| Author | Message | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 70.52.100.148  Rating: N/A |
Going to something more fun – and getting away from my ^#**# headlamp fiasco – I’ve about 80% decided to go all solar instead of the traditional generator. Or maybe, just maybe, I might cart a little Honda portable along, just in case. I figured I could do this, since I’m NOT going to wreck my baby’s beautiful lines just to install some wind-grabbing rooftop A/Cs. Besides, I don’t intend to raise my roof and I need whatever headroom I’ve got. Anyway, I’ve got the use of the entire roof and can start with two side-by-side 8’ solar panels, and have plenty of room to expand down the road. My reasons, besides the aerodynamic and aesthetic and headroom factors: Solar panels are good almost indefinitely – the half-life on quality panels is 25 years; They use no fuel and require virtually no maintenance; From all reports, they’re reasonably quiet; I do not intend to hang very long where the sun don’t shine (that’s why we have buses, right?) I plan to link into four golf cart batteries (maybe more, later on)… or, if I can score one, the battery out of a wrecked hybrid. Then hook the batteries into a good strong inverter. A friend of mine just did her new house - out in the boonies and off-grid - like this and it works great. Bigger solar surface and more batteries, of course, but it’s a two-story HOUSE. And, trust me, northern-most Vermont is a far cry from the Sunbelt! Okay, I’ve stated my case and it makes pretty good sense to me, even in writing. But I tend to go off half-cocked sometimes, and I would value opinions from those wiser than myself – negative or otherwise. I’d hate to get halfway down this road and find out it’s a cul-de-sac, if you get my drift. This is probably a topic for another thread but – as you’ve probably already guessed – I’m not planning to much modify what the MCI folks already engineered. I figure if it was good enough for 47 passengers, it’s sure plenty for moi. So if you’re stripping a bus (MCI, of course), I need factory parts… maybe you could keep me in mind? Thanks guys, Nellie Wilson | ||
| Tony LEE (T_lee)
Registered Member Username: T_lee Post Number: 37 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 124.179.10.139 Rating: N/A |
First step is to do a proper analysis of what lifestyle you envisage and what sort of loads you intend running from the solar system.DON'T skimp with your estimates. If you watch 6 hours of TV home, you may well watch 8 hours in the RV etc etc. Without that, anyone would be just guessing.Drawing comparisons with a house set-up will not help all that much in designing your bus. You will need to park in the sun (for at least half the day) and that may not always be possible. FWIW, I have been full-timing for the last couple of years and have a full solar setup and rarely set wheels inside a van park. Do have a generator - a noisy diesel-powered 4kW that has rarely run in anger. We haven't caught up with US requirements for icemakers, espresso machines and dishwashers in our mobile homes, but we do have all the rest and are VERY comfortable. Biggest load we have is the 24V compressor fridge - replace that with an absorption type and we could halve the capacity of the solar.Cooktop, grill and hot water is gas. Oh, sorry, almost forgot. Here we put petrol in cars, not gas - well, thats not 100% true as many of our cars DO run on gas of course. Gas here means LPG or Propane. I see that 12V headlight problems come up over and over again. Just why do you lot run 12V globes on a 24V system. Why not 24V globes? Common as ... here. (Message edited by t_lee on November 20, 2008) | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 540 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 69.19.14.21 Rating: N/A |
Solar is critical to battery life (or plugging in) to assure a 100% SOC at most times. Weather you can live on solar is doubtfull. Most times solar is a 3 to 5 hour peak, so a HUGE area (& co$t) is required, even for a minimalist lifestyle.As is parking out from under the trees , forever. Air cond is ruled out , but a simple lights and radio lifestyle can be maintained. Forgetabout Sat E mail ans all the Desirements of some folks. Grandad lived with Zero electric , is that your dream lifestyle? FF | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 74.13.198.86 Rating: N/A |
