| [GMCnet] Solar Power [message #271974] |
Sat, 14 February 2015 11:32  |
Gary Berry
Messages: 1002
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
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Hey All;
I'm here out in the desert at Quartzsite. I've been looking at a solar setup that is like a big suitcase. Controller is included. It connects to the battery bank by a set of alligator clips. So what one does is to open it up (it folds up more like a camp table), connect the 2 alligator clips, point it at the sun and enjoy the free (sort of) energy. There are various sizes, but each cost about $1/watt. What smart questions should I be asking while looking at these??? Thanks.
Gary Berry
Currently on the outskirts of humanity and Quartzsite
Sent from my whatchamacallit...
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Power [message #271977 is a reply to message #271974] |
Sat, 14 February 2015 12:45  |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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You may want a way to lock them so they don't 'walk' away. The suitcase panels normally are pretty low wattage and more money compared to standard mounted panels.
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Power [message #271979 is a reply to message #271974] |
Sat, 14 February 2015 12:50 |
Olly Schmidt
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
Karma: 8
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Hello Gary,
check http://gonewiththewynns.com - they have a pretty extensive solar
setup, and details on what to look out for. Among the portal PV setup
they also have glued on PV panels on the curved roof of their RV.
Another good source of information is the http://technomadia.com page.
Both not GMC related, but helpful nonetheless.
--
Best regards
Peer Oliver Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA
'76a Eleganza II, VA
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Best regards
Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Power [message #272077 is a reply to message #271974] |
Mon, 16 February 2015 04:09 |
Gatsbys' Cruiser
Messages: 91
Registered: August 2014
Location: Illinois
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the problem with solar is they are not really large enough for use of most coaches.
before you go looking, you need to determine what you need in power usage.
You would not be able to run the AC without the generator, that's a given.
Most people have already changed out the lights for LED's to lower the power usage.
I have talked to a few people that have it and if I recal, the minimum size panel was 200 watts and they were considering getting another panel.
As I have been told....
1 12v 100AH battery will supply 5 amp for 20 hours.
5 amps = 5x12v or 60 watts. now this is using on a 12 v system
If you have an inverter, the numbers jump up.
If you want 5 amps of 120v ac from an inverter, you need 50 amps of 12v dc from the battery to supply it, minimum. And of course, you need to be able to restore that power with enough Solar panel power.
Just what I thought.
As said before, most of those portable units are really low powered and seem to be priced kind of high. But you really need to know what you need and what you are using before asking questions or they may confuse you. I'd go inquire but only as an information collecting visit, don't buy until you know what you need.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Power [message #272088 is a reply to message #272077] |
Mon, 16 February 2015 08:24 |
Gary Berry
Messages: 1002
Registered: May 2005
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Hey;
Thanks for all of the info. I'm going to go to Bill the Solar Guy here in Quartzsite and see what he recommends. Thanks again.
Gary Berry
Out in the Desert running the generator.
Sent from my iPad
> On Feb 16, 2015, at 3:09 AM, StanC wrote:
>
> the problem with solar is they are not really large enough for use of most coaches.
>
> before you go looking, you need to determine what you need in power usage.
>
> You would not be able to run the AC without the generator, that's a given.
>
> Most people have already changed out the lights for LED's to lower the power usage.
>
> I have talked to a few people that have it and if I recal, the minimum size panel was 200 watts and they were considering getting another panel.
>
> As I have been told....
>
> 1 12v 100AH battery will supply 5 amp for 20 hours.
>
> 5 amps = 5x12v or 60 watts. now this is using on a 12 v system
>
> If you have an inverter, the numbers jump up.
>
> If you want 5 amps of 120v ac from an inverter, you need 50 amps of 12v dc from the battery to supply it, minimum. And of course, you need to be able
> to restore that power with enough Solar panel power.
>
> Just what I thought.
>
> As said before, most of those portable units are really low powered and seem to be priced kind of high. But you really need to know what you need and
> what you are using before asking questions or they may confuse you. I'd go inquire but only as an information collecting visit, don't buy until you
> know what you need.
>
>
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> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Power [message #272092 is a reply to message #271974] |
Mon, 16 February 2015 09:00 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Read this.
https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/
He also talks about some of the "Experts" In Quartzite.
Buyer Beware.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Power [message #272094 is a reply to message #271974] |
Mon, 16 February 2015 09:00 |
Kudzu
Messages: 377
Registered: November 2011
Location: Marshville, NC
Karma: 0
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What system is that? Less than $1 per watt is extremely cheap especially
if not buying in bulk.
TIA
Dan in NC
1976 Eleganza II
On 2/14/2015 12:32 PM, Duallycc wrote:
> Hey All;
>
> I'm here out in the desert at Quartzsite. I've been looking at a solar setup that is like a big suitcase. Controller is included. It connects to the battery bank by a set of alligator clips. So what one does is to open it up (it folds up more like a camp table), connect the 2 alligator clips, point it at the sun and enjoy the free (sort of) energy. There are various sizes, but each cost about $1/watt. What smart questions should I be asking while looking at these??? Thanks.
>
> Gary Berry
> Currently on the outskirts of humanity and Quartzsite
>
> Sent from my whatchamacallit...
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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1976 Eleganza II
1996 Chevy Impala SS
1999 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad
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| Re: [GMCnet] Solar Power [message #272121 is a reply to message #272077] |
Mon, 16 February 2015 13:30 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Gatsbys' Cruiser wrote on Mon, 16 February 2015 05:09the problem with solar is they are not really large enough for use of most coaches.
As I have been told....
<snip>
1 12v 100AH battery will supply 5 amp for 20 hours.
5 amps = 5x12v or 60 watts. now this is using on a 12 v system
If you have an inverter, the numbers jump up.
<snipped again>
Stan,
Problem: The above is correct and I am not going to go into Peukert numbers, but that twenty hour rate is to 10.5V which is Dead Seriously dead, not just nearly but really most completely Dead.
Most common lead/acid batteries will be damaged if discharge that far. A good rule is 50% (about a 12.0V terminal) for standard, and 11.8 for real deep cycle(like golf cart grade) batteries.
The entire life of a common battery exists between 12.6 and 12.0V outside of that, things don't go well.
You have to keep the in mind with battery banks.
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: [GMCnet] Solar Power [message #272143 is a reply to message #271974] |
Mon, 16 February 2015 23:22 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Peukert makes my head hurt. 
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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