| [GMCnet] solar roof top battery chargers [message #100988] |
Sat, 25 September 2010 18:15  |
mjbourgon
Messages: 259
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -1
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Senior Member |
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Greetings from Sunny El Paso
Just got back from Alaska, and northern Canada.
Several nights we dry camped and after speaking with a fellow from canada about his solar collectors on the roof of his airstream I think this my be a great addition to my coach. Has anybody installed a good sound automatic system on their coach. Would appreciate any information on this addition.
Thanks guys
Marcel back from Alaska
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| Re: [GMCnet] solar roof top battery chargers [message #101006 is a reply to message #100988] |
Sat, 25 September 2010 22:15  |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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You have a good question. There are some comments already on thread here if you can search them out.
Question... Are you looking for solar use when the GMC is stored or, are you wanting to use Solar while camping??
You are in a good position now to figure what kind of power you are using.
What do you run during the day, try to figure the watts or look on the equipment, it may be on the back. if it is stated in amps and you want watts, multiply volts times amps. 12vdc times 2 amps = 24 watts. see easy.
Try to figure over a 24 hour period.
Dan Gregg would be a good one to talk with. He has a 300 watt solar panel source and he seems to be pretty happy with the amount of power it creates from the sun.
There are others that may step in as well.
Things to remember...
trees cause shade and block the sun.
the solar panels work best in direct sunlight, even a cloudy day will drop power production.
Panels work best tilted to the sun. The more angle to the sun, the less power is created. This does not say you need to tilt the panels, they can be flat on the roof, just be aware that there is a limitation on production.
If you can figure your watt / amps needed on a daily basis, you may be able to figure what you would need.
Everyones ultimate dream is to run off the coach with no shore line connection.
Also, you may increase your maintenance since the batteries will be charged on a daily basis, you will have to keep a closer eye on the water levels.
There is a company that sells a cap that prevents the water from escaping the battery cell. Very little gets away. Sorry I don't have a name but it can be found on the internet.
When you have some numbers of what you use in power, then you can try to figure the solar panel sizes you might need.
btw - No Air Con on Solar.
Hope this was helpful
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
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