Tony and Fred, thanks to both... differing opinions but both helpful. Re: Lifestyle? Hmmm. I think I won't be spending a lot of time actually IN the bus... mostly driving and sleeping (not much battery use there) and grabbing the occasional snack out of the fridge. But wait (Hmmmm, again)... I guess I WILL be using the bus to work on my music but - unless I'm actually recording - this doesn't take much juice either (just my own). I don't watch TV at all (maybe the occasional DVD or VHS) and will cook on LP (that's 'gas' to you, Tony) or outside, weather permitting... which should be just about always. Still... Fred makes a good point. I don't require much, but neither do I want to live in a one lightbulb bus for months on end. But (it sounds like) Tony isn't all bells & whistles either... and yet he carries a fairly sizeable gen set as a backup. Maybe I was too optimistic (about solar) and am headed for another compromise (seems there are a lot of those when dealing with these buses). But compromises alway seem to get pricey - a gen set AND solar? I can't afford both at once, so which to start with? Okay, now I'm just thinking out loud and nobody cares to read about THAT - it gets way too chaotic. Thanks again, and I look forward to any more suggestions. Nellie Wilson | ||
| JC Alacoque (Jc_alacoque)
Registered Member Username: Jc_alacoque Post Number: 78 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 72.45.68.242 Rating: N/A |
I spent a few years in North Hatley in the late sixties, nice country! I would go with the solar system. We have one on our bus. However it only works when there is a lot of sun, high overhead. It doesn't work very well if you are parked under a tree or camped in September in Canada. Get a portable generator to supplement. Chinese for a few hundred dollars, reasonably quiet. Or Honda, Yamaha for $1500, 2000, really quiet. This way you can be on solar most of the time, and run the gen if needed. JC | ||
| Edward J. Sommers (Sommersed)
Registered Member Username: Sommersed Post Number: 32 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 148.78.155.174 Rating: N/A |
This sounds like another east coast/west coast thing to me. There are hundreds of us here on the west coast in converted buses using nothing (for the most part) but solar. The majority are not on the net! I personally am in a MCI5A using sattalite internet aboout 4 hours a day, HD Dish TV by sat linked with a VIP722 dual recorder going into a 26 inch sharp HD TV a minimum of four hours a day and some days a lot more, use a microwave (sparingly), small stereo for some good 1940's/1950's tunes, and a whole host of small appliances and tools as I am full time RV'ing. Two of my overhead vents are with fans plus have 120 volt window fans for really warm days, ect. My setup is not uncommon for a Boondocker, but IS for those that prefer RV parks. Ed | ||
| Tom Christman (Tchristman)
Registered Member Username: Tchristman Post Number: 43 Registered: 1-2006 Posted From: 66.218.33.156 Rating: N/A |
Nellie- since you're in Canada, A/C is not a big issue. But I live in California, and I can tell you that A/C both driving and sitting is a must (I still work). I have driven my bus about 25,000 miles, and my generator has about 650 hours on it that translates into 26,000 miles on it (they figure 40mpg per hour of use). Gives you an idea how much I use it. It has more hours on it since I do alot of dry camping. I have no solar, nor am I going to get solar. Way too expensive and I don't want those ugly solar panels on my roof-surprised that you do since you don't like the looks of roof top A/C's! Good Luck, TomC | ||
| George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6 Post Number: 620 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 207.231.75.253 Rating: N/A |
Morning Nellie, Lets do some of the cold hard math that applies to energy and "building" support systems. A gallon of propane contains 94,600 BTU, but as average combustion efficiency won't exceed 80%, figure 75,000 BTU net. Gasoline and diesel fuel contain 144,000 BTU, still no more than 80% efficient. Electric resistance heat produces 3.41 BTU per Watt. One BTU raises the temperature of a pound of a substance a degree. Water weighs 8 1/2 pounds per gallon. So, it takes 8500 BTU to raise the temperature of a 10 gallon water heater 100 degrees! You mention an 8 foot solar panel, and we will assume it produces about 300 Watts in direct sunlight? Also, its probably about 3 feet wide? 280 square feet on the roof of your bus, at least 1500 square feet on the roof of your friend's house? The panels will have to be really well mounted for a mobile application, and to go under bridges, which means flat, which means less than max output, as they are never optimally angled. Now you see where the term "Watt-hours" comes from, and that you will have to apply it to your lifestyle if you want to go full solar. (How long the sun shines on how many panels, minus how long you use how many appliances, minus battery loss, etc.) Bottom line? I feel that a bus with propane refrigeration and propane or diesel water/space heat, four 300 Watt panels, and AT LEAST four golf cart batteries, will give you lights, TV, computer, fans, DC refrigerator voltage, and water pump to live reasonably well without shore power. You will need either a diode separator, or a continuous duty solenoid, so you arrive with fully charged house batteries. Please be aware that 10 Amps of 120VAC is 100 Amps of 12VDC. Look in the archives under inverters and boondocking, etc. George | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1445 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.181.166.160 Rating: N/A |
