Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Portable or permanent solar?
| Portable or permanent solar? [message #355726] |
Mon, 15 June 2020 19:34  |
6cuda6
Messages: 975
Registered: June 2019
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So seeing as how about 90% of the parks on our area are all booked up for serviced sites the wife asked about going solar to keep the fridge running [12v for the control board with propane] and maybe the odd led light. Might guess is a 100watt panel will do it but i have no idea if portable or permanent is the ticket. What say the masses whom have dabbled in the rays of power reception.
Rich Mondor,
Brockville, ON
77 Hughes 2600
[Updated on: Mon, 15 June 2020 20:35] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Portable or permanent solar? [message #355731 is a reply to message #355730] |
Mon, 15 June 2020 20:34  |
6cuda6
Messages: 975
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yes sorry had amps on the brain...corrected
Emery Stora wrote on Mon, 15 June 2020 21:07On Mon, Jun 15, 2020, 7:35 PM 6cuda6--- via Gmclist
>> wrote:
>>
>> So seeing as how about 90% of the parks on our area are all booked up for
>> serviced sites the wife asked about going solar to keep the fridge running
>> [12v for the control board with propane] and maybe the odd led light.
>> Might guess is a 100amp panel will do it but i have no idea if portable or
>> permanent is the ticket. What say the masses whom have dabbled in the rays
>> of power reception.
>> --
>> Rich Mondor,
>>
Can we assume you mean a 100 watt panel rather that. 100 amp panel.
Your present 120 volt panel is only 40 amps.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick CO
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Brockville, ON
77 Hughes 2600
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| Re: Portable or permanent solar? [message #355732 is a reply to message #355726] |
Mon, 15 June 2020 21:19 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
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Installed 60 watt
Solar
In 2012. since then I swapped
Out the panel
To 100 watts.
On normal days, the only concern I have about dead batteries is my furnace.
Other then that, the fridge runs. Plenty of led lights work. Water
Pump. Run fantastic fan. And sun comes
Out and the 2 golf cart batteries are charged up well before the sun goes down.
You may have different situation depending on shade and rain. But I like my permanant solar because there is nothing to pack up and store. It would take very little to add
More panels either mobile or find more roof space if you build the base system well.
It is in my opinion more about power
Savings then power creation/storage
The ladder Costs much
More money.
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/2012/03/solar-power.html?m=1
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: Portable or permanent solar? [message #355734 is a reply to message #355732] |
Mon, 15 June 2020 22:32 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
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Here's what I did. It has served us well for several years now:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6227-solar-battery-charging.html
The disadvantage of a portable system is that it can be stolen easily, the advantage is that it can be moved to an area with full sun when your coach is in shade.
I just watched an RV show where they talked about this ("The RVers" on Discovery). They talked about a new peel and stick flexible panel from Xantrex that looks interesting. I'm not too sure about flexible panels though. I've heard good and bad.
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: Portable or permanent solar? [message #355741 is a reply to message #355726] |
Tue, 16 June 2020 06:23 |
6cuda6
Messages: 975
Registered: June 2019
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Ok so it looks like most of you have a house battery bank in the back [generator compartment]....i do not, mine is up in the engine compartment beside the engine battery. If i was to put the charge controller in the cupboard were all the fusebox, converter etc are that would be a major cable run to get to the front therefore the only logical place to put it would be under the couch, close to the steps. Is their a limit to how long the solar panel wires to charger can be?
Rich Mondor,
Brockville, ON
77 Hughes 2600
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| Re: [GMCnet] Portable or permanent solar? [message #355742 is a reply to message #355734] |
Tue, 16 June 2020 06:12 |
Will Albers
Messages: 183
Registered: November 2017
Location: Detroit MI (Belleville)
Karma: 2
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Well, I'm convinced. Looks like I'm in the market for a portable solution
On Mon, Jun 15, 2020, 11:33 PM Carl Stouffer via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> Here's what I did. It has served us well for several years now:
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6227-solar-battery-charging.html
>
> The disadvantage of a portable system is that it can be stolen easily, the
> advantage is that it can be moved to an area with full sun when your coach
> is in shade.
