Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Solar Panel Idea
| Solar Panel Idea [message #189178] |
Sun, 04 November 2012 14:15  |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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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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| Re: Solar Panel Idea [message #189180 is a reply to message #189178] |
Sun, 04 November 2012 14:34  |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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There are some new plug-n-play collectors which are designed to backfeed 120v household systems and plug in as you're doing. They do use some electronics to protect the built-in inverter, though.
As for your setup, one could use twistlock male receptacles and female cord ends to keep anyone from getting into it by mistake. I have a similar, code-approved arrangement for my house backup generator.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Panel Idea [message #189185 is a reply to message #189178] |
Sun, 04 November 2012 15:30 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Michael,
Good idea on the plugs for connecting your solar cell to the coach
system. You could go one step further and use special plugs that are
not able to plug into a standard receptacle and vise versa. I have
use this plug and it's matching receptacle when wiring up my 220 and
110 circuits in my shop, it keeps them separate and would work with 12
VDC. These plugs could be use to protect your solar cells so they
don't get plugged into a standard 110 receptacle by someone trying to
help you connect up your system and smoke them.
<http://www.lowes.com/pd_157514-427-620SPZ_0__?productId=3739255&Ntt=electrical+plugs+and+connectors
>
and the matching receptical
<http://www.lowes.com/pd_65748-334-1876W-SP-L_4294722475__?productId=1191899&Ns=p_product_avg_rating|1
>
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
Michigan
>
>
> 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, Casa Grande, AZ
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Panel Idea [message #189193 is a reply to message #189178] |
Sun, 04 November 2012 16:40 |
mickeysss
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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great idea. I think i will work towards this design as well. I would love to see pictures of yours.
removable
modular
sun proofing
easy to plug in and out
not expensive physical material from home depot like.
great design.
Very comprehensive.
thank you
mickey
77 palm beach
anaheim ca.
On Nov 4, 2012, at 12:15 PM, Michael wrote:
>
>
> 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, Casa Grande, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Panel Idea [message #189194 is a reply to message #189185] |
Sun, 04 November 2012 16:53 |
mickeysss
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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this plug design is great idea.
for h is desgin, great stuff.
where is the best place for the solar cells to buy them any ideas. what size are easy to put up and move around
and what to put between them and the 6 volt banks. how big are they how much do they weigh.
i need to put together a budget for this.
mickey
anaheim ca.
77 palm beach
On Nov 4, 2012, at 1:30 PM, John Wright wrote:
> Michael,
> Good idea on the plugs for connecting your solar cell to the coach
> system. You could go one step further and use special plugs that are
> not able to plug into a standard receptacle and vise versa. I have
> use this plug and it's matching receptacle when wiring up my 220 and
> 110 circuits in my shop, it keeps them separate and would work with 12
> VDC. These plugs could be use to protect your solar cells so they
> don't get plugged into a standard 110 receptacle by someone trying to
> help you connect up your system and smoke them.
>
> <http://www.lowes.com/pd_157514-427-620SPZ_0__?productId=3739255&Ntt=electrical+plugs+and+connectors
>>
> and the matching receptical
> <http://www.lowes.com/pd_65748-334-1876W-SP-L_4294722475__?productId=1191899&Ns=p_product_avg_rating|1
>>
>
> JR Wright
> 78 Buskirk Stretch
> Michigan
>
>>
>>
>> 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, Casa Grande, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Panel Idea [message #189198 is a reply to message #189178] |
Sun, 04 November 2012 17:45 |
jayrabe
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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My 2c: "The only bad part..." is a show stopper IMO. Why would you need to violate code and introduce a potential safety hazard? My solar panels came with what I assumed was like an industry standard of sorts for solar panels. They can get a little stiff, but I have removed and reconnected them several times. They work and they're relatively cheap. Do a search for "solar panel connectors mc4." The other problem is that "high quality ext cords" are what gauge? Various people with years of experience say not to connect panels with anything less than #10, preferably #6ga. FWIW Jay Rabe 76 PB Portland, OR
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: radioactive626@msn.com
> Date: Sun, 4 Nov 2012 14:15:10 -0600
> Subject: [GMCnet] Solar Panel Idea
>
>
>
> 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, Casa Grande, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Panel Idea [message #189199 is a reply to message #189198] |
Sun, 04 November 2012 17:59 |
Ronald Pottol
Messages: 505
Registered: September 2012
Location: Redwood City, California
Karma: -2
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Senior Member |
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You start reading on solar, you find you want big wires, to minimize
voltage drop. This gets expensive (though not too bad with the short
runs in a motorhome). Panels vary as to how much power they put out,
and in their dimensions. Robustness as well. Pricier (monocrystalline
rather than polycrystalline or amorphous) panels will put out more
power per square foot.
It is utterly critical that NOTHING shadow your panel. Yeah, seems
silly, but I've seen demos.
Google, or get a book, there is PLENTY of info out there on doing
this. Nice charts to let you know just how fat a wire you need.