Nellie - You mentioned something in your original post that was actually quite intriguing - using a battery pack out of a wrecked hybrid for the house batteries. I don't think anyone here has come up with that idea yet, clever thinking! Certainly would be worth looking into. . . Troops, your take? FWIW & HTH. . .  | ||
| Leland Bradley (Lee_bradley)
Registered Member Username: Lee_bradley Post Number: 34 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 138.163.106.72 Rating: N/A |
The battery in my Civic Hybrid is 120 VDC. Probably not the best choice but .... As George said AT LEAST four golf cart batteries. I am looking at three or four times that to be charged from the main engine alternator when driving and capable of taking the output of a roof full of solar. Still will have a Honda EV-6010 propane genset. Household applicants are much cheaper than RV so I will have plenty of 110 VAC in the bus but a lot of LED 24VDC lighting. With 110 VAC mini-splits to keep the roof flat for solar. If you mount the solar in frames 2 or 3 inches off the roof, you get additional help with your AC budget. I plan on mounting my solar in 8 foot square frames that can be tilted from any side to maxmiumize output. Not as good as a full tracking system but better than flat | ||
| David Dulmage (Daved)
Registered Member Username: Daved Post Number: 223 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 142.46.199.30 Rating: N/A |
Summer temperatures in Canada can reach the mid 90s F. We have one A/C unit on our coach and I'm considering a second one. FWIW DaveD | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 12 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 70.49.114.248 Rating: N/A |
Hi RJ - Re: The hybrid battery idea... it came from a discussion with a friend; he's built (and still does) experimental electric cars. He's searching for a technological breakthrough, a battery / powerpack with the approimate longevity of an internal combustion engine ... or at least one that is cheap and easy to switch out when the time comes. I figured the recent hybrid advances might be helpful to him, and said so. But he said no, that while these batteries were miles ahead of what we had a few years ago, their half-life is yet to be determined... but it's considerably less than the marketing ballyhoo. And even at their half-life point, they will be noticeably less efficient. So I started thinking, hey, everyone that's all ga-ga over their hybrid today, aren't gonna be so enamoured when it putts around like an old Chevette. So, they either trade the car or replace the power pack (BIG bucks, from what I understand). But anyway, while dimininishment of efficiency is quite noticeable in an automobile application, it would be (my friend says) negligible for the load we (bus nuts) would require. Like, it's not pushing 2+ tons of metal up the road, just running a few appliances. I don't really know, but it seems a possible source of future energy for folks like us. Thanks for all the posts. Nellie Wilson | ||
| Tim Brandt (Timb)
Registered Member Username: Timb Post Number: 223 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.165.176.60  Rating: N/A |
From what I remember of living on boats solar components are not cheap so to compare them to generators as being a savings I don't think washes. I have an all electric coach with a 15 KW powertech gen and while it may not be the most efficient set up it is simple. | ||
| doug yes (Dougg)
Registered Member Username: Dougg Post Number: 68 Registered: 1-2007 Posted From: 75.88.120.30 Rating: N/A |
At the world's largest home show in Orlando, Milwaukee Tool Co had a 70's Pontiac converted to an electric motor and powered with a trunk full of Lithium tool batteries. | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 15 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 70.52.103.19 Rating: N/A |
George - You are a virtual encyclopedia of electronic information. Are you an electrical engineer, or something down that line? Not that it matters, just curious. But I definitely appreciate the technical expertise and explanation. Nellie Wilson | ||
| Paul Lawry (Dreamscape)
Registered Member Username: Dreamscape Post Number: 388 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 75.93.55.100  Rating: N/A |
These are the kinds of posts that make me look bad! I know nothing about solar, but this thread is neat. Thanks Nellie! Your name reminds me of Willie Nelson! I think of him every time I see yours! Sorry, couldn't resist! | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 543 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 66.82.162.13 Rating: N/A |