>
> I just watched an RV show where they talked about this ("The RVers" on
> Discovery). They talked about a new peel and stick flexible panel from
> Xantrex
> that looks interesting. I'm not too sure about flexible panels though.
> I've heard good and bad.
> --
> 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
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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1978 Palm Beach.
Detroit Michigan
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| Re: Portable or permanent solar? [message #355743 is a reply to message #355741] |
Tue, 16 June 2020 06:48 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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from what I remember, and it has been too long ago- the voltage coming off the panels is higher- and can tolerate a lesser awg cable? you loose some efficiency the smaller cable and the longer run, but that can be made up with higher wattage panel? The cables from the charge controller to battery is supposed to be short and high quality, as the charge controller converts to the 12v and amps that the battery needs for premium charging.
as for flexible panels, I hope technology changes, as that would sure be nice. back in 2012, flexible panels meant less wattage per square foot of panel, as well as cost per watt for the panel.
I think the new charge controllers are not that large, I would think it could be mounted near the batteries under the hatch.
what kind of water heater does your coach have? sometimes a waterheater is forgotten about when thinking about off-grid living as most RV's use propane, but most GMC's use 110v water heater(or engine). I had a few cold showers, or luke warm one's. The engine heat for the water heater would be good for about 24 hours. After that, you could run the generator, but that in my opinion took too long to heat the water, or run the engine. I usually just dealt with cold showers at that point. now I have the propane waterheater, so no longer a problem.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Portable or permanent solar? [message #355744 is a reply to message #355741] |
Tue, 16 June 2020 06:32 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
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I have 450 watts of solar mounted permanently. I host a primitive campground for 5 weeks every summer and my site is partially shaded. I never have to run the generator. I have 2 deep cycle 12 v batteries mounted in the front. All interior lighting is LED Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: 6cuda6--- via Gmclist Date: 6/16/20 6:24 AM (GMT-06:00) To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org Cc: 6cuda6@gmail.com Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Portable or permanent solar? Ok so it looks like most of you have a house battery bank in the back [generator compartment]....i do not, mine is up in the engine compartment besidethe engine battery. If i was to put the charge controller in the cupboard were all the fusebox, converter etc are that would be a major cable run toget to the front therefore the only logical place to put it would be under the couch, close to the steps. Is their a limit to how long the solar panelwires to charger can be? -- Rich Mondor,Brockville, ON77 Hughes 2600_______________________________________________GMCnet mailing listUnsubscribe or Change List Options:http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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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] Portable or permanent solar? [message #355746 is a reply to message #355743] |
Tue, 16 June 2020 06:51 |
Will Albers
Messages: 183
Registered: November 2017
Location: Detroit MI (Belleville)
Karma: 2
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Jon, is your fridge propane as well? Or does the solar power that at 12v?
On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 7:49 AM Jon Roche via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> from what I remember, and it has been too long ago- the voltage coming
> off the panels is higher- and can tolerate a lesser awg cable? you loose
> some efficiency the smaller cable and the longer run, but that can be made
> up with higher wattage panel? The cables from the charge controller to
> battery is supposed to be short and high quality, as the charge controller
> converts to the 12v and amps that the battery needs for premium charging.
>
>
> as for flexible panels, I hope technology changes, as that would sure be
> nice. back in 2012, flexible panels meant less wattage per square foot of
> panel, as well as cost per watt for the panel.
>
> I think the new charge controllers are not that large, I would think it
> could be mounted near the batteries under the hatch.
>
> what kind of water heater does your coach have? sometimes a waterheater
> is forgotten about when thinking about off-grid living as most RV's use
> propane, but most GMC's use 110v water heater(or engine). I had a few
> cold showers, or luke warm one's. The engine heat for the water heater
> would
> be good for about 24 hours. After that, you could run the generator, but
> that in my opinion took too long to heat the water, or run the engine.
> I usually just dealt with cold showers at that point. now I have the
> propane waterheater, so no longer a problem.
>
>
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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1978 Palm Beach.