Let us know how it works for you.
Ron
On Sun, Nov 4, 2012 at 3:45 PM, Jay Rabe <jayrabe@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> My 2c: "The only bad part..." is a show stopper IMO. Why would you need to violate code and introduce a potential safety hazard? My solar panels came with what I assumed was like an industry standard of sorts for solar panels. They can get a little stiff, but I have removed and reconnected them several times. They work and they're relatively cheap. Do a search for "solar panel connectors mc4." The other problem is that "high quality ext cords" are what gauge? Various people with years of experience say not to connect panels with anything less than #10, preferably #6ga. FWIW Jay Rabe 76 PB Portland, OR
> > To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
>> From: radioactive626@msn.com
>> Date: Sun, 4 Nov 2012 14:15:10 -0600
>> Subject: [GMCnet] Solar Panel Idea
>>
>>
>>
>> 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, Casa Grande, 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:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
--
Plato seems wrong to me today.
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1973 26' GM outfitted
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Panel Idea [message #189202 is a reply to message #189199] |
Sun, 04 November 2012 18:18 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Do a search on "Anderson Power Poles,". And look at the high current stuff. You will find that these connectors make a secure connection, can carry the load, are easy to install, and disconnect from each other. Only difficulty would be the tool to properly crimp the connector. The tool that I own wil only crimp up to 45 amp, so it is too small for your needs.
I have a high output battery charger that used these successfully, to connect the leads.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Panel Idea [message #189205 is a reply to message #189199] |
Sun, 04 November 2012 18:39 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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I saw this demo on how to do solar panel wiring with MC type
connectors and had some pretty good suggestions on where to purchase
wire. This could be another alternative if you find that what you
have put together is causing you problems. I don't know the rating
(amps out) of your panels but 800 watts total is fairly peppy , but
bigger wiring is always better and can't hurt!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISZg5nUDyH8
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
Michigan
On Nov 4, 2012, at 6:59 PM, Ronald Pottol wrote:
> You start reading on solar, you find you want big wires, to minimize
> voltage drop. This gets expensive (though not too bad with the short
> runs in a motorhome). Panels vary as to how much power they put out,
> and in their dimensions. Robustness as well. Pricier (monocrystalline
> rather than polycrystalline or amorphous) panels will put out more
> power per square foot.
>
> It is utterly critical that NOTHING shadow your panel. Yeah, seems
> silly, but I've seen demos.
>
> Google, or get a book, there is PLENTY of info out there on doing
> this. Nice charts to let you know just how fat a wire you need.
>
> Let us know how it works for you.
>
> Ron
>
> On Sun, Nov 4, 2012 at 3:45 PM, Jay Rabe <jayrabe@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> My 2c: "The only bad part..." is a show stopper IMO. Why would you
>> need to violate code and introduce a potential safety hazard? My
>> solar panels came with what I assumed was like an industry standard
>> of sorts for solar panels. They can get a little stiff, but I have
>> removed and reconnected them several times. They work and they're
>> relatively cheap. Do a search for "solar panel connectors mc4." The
>> other problem is that "high quality ext cords" are what gauge?
>> Various people with years of experience say not to connect panels
>> with anything less than #10, preferably #6ga. FWIW Jay
>> Rabe 76 PB Portland, OR
>>> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
>>> From: radioactive626@msn.com
>>> Date: Sun, 4 Nov 2012 14:15:10 -0600
>>> Subject: [GMCnet] Solar Panel Idea
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> 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, Casa Grande, AZ
>>> _____________________________
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Panel Idea [message #207495 is a reply to message #189185] |
Sun, 12 May 2013 19:20 |
mickeysss
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Putting 6 volt batteries in the pod on top would be interesting for a solar hook up. i shall start with 4 and them maybe 6 x 6 volt
batteries and a solar cell on the top of the pod door so i can tilt it towards the sun. Make to open both ways.
My interest is would the pod fall off if you brake hard. This could be short runs form solar to batteries and short wire runs
to house needs from the center of the roof. This is about 645 amp hours of battery power. I think,
Does anyone have any ideas weather this will work?
Any other ideas? Could put two 6 volt up front passenger side with one engine non deep cycle only and two up top 6 volt
for solar cell only. Maybe solar water heater in the rest of the pod with gravity feed down to the regular tank and pump back up
with the solar cell pump independent of the main solar two 6 volt batteries for support for house power bank. 450 amp/hours house
bank i think with 4 x 6 volt batteries two solar two from alternator. any other ideas please.
Mickey :-)
Anaheim ca. 77 palm beach
On Nov 4, 2012, at 1:30 PM, John Wright wrote:
> Michael,
> Good idea on the plugs for connecting your solar cell to the coach
> system. You could go one step further and use special plugs that are
> not able to plug into a standard receptacle and vise versa. I have
> use this plug and it's matching receptacle when wiring up my 220 and
> 110 circuits in my shop, it keeps them separate and would work with 12
> VDC. These plugs could be use to protect your solar cells so they
> don't get plugged into a standard 110 receptacle by someone trying to
> help you connect up your system and smoke them.