I would start with a solar controller and a solar panel or two. The Trace C 12 will handle 12A of charge and its worth its weight in gold as it will return the wet bat set to 100% SOC fairly often. Batt life of 7 years instead of 2 or 3. It can be replaced with the C 60, (if you wired heavy to begin with) when you find a bag full of cash for a dozen panels. Next I would get an E- meter or similar to actually know the SOC of the battset , again to NOT have to replace the set often. IF you wish to live with what DC provides , I would get a $200 Honda and 2 belt it to a cheap auto zone $40 rebuilt alternator,about 60A and be sure to pick an old model that uses an EXTERNAL V regulator.Ample power or Balmar will sell ($150) a Volt smart regulator that should cut engine run times by 3 or 4x from what a one wire or auto regulator would take to charge. Propane fridge , propane cooking and propane (VENTED!!!) heat , hot water and battery living is EZ with a realistic lifestyle. FF | ||
| Wec4104 (Wec4104)
Registered Member Username: Wec4104 Post Number: 5 Registered: 7-2008 Posted From: 68.46.66.57 Rating: N/A |
To keep the bus driveable, the roof mounted panels will have to be horizontally positioned while driving. However, the panels will lose a lot of efficiency if pointed straight up and not facing directly at the sun. In the winter, when the sun sits lowest in the sky, the loss will be significant. I am picturing a solution that allows raising/tilting the panels while boondocking. I would mount the panels with a hinge running along the right side (aka passenger side) of the bus. It would allowed the other side (driver's side) of the panels to be lifted up and supported by an adjustable prop. If the bus can be parked with the front windshield facing east, the panels can be raised to obtain the optimal south facing angle. To get a rough idea of the angle, it should be about the same as your latitude (Spring and Fall). In the summer, subtract 15 degrees from your latitude. In the winter, add 15 degress to your latitude. Those figures are not exact, but it will get you in the ballpark. | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 547 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 66.82.162.20 Rating: N/A |
The sun goes up , the sun goes down. To park so the boost is raised a few percent , requires special site selection , and the panel mount must be complex , and adjusted. An extra flat panel lets the sun to go over the top for a lazy way to get power.And is not very directional and may cost less than adjustable mounts.. FF | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 17 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 74.13.197.46 Rating: N/A |
Hey, Paul - That's by design, not by accident. 'Nellie Wilson' is the title of the first song I ever wrote... broke it out in Nashville and everyone there started calling me 'Nellie.' Kinda stuck, so I took it as my stage name for my country gigs. Silly little ditty, really, but I'll email you a copy if you want. Lemmee know, and thanks for picking up on my play on words. Nellie Wilson | ||
| Paul Lawry (Dreamscape)
Registered Member Username: Dreamscape Post Number: 389 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 75.93.55.100 Rating: N/A |
Hey Nellie, Sure would like a copy of your little ditty! I kinda figured something was planned! I'll send you a PM or my email addy is in my profile. Thanks, Paul | ||
| Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
Registered Member Username: Oonrahnjay Post Number: 302 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 86.147.57.217 Rating: N/A |
Nellie said "I figured the recent hybrid advances might be helpful to him, and said so. But he said no, that while these batteries were miles ahead of what we had a few years ago, their half-life is yet to be determined... but it's considerably less than the marketing ballyhoo. And even at their half-life point, they will be noticeably less efficient." I recently saw a report (Stanford U's energy research dept.???? I forget, I'm old) that said that Prius batteries live pretty well with the very sophisticated charge control in the cars but if you're trying to use a "plug in" charger, the average battery wouldn't last 10K miles. That seems to agree with your friend's info. BH NC USA | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 382 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.211.62.102 Rating: N/A |
But, a simple frame around the panel (hinged to the frame) and the frame hinged to the mounting brackets on the coach would give the best of either East or West... whever the sun shines and where ever one wants to park it... But be sure to take the ladder.... FWIW RCB | ||
| Paul Lawry (Dreamscape)
Registered Member Username: Dreamscape Post Number: 392 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 75.93.55.100 Rating: N/A |