Detroit Michigan
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| Re: Portable or permanent solar? [message #355749 is a reply to message #355743] |
Tue, 16 June 2020 07:31 |
6cuda6
Messages: 975
Registered: June 2019
Karma: -6
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Water heater is stock GMC style....never really thought of the water heater as most of the camp grounds we stay at have shower facilities. This would not be a true boondocking setup just a "flexible option" for when, like now, you can get a campsite but it has no services rather then no site at all. And by my thinking, for the moment, the most important thing is to cover the 12v draw for fridge, the odd LED light and A/C [no way to shut that one off but i may wire a switch to it though so i can].
lqqkatjon wrote on Tue, 16 June 2020 07:48from what I remember, and it has been too long ago- the voltage coming off the panels is higher- and can tolerate a lesser awg cable? you loose some efficiency the smaller cable and the longer run, but that can be made up with higher wattage panel? The cables from the charge controller to battery is supposed to be short and high quality, as the charge controller converts to the 12v and amps that the battery needs for premium charging.
as for flexible panels, I hope technology changes, as that would sure be nice. back in 2012, flexible panels meant less wattage per square foot of panel, as well as cost per watt for the panel.
I think the new charge controllers are not that large, I would think it could be mounted near the batteries under the hatch.
what kind of water heater does your coach have? sometimes a waterheater is forgotten about when thinking about off-grid living as most RV's use propane, but most GMC's use 110v water heater(or engine). I had a few cold showers, or luke warm one's. The engine heat for the water heater would be good for about 24 hours. After that, you could run the generator, but that in my opinion took too long to heat the water, or run the engine. I usually just dealt with cold showers at that point. now I have the propane waterheater, so no longer a problem.
Rich Mondor,
Brockville, ON
77 Hughes 2600
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| Re: Portable or permanent solar? [message #355750 is a reply to message #355749] |
Tue, 16 June 2020 07:38 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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I have run portable solar for the last 4 years. Two 100 watt rigid panels and around 20' of cabling. I'm about to mount flex panels to the roof (2- 100w) but I will be keeping the rigid panels for when i get to park in the shade. I like the idea of not having to setup each time but also the flexibility of moving panels.
for one 100w i'd go portable!
you can always add permanent later on
If you're trying to keep the battery topped off, and have all LED lights inside, one 100w would work fine. These coaches use so little power compered to newer ones.
cheers
kelly
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
[Updated on: Tue, 16 June 2020 07:59] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Portable or permanent solar? [message #355752 is a reply to message #355750] |
Tue, 16 June 2020 07:56 |
Will Albers
Messages: 183
Registered: November 2017
Location: Detroit MI (Belleville)
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Any suggestions on a portable starting set up? something i could expand if
i wanted?
On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 8:39 AM kelly stockwell via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> I have run portable solar for the last 4 years. Two 100 watt rigid panels
> and around 20' of cabling. I'm about to mount flex panels to the roof (2-
> 100w) but I will be keeping the rigid panels for when i get to park in the
> shade. I like the idea of not having to setup each time but also the
> flexibility of moving panels.
>
> for one 100w i'd go portable!
>
> you can always add permanent later on
>
> cheers
> kelly
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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1978 Palm Beach.
Detroit Michigan
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| Re: Portable or permanent solar? [message #355757 is a reply to message #355749] |
Tue, 16 June 2020 09:44 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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the 12v draw on a propane fridge is such a minor drain, I don't even think you need solar to cover that. I bet a standard deep cell battery will run a propane fridge control panel for a week or two on it's own.
solar for lighting, and when I am not plugged into 110v, 99% of the time my fantastic fan is running to help keep things tolerable inside. and now I bet my battery drain is also charging 1/2 dozen ipods/ipads too all night.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Portable or permanent solar? [message #355761 is a reply to message #355756] |
Tue, 16 June 2020 10:03 |
Jeff Marten
Messages: 199
Registered: August 2013
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I suppose the determining factor is how many watts you want to generate. Our 'new' DP has a 750watt solar system with 2 separate controllers; 3 solar panels on one, 2 on the other. I'm told this was done to maximize the system; if a panel is shaded, it can drag the efficiency of the entire system down. He also upgraded from a 2000watt Xantrex inverter to a 3000watt along with a couple fans for cooling. The system, along with 6 house batteries, will run the coach with residential fridge day in day out.