>
> <http://www.lowes.com/pd_157514-427-620SPZ_0__?productId=3739255&Ntt=electrical+plugs+and+connectors
>>
> and the matching receptical
> <http://www.lowes.com/pd_65748-334-1876W-SP-L_4294722475__?productId=1191899&Ns=p_product_avg_rating|1
>>
>
> JR Wright
> 78 Buskirk Stretch
> Michigan
>
>>
>>
>> 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, Casa Grande, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Panel Idea [message #207516 is a reply to message #207495] |
Sun, 12 May 2013 22:17 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
|
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Mickey, Putting heavy things on the roof is a bad idea. Over time it will cause the sides of the coach to bow outward. I have a roof pod but only light things like lawn chairs go up there.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Does the pod stop a 14"x14" fantastic fan being put in the bathroom. [message #207528 is a reply to message #207527] |
Mon, 13 May 2013 00:30 |
mickeysss
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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On May 12, 2013, at 10:09 PM, Mickey Space Ship Shuttle wrote:
>
> I see the bulge info, and top heavy is true. Rob's idea to build a pod made of something else ( like diamond sheet ) and four
>
> poles from the floor frame through the roof and a pod attached to that with an angling front for wind stream lining as well
>
> as all the weight being held by the roll bar like pipe compression members coming up from the floor one next to the sink and one next to the entrance seat and one by the bath room door and the closet inside or something like that would act as keeping the weight
>
> off the top altogether.
>
> This could work and thank you for the heads up on the problems from jerry as well. I need to go to the drawing board
>
> and think about this dream now that you have brought my feet back to the ground.
>
> does the pod stop the fantastic fan from being installed. I just bought one to put in and did not think of this pod being in the way.
>
> I can still take it back. for 30 days. cheap one for 125 dollars one direction and not automatic.
>
> thank you
>
> best regards
>
> mickey :-)
>
> anaheim ca.
>
> 77 palm beach,
>
> On May 12, 2013, at 8:17 PM, Ken Burton wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Mickey, Putting heavy things on the roof is a bad idea. Over time it will cause the sides of the coach to bow outward. I have a roof pod but only light things like lawn chairs go up there.
>> --
>> Ken Burton - N9KB
>> 76 Palm Beach
>> Hebron, Indiana
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
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>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Panel Idea [message #207541 is a reply to message #207527] |
Mon, 13 May 2013 08:37 |
Kosier
Messages: 834
Registered: February 2008
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Mickey,
If you have the full size pod, you will have to move it to the left to get
enough room for the Fantastic. If you are careful,
you can put new holes in the pod and reuse the original fasteners. Careful
location of the vent is important and don't
accidently cut the wire from the original vent. I used the surplus
Fantastic that Scott Nehoda had a supply of. They
only blew out. You don't want to blow in with the holding tank vent so
close by.
Gary Kosier
77 PB Cad 500
Newark, Oh
-----Original Message-----
From: Mickey Space Ship Shuttle
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2013 1:09 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Solar Panel Idea
I see the bulge info, and top heavy is true. Rob's idea to build a pod made
of something else ( like diamond sheet ) and four
poles from the floor frame through the roof and a pod attached to that with
an angling front for wind stream lining as well
as all the weight being held by the roll bar like pipe compression members
coming up from the floor one next to the sink and one next to the entrance
seat and one by the bath room door and the closet inside or something like
that would act as keeping the weight
off the top altogether.
This could work and thank you for the heads up on the problems from jerry as
well. I need to go to the drawing board
and think about this dream now that you have brought my feet back to the
ground.
does the pod stop the fantastic fan from being installed. I just bought one
to put in and did not think of this pod being in the way.
I can still take it back. for 30 days. cheap one for 125 dollars one
direction and not automatic.
thank you
best regards
mickey :-)
anaheim ca.
77 palm beach,
On May 12, 2013, at 8:17 PM, Ken Burton wrote:
>
>
> Mickey, Putting heavy things on the roof is a bad idea. Over time it will
> cause the sides of the coach to bow outward. I have a roof pod but only
> light things like lawn chairs go up there.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: Solar Panel Idea [message #207542 is a reply to message #189178] |
Mon, 13 May 2013 08:41 |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I like the idea of using unique connectors to avoid mistakes, but also wanted to remind folks that a female (non-pronged) connector should be used on the powered side,,and the male connector should be used on the 'non-powered' side. I'm not sure how that should be interpreted when connecting solar panels to batteries!
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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| Re: Solar Panel Idea [message #207543 is a reply to message #207542] |
Mon, 13 May 2013 08:55 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
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Adding to Anderson Power Poles comment. Power Poles are shielded, regardless of polarity. No worry about male or female, they are unisex.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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