteries without running the Onan, or being plugged in, but I would never remove the generator. My concept of a fully self contained motorhome definitely includes an APU to run 110v appliances, etc if needed.
Unlike Michael, I don't intend to go to the same camping spot over and over again. If I wanted to do that, I would buy a time share or build a cabin. I like having the ability to travel to places, like Michigan, where there is not enough sunlight or wind to make those systems work. I like knowing I always have my trusty Onan to fall back on if needed.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
[Updated on: Sat, 17 November 2012 17:49] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Small Solar System [message #190701 is a reply to message #189977] |
Sun, 18 November 2012 22:12 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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If I went to MI, I'd simply get more solar panels! JK
No amount of expense would keep me from keeping that onan. If I had to go with a generator then I'd use one or two Honda/Yamaha., and scrap that smelly onan. They are much quieter, and sip fuel. My GMC is a 100% AZ machine, and hasn't ventured out of state since it entered into AZ. The expense of my wind/solar setup is worth every penny hearing the wind blow, birds chirp, and peace and quiet. I hate the sound of a onan running while out in nature. Again I use my machine different. I understand traveling and going to events would be different however. When we use the GMC its all about enjoying outdoor living with the ability to not sleep on the ground, and flush a toilet! lol But I could see if your traveling state to state my current setup would not be ideal in all areas.
We have no interest at all in using the GMC for anything but a camper. Two kids, the dogs, and nature for us while in the GMC. I do understand that many GMCers like to use them to travel the highways/byways place to place. At this point in life I have no interest in doing that at this point in life. I certainly do not rule out the idea however. If we ever got into the motorhome travel thing I don't think I'd like the GMC for that. But who knows maybe...since we have zillions of dollars in it, and run up a bill higher then the national debt!
Its shocking to me to see so many motorhomes with not even one solar panel however. I see tons of people flood AZ with all types of motor homes, yet its rare still to see a nice small array. But I do see some, which is a good thing.
Big corporations never shock me with their lack of acceptance of solar/wind. The oil companies would have it no other way. Its amazing ho much money is poured into research to come to the conclusion that dinosaur bones are the best way of going. If people solve the oil issues with research, they often get squashed by the oil companies, bought by them to keep them quiet, and they keep their marketing machines full speed ahead. All the while drones insist that fossil fuels are the only way to go. Large corporations often dominate man, and mans mind to its injury.
I currently own a fleet of vehicles. Two of my 1970s Mercedes Benz get 30-40 mpg (diesel however), yet my new Wrangler gets 15 on avg (unleaded). My straight 6 1971 MB coupe known to suck fuel gets the same as a 05 wrangler with a inline 6. Its crazy how its 2012 and yet vehicles aren't getting 2 or 3x the mileage as the carter administration wanted! The oil companies squish those ideas as fast as they come.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: Small Solar System [message #190704 is a reply to message #190564] |
Sun, 18 November 2012 22:20 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Carl S. wrote on Sat, 17 November 2012 11:42 |
| Matt Colie wrote on Sat, 17 November 2012 06:30 |
I wish you great success. Free energy is nice, but it is often too expensive to get.
Matt
|
Unlike Michael, I don't intend to go to the same camping spot over and over again. If I wanted to do that, I would buy a time share or build a cabin. I like having the ability to travel to places, like Michigan, where there is not enough sunlight or wind to make those systems work. I like knowing I always have my trusty Onan to fall back on if needed.
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The GMC is the cabin! But when we get sick of the view I can park it someplace else on the property and change my view in a few minutes.
I just have no interest in driving a GMC clear across the USA. I'd hop in a plane if I was going to MI. Driving there in a GMC would be about as horrible as it gets.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small Solar System [message #190705 is a reply to message #190704] |
Sun, 18 November 2012 22:40 |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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I enjoy driving my gmc. Horrible never enters my mind as an adjective to describe driving it. I have driven many passenger cars and flown many commercial flights that I would use that word to describe however.
My Onan does not smell bad either.
Sully
77 royale
Seattle
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 18, 2012, at 8:20 PM, Michael <radioactive626@msn.com> wrote:
>
>
> Carl S. wrote on Sat, 17 November 2012 11:42
>> Matt Colie wrote on Sat, 17 November 2012 06:30
>>> I wish you great success. Free energy is nice, but it is often too expensive to get.
>>>
>>> Matt
>> Unlike Michael, I don't intend to go to the same camping spot over and over again. If I wanted to do that, I would buy a time share or build a cabin. I like having the ability to travel to places, like Michigan, where there is not enough sunlight or wind to make those systems work. I like knowing I always have my trusty Onan to fall back on if needed.
>
>
> The GMC is the cabin! But when we get sick of the view I can park it someplace else on the property and change my view in a few minutes.
>
> I just have no interest in driving a GMC clear across the USA. I'd hop in a plane if I was going to MI. Driving there in a GMC would be about as horrible as it gets.
>
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small Solar System [message #190706 is a reply to message #190705] |
Sun, 18 November 2012 22:44 |
Dolph Santorine
Messages: 1236
Registered: April 2011
Location: Wheeling, WV
Karma: -41
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Senior Member |
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Could never get near enough solar to spin up the A/C. A show stopper in places with humidity.
Dolph Santorine
Dolph@DolphSantorine.com
Excuse me for not being my usual wordy and sporadically verbose self. This message is sent from my iPhone.
No trees were killed in the sending of this message and few long dead dinosaurs were involved. A large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
On Nov 18, 2012, at 11:40 PM, Todd Sullivan <sgltrac@gmail.com> wrote:
> I enjoy driving my gmc. Horrible never enters my mind as an adjective to describe driving it. I have driven many passenger cars and flown many commercial flights that I would use that word to describe however.
>
> My Onan does not smell bad either.
>
> Sully
> 77 royale
> Seattle
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Nov 18, 2012, at 8:20 PM, Michael <radioactive626@msn.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Carl S. wrote on Sat, 17 November 2012 11:42
>>> Matt Colie wrote on Sat, 17 November 2012 06:30
>>>> I wish you great success. Free energy is nice, but it is often too expensive to get.
>>>>
>>>> Matt
>>> Unlike Michael, I don't intend to go to the same camping spot over and over again. If I wanted to do that, I would buy a time share or build a cabin. I like having the ability to travel to places, like Michigan, where there is not enough sunlight or wind to make those systems work. I like knowing I always have my trusty Onan to fall back on if needed.
>>
>>
>> The GMC is the cabin! But when we get sick of the view I can park it someplace else on the property and change my view in a few minutes.
>>
>> I just have no interest in driving a GMC clear across the USA. I'd hop in a plane if I was going to MI. Driving there in a GMC would be about as horrible as it gets.
>>
>> --
>> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
>> Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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