Hi Nellie Wilson, Now I understand the reason for the bus! Thanks for the music and the link to you myspace, pretty cool. Now back to regular scheduled programming! How much have you done to your bus in the last two years you've owned it? Was it a converted coach? Happy Trails, Paul | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess)
Registered Member Username: Sffess Post Number: 749 Registered: 1-2002 Posted From: 66.38.120.219 Rating: N/A |
Did anybody mention that there is a company starting production of thin film solar panels that come off the line like paper off a printing press. That should make it possible to put a lot of flexable pannels on the roor without upsetting the lines of the bus. It is going to be significantly cheaper too. If they survive the current financial meltdown (lack of capital available) the new stuff would be well worth waiting for. You could go with a cheap temporary generator while you wait for the technology to mature. Probably only a couple of years. Look what happened with LEDs. Seven years ago we were making our own LED lights with perfboard and LEDs. Now you can buy anything you want. | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member Username: Niles500 Post Number: 880 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 71.180.124.221 Rating: N/A |
What happened with the holographic panels - they were talking about them a couple years ago, but nothing is available yet - that was a real cure for our use - didn't have to worry about aiming the panels, higher output, and cheaper cost due to fewer PV cells - | ||
| Edward J. Sommers (Sommersed)
Registered Member Username: Sommersed Post Number: 34 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 148.78.155.174 Rating: N/A |
I have 8 panels and are easily installed in a day, and yes, they tilt if need be. Many was to do it but I like the KISS method of using two alum angle holding two panels (3/4 inch) which are attached to short lengths of 1.5 inch alum angle using 1/4 inch nuts/bolts. Either end (port/stbd) can accept lengths of 1/2 inch conduit for legs to provide tilt. If installing solar, I recommend that the charge controller be, without doubt, MPPT equipped (I use Bluesky). Besides mine, there are ten or twelve other rigs running around that I have done for folks ....fast and easy! Ed | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 18 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 70.49.114.57 Rating: N/A |
Howdy, Paul (Dreamscape) - You're most welcome for the tunes and I'm happy you enjoyed them. To answer your first question, the bus was NOT ocnverted when I got it, but the seats and overhead racks had been removed and the lavatory had been partly disassembled. Which seemed a plus at the time, but now (knowing more than I did then) I regret it - at least the latter two items. Were I to do it again (which - being somewhat a masochist - could very well happen) I'd buy a bus completely intact and retain EVERYTHING I couldn't improve on... I don't mean from an aesthetic standpoint, but from a structural and practical standpoint. Like, for instance, will my little faux maple cabinets come even close to the structural integrity of the original parcel racks? Will my bargain basement lights even compare to the airline quality reading lamps developed by MCI through generations of refinements? Much as I'd like to say otherwise, the answer is obvious. But you get my drift, I'm sure. I know I'm in the vast minority on this score... I've seen the spectacular jobs so many of you guys are doing. But for me, this is a work bus... I'm much like a construction guy that travels from job to job and requires - in the main - functionality. To say it straight, I ain't fancy... just need a platform that can log endless miles and afford a modicum of comfort - a place to sleep, occasionally eat, and work on my music. As to your second question: What have I done in two years? Well, compared to most of the guys on this forum, not very darned much. No skylights, no roof raises, no new skins nor custom windows nor caps nor marbel floors. Not even a roof A/C. Okay, I did get some of that stuff, like a whole set of super-duper, double-pane dark tinted RV style sliding windows with screens. And a roof air and a ceramic RV toilet and holding tank assembly and... on and on. But know what I've done with that stuff? Stuck it in a retired 53' trailer at my friend's truck garage, where it shall reside for the winter - and quite possibly forever. It's not that I wouldn't like to utilize those things, it's just that I went, "Whoa, Nellie... you want a major project or something that'll get you down the road?" I decided what was important to me was: 1. mechanics and 2. mechanics and 3. decent living accomodation and a reasonably presentable appearance. My baby's 8V-71, 318 DD had a complete OOF rebuild at Harper Detroit, along with refurbishing anything 'iffy' in the drive train. Plus new brakes and maxis. New belts and hoses, of