You could set up a large portable system, but it would be a real hassle, not just in setting it up every time, but storing it. The GMCs just don't have that kind of storage available.
I'm sure the price is astronomical, but the thin-film solar panels would be cool; cover the entire roof area, including AC and vent covers. Maybe even fold-out 'wings' to bump the capacity.
“Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And the process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Party is always right.”
― George Orwell, 1984
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Jon Roche via Gmclist
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 8:38 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Cc: Jon Roche
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Portable or permanent solar?
Will-
changed to an propane fridge was the best thing I did for my batteries. Solar, using ice, tried everything and the original fridge would kill
batteries as soon as you turned your back to it.
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/2016/03/
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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1985 Gulf Stream 34' Sun Stream
1964 Falcon 'Vert
1980 Bradley GTE
1999 Chevy Tahoe
2005 Saab 93 Aero
1987 Suzuki Intruder 1400
1978 Glastron/Carlson CV23
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| Re: Portable or permanent solar? [message #355764 is a reply to message #355726] |
Tue, 16 June 2020 11:11 |
Green machine
Messages: 184
Registered: July 2019
Location: North Vancouver BC
Karma: 5
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I have the best of both worlds. 300w permanent mount on the roof where the pod used to be (perfect fit btw) and a 120w suitcase style from go power. More power than I'll ever need but in instances where the coach has to be parked in the shade, I can move the portable around to catch rays. The portable has its own charge controller and is completely independent. If you're just getting into solar, I recommend a portable.
One more thing, do some research on flexible panels. I do not recommend them. Rigid mono all the way.
As an aside, my 300w is made in Canada and was $250...
Shawn Harris
North Vancouver,
Canada
1977 Palm Beach 403
[Updated on: Tue, 16 June 2020 11:13] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Portable or permanent solar? [message #355769 is a reply to message #355764] |
Tue, 16 June 2020 12:00 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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I'm interested to see how my flex panels work out. I will be mounting them over corrugated plastic board. Got two on sale with a gift card so the $ was ok. I have had great luck with my rigid panels
this seems pretty clever. but time will tell. I will still have the rigid panels with me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hROYaqY83v4
-kelly
Green machine wrote on Tue, 16 June 2020 12:11I have the best of both worlds. 300w permanent mount on the roof where the pod used to be (perfect fit btw) and a 120w suitcase style from go power. More power than I'll ever need but in instances where the coach has to be parked in the shade, I can move the portable around to catch rays. The portable has its own charge controller and is completely independent. If you're just getting into solar, I recommend a portable.
One more thing, do some research on flexible panels. I do not recommend them. Rigid mono all the way.
As an aside, my 300w is made in Canada and was $250...
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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| Re: Portable or permanent solar? [message #355770 is a reply to message #355769] |
Tue, 16 June 2020 12:25 |
Green machine
Messages: 184
Registered: July 2019
Location: North Vancouver BC
Karma: 5
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I'm certainly not suggesting the flexible panels are horrible. Just not as efficient as the solid panels for a number of reasons. Either way, getting an MPPT controller as opposed to a PWM will pull maximum power from either setup.
kstockwell wrote on Tue, 16 June 2020 12:00I'm interested to see how my flex panels work out. I will be mounting them over corrugated plastic board. Got two on sale with a gift card so the $ was ok. I have had great luck with my rigid panels
this seems pretty clever. but time will tell. I will still have the rigid panels with me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hROYaqY83v4
-kelly
Green machine wrote on Tue, 16 June 2020 12:11I have the best of both worlds. 300w permanent mount on the roof where the pod used to be (perfect fit btw) and a 120w suitcase style from go power. More power than I'll ever need but in instances where the coach has to be parked in the shade, I can move the portable around to catch rays. The portable has its own charge controller and is completely independent. If you're just getting into solar, I recommend a portable.
One more thing, do some research on flexible panels. I do not recommend them. Rigid mono all the way.
As an aside, my 300w is made in Canada and was $250...
Shawn Harris
North Vancouver,
Canada
1977 Palm Beach 403
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