Solar- size?

[Mikeroe66]

I have a 2019 chateau E31. It already has the solar controller and the terminal points are on the roof for a panel. I have two 12v batteries, am wondering if I should look into adding a panel on the roof. If so what size or wattage? So i guess it will maintain the batteries. What happens when i plug it in to line power or start the generator, does the solar switch off by itself?

[Long & Winding road]

Look at your solar controler first to see how many watts it can handle. (I bet you can type in model # online or look in your paperwork for the size).

I think many of the factory installed controllers can only handle 100 Watts. If you can do 200 go for it. The conroller will know when your batteries are at full charge (or changing by someting else) and shut off.

100 watts is good, 200 is better IMO for two 12 Volt OEM batteries. Keep in mind that most of the time (from what I hear) you wont get the full wattage very much. Could be angle of sun, clouds, trees etc.

I will be installing solar later this year on my unit so I been researching now.

[TurnerFam]

while I have 200w of solar on the roof, and it provides some additional charging of the batteries, I would suggest that unless you are traveling quite a bit, weeks on end, or are off-grid for more than several nights, it's probably not worth the trouble or costs.
Most folks 'think' they must need it, as though it does something for you that you can't do without it, but it is simply just another small energy source. And while quiet, it provides nothing during the night, or very little in the shade, or during cloudy or rainy times.

Use your generator, it's what you already have and have already 'paid' for. It's very economical for the power it provides, and it easy to use and there ready and waiting.

[Long & Winding road]

I agree with Turnerfam, For many of us Solar is just something we "Want" but dont really "need". Many of us like to tinker and improve our RV's (Even if they dont need it - LOL).

[Mikeroe66]

Thanks to everyone for all the advise, sure helps in the decision process

[scrubjaysnest]

The size solar array is determined by the battery back size. Rough rule of thumb is 100 to 140 watts per 100aH of battery.
If you are really wanting to get into solar for dry camping start with an energy audit to determine the battery bank size you really need.
I leave our solar on almost all the time.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by Long & Winding road

I agree with Turnerfam, For many of us Solar is just something we "Want" but dont really "need". Many of us like to tinker and improve our RV's (Even if they dont need it - LOL).

I agree...
My motto is: "Why leave it alone: if you don't have to?"

[TurnerFam]

and that Really IS the truth, as most of us have no real need or benefit of solar, and yet we like to ‘manufacture’ projects! fun : )

[The Gritz Carlton]

I've looked into it but reality is...with the set up I have built over the years with multiple RV's, I can get by without it. My wife's most asked question..."what's wrong with what you have...doesn't it work good...are you unhappy?".

[Bob Denman]

Since I've only got a Class C with a pretty "crowded roof": I'm almost waiting for the technology to make the panels smaller...
If I try to climb up there to put a cover on the rig:


http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1533730761

[JamieGeek]

There's lots of room for panels on that roof; just got to fit them in.

How good are you at Tetris?

[Bob Denman]

It's not so much the lack of space, as it is the lack of co-ordination by the person who'll be climbing up there...
Between the peripheral neuropathy, a charcot foot, and a general lack of co-ordination: it'd be a disaster waiting to happen!
(I can't feel where I put my feet anymore...)

What is Tetris?

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

It's not so much the lack of space, as it is the lack of co-ordination by the person who'll be climbing up there...
Between the peripheral neuropathy, a charcot foot, and a general lack of co-ordination: it'd be a disaster waiting to happen!
(I can't feel where I put my feet anymore...)

What is Tetris?

That's why you hire people

Tetris:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNbo1AGqKrI

[Bob Denman]

I'm two things:
Cheap... and Stubborn!

I remember that game now!

[Long & Winding road]

You know what they say..... Its not the size of your solar array - its how you use it. LOL.

[Bob Denman]

I've been saying that for lots of years!

[Long & Winding road]

yep, Everyone wants to say "well my solar array is bigger than yours". Well if you dont have the battery compacity what does it matter? Or if its too small and dont charge fully - what good is it doing?

I say go for 1.5 the watts you need to charge fully your batteries. So 200 watt for 200 amp hours (General rule) I say install 300 watts. IMO you will be perfect for the setup you have.

I plan to install TWO 175 watt panels so it will be 350 watts for my 220 amp hour setup. I figured if I have some shade or cloudy days this will help me some. Plus I dont want to drill any more holes than I have too.

[Bob Denman]

I was originally looking at either three or four 100 watt panels...
How large are these 175 watt versions, and do you have a link to them?

[Long & Winding road]

Same here, no link. Amazon - search for Newpowa 175 watt.

Little larger than 100 watt but not by much.

[Long & Winding road]

After looking on Amazon today I might go with the 150 watts panels they recommend. They look like a better quaility panel plus cheaper per a watt ($150 each so 1$ per watt vs. $200 for the 175 watt panel = $114.5 per a watt). I can always add more if I need it too.

So two of them will give me 300 watts.... more than enough for my TWO 6v / 220 amp hour batteries. Plus I only would have to drill / wire up TWO panels vs. THREE if I installed 100 watt panels that everyone else.