04-13-2018, 06:18 PM
We've elected to install 4s4p 100W solar panels on the roof. I know we could fit 20 panels up there, and we might even be able to squeeze 24, but 16 strikes a nice balance between giving us some meaningful energy under most any conditions (we have a coach "baseline" without HVAC of about 250W continuous, unoccupied) and keeping enough of the roof open that I can walk on it.
![[Image: BZu7Lz7.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/BZu7Lz7.jpg)
Here you can see the first few panels going in at the front of the coach. The mounts are made from 80/20 extruded aluminum rails, some associated "footpads," and VHB tape to secure them to the roof. They are pretty stable. (VHB might be my favorite product, ever?) They are designed to raise the panels up flush with the fairing, so that the panels can be brought almost to the edges without any shading. As a side bonus, I figure I could put some storage for brooms, mops, and wrapping paper up there underneath them, if I get desperate for space!
The 4 strings bus up into one combiner box and send about 20A @ 80VDC down through a set of 8AWG cables that Newell ran for me. Those also land in the inverter bay and onto a small Victron MPPT charger.
Here you can see the first few panels going in at the front of the coach. The mounts are made from 80/20 extruded aluminum rails, some associated "footpads," and VHB tape to secure them to the roof. They are pretty stable. (VHB might be my favorite product, ever?) They are designed to raise the panels up flush with the fairing, so that the panels can be brought almost to the edges without any shading. As a side bonus, I figure I could put some storage for brooms, mops, and wrapping paper up there underneath them, if I get desperate for space!
The 4 strings bus up into one combiner box and send about 20A @ 80VDC down through a set of 8AWG cables that Newell ran for me. Those also land in the inverter bay and onto a small Victron MPPT charger.
2008 Newell #1234
Boulder, CO