course, and filters and the like. And odds and ends, like a trailer hitch and toad hookups, new tires all around, one new air tank, new bin door cables, two new radiators, replaced a couple windows, etc. Also some new air bags, some air frame welding (leaks)... and looks like I'll have to do at least one more air bag (probably this coming week). From a purely 'drudge' perspective, pulled all the panels and cleaned, grinded, scraped, sanded, rust treated and painted - including the wheels, and even the spare. I've since scored a nice set of Alcoa aluminums, but don't think I'll bother to mount them (at least not now) - can't stand the thought of all that work (on the wheels) going to waste. Polished the S/S and cleaned the aluminum and refreshed the paint(where needed), etc. Drilled and re-riveted where necessary. Where some mild corrosion was bubbling the aluminum, pulled the skins and found it to be superficial - a minor repair that could wait. I've built a bed, counters and some interior storage; put in a stove and sink and a Dometic 3-way fridge (which I thought didn't work until reading a recent thread on this very forum). I got some holding tanks and pumps and line, but nothing is hooked up yet, and now I'll have to get South (like that song, Paul) to do it. Looks like we're fresh out of weather up here in the Great Frozen Tundra. Apologize for the Loooooong diatribe. Probably more than you ever wanted to know but, hey, you asked the question. While I'm here, thanks to all for the terrific input on this solar topic. Nellie Wilson | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 19 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 70.49.114.57 Rating: N/A |
PS Sorry about that "ocnverted" on last post... I got momentarily lysdexic. Nellie Wilson | ||
| Paul Lawry (Dreamscape)
Registered Member Username: Dreamscape Post Number: 393 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 75.93.55.100 Rating: N/A |
Hi Nellie, Thanks, and now I know what you've been up too! I bought our Eagle in 03 and thought it would only take a couple of years, yeah right! I'm still transforming her, I figure another 5 and I'll be finished, but wait, a coach is really never ever finished! I just keep on keepin' on. We do use it but the wife ways "I want my kitchen". So that's what I'm working on now. Sounds like you did the important things first, at least you can feel good about you heading south. Happy Trails, Paul | ||
| joe padberg (Joemc7ab)
Registered Member Username: Joemc7ab Post Number: 306 Registered: 6-2004 Posted From: 66.38.159.33 Rating: N/A |
Edward How many watts do your solar panels total? And the second question would be the size of your housebank in Amphours ? Joe. | ||
| Edward J. Sommers (Sommersed)
Registered Member Username: Sommersed Post Number: 35 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 148.78.155.174 Rating: N/A |
Joe - I now have right around 800 watts, and have eight deep cycle 6 volt batts so that's in the 800 to 880 amphour range, depending on discharge rate. I started out with 150 watts with mismatched batts on a non cab over camper in the year 2000 but built up fast after starting full timing in 2003. Ed | ||
| Edward J. Sommers (Sommersed)
Registered Member Username: Sommersed Post Number: 36 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 148.78.155.174 Rating: N/A |
Joe - I now have right around 800 watts, and have eight deep cycle 6 volt batts so that's in the 800 to 880 amphour range, depending on discharge rate. I started out with 150 watts with mismatched batts on a non cab over camper in the year 2000 but built up fast after starting full timing in 2003. Ed | ||
| Edward J. Sommers (Sommersed)
Registered Member Username: Sommersed Post Number: 37 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 148.78.155.174 Rating: N/A |
Joe - I now have right around 800 watts, and have eight deep cycle 6 volt batts so that's in the 800 to 880 amphour range, depending on discharge rate. I started out with 150 watts with mismatched batts on a non cab over camper in the year 2000 but built up fast after starting full timing in 2003. Reading Home Power magazine helps me keep up with the technology (and the mag can be downloaded!). Ed | ||
| joe padberg (Joemc7ab)
Registered Member Username: Joemc7ab Post Number: 308 Registered: 6-2004 Posted From: 66.38.159.33 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Ed I got about 690 watts of panels a couple of years ago at a very good price and also a good house bank close to ninehundred amphours. Both items not installed as yet, but seeing I finally got the missing piece for my transmission modification ( see new thread at top) I am hoping that all the pieces will come together in the next shortwhile. With what you are using, are you finding it sufficient, or is the occasional use of a generator still called for? Joe. | ||
| Edward J. Sommers (Sommersed)
Registered Member Username: Sommersed Post Number: 38 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 148.78.155.174 Rating: N/A |
Well Joe, Normally, if I am parked in the correct orientation for the season I need not run my Honda 2000i at all, the solar gets the batt bank full by noon as long as I've used 20 percent or less. Sometimes if I need a lot of power earlier, I'll run the gen for about an hour or so hooked to a 40 amp batt charger just to get a bulk charge in there, then let the solar take over. I still have not raised my panels, still get enuf amps coming in to do the job. Ed | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 558 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 69.19.14.34 Rating: N/A |
Did anybody mention that there is a company starting production of thin film solar panels that come off the line like paper off a printing press. I think these are the folks that 30 years ago, claimed FUSION power was only 20 years away. Today there still claiming its only another 30 to go, even tho the Russian TOKAMAC design has been copied. FF | ||
| hojji firemaker (Hojjifiremaker)
Registered Member Username: Hojjifiremaker Post Number: 9 Registered: 4-2008 Posted From: 67.142.162.30  Rating: N/A |
I travel a bit, and play music at Music Festivals on the West Coast. This year I saw a guy that built an amazing old world style gypsy wagon puppet theater trailer (he pulled behind his big american truck), and it's roof was completely covered with the flex solar paneling. Apparently the solar cells are isolated enough so that if one is damaged, they do not disturb the continuity of the circuit. Totally flexible. He had it screwed to the roof, I think I remember seeing grommets on the edges, and screw and washers attaching it to his roof... He said he purchased it rolled in tubes. Therefore it could easily roll down the sides of the top of a coach. something to consider if someone didn't mind the futuristic decor, would be to mount flex paneling on the sides of the coach, where the charter graphics at one time once were. Therefore, the roof and the sides would be covered, and between all of that there is a lot of surface area, regardless of the season. In the meantime, Nellie, I have a solar panel, (more to come) a 3000 watt honda (very quite) generator, and plug into shore power whenever possible. the main problem with the honda is, gas is more expensive than shore power for one, but it is that it does not have a remote ignition switch for inside the coach, so I have to walk out day or night, sun or rain and manually turn it on or off. Where as a onan or something comparable, likely would. also, a gas generator doesn't stink out your camp as much as diesel does. | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 562 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 69.19.14.15 Rating: N/A |
" a gas generator doesn't stink out your camp as much as diesel does." If you worry about service life , and poisonous exhaust , simply check out the PROPANE version of a gas engine. FF | ||
| Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
Registered Member Username: Oonrahnjay Post Number: 305 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 69.143.52.250 Rating: N/A |
I'm hoping I'm not dropping a wrench in this thread but isn't the gorilla in the room the principle that "you can't take more out than you can put in"? I'm certainly aware that solar will be putting *some* amount of charge in from ~7:30AM to about 6:30PM but when you get the "angle of sun" issues and low wattages, isn't it hard to get enough electrical energy from the sun to run the electrical system on most busses? (Full disclosure, I'm planning a mostly propane/ LED system and don't see using a high wattage system but the _real output_ of solar systems just seems too low to me.) | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 389 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.209.57.1 Rating: N/A |
My sentiments,exactly Bruce.....redundancy is the thing in this particular subject. FWIW RCB | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 571 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 66.82.162.18 Rating: N/A |
For folks wanting to get up to speed on actually living with a batt set long term, Home Power Mag (on like free) has a very basic article on battery monitors in this months issue. That is the FIRST thing I would purchase if I were contemplating living with no power hose. FF | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces)
Registered Member Username: Pvcces Post Number: 1237 Registered: 5-2001 Posted From: 65.74.69.188 Rating: N/A |
And if battery temperature is allowed to fall very much during the cold months, it becomes really difficult to keep the performance up. We learned the hard way that battery temperature cannot be ignored. For what it's worth. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher Ketchikan, Alaska |