Solar question

[Jdleach0369]

I just picked up a vibe 268 and we’d like to install solar panels on it. Does anyone already have some installed that can share photos?

TIA

[Jdleach0369]

Anyone?

[camminich]

I've looked at this option too, but it sure is a pricey upgrade. I called the company that makes the kit, and it sounds like a fairly strait forward install, but they too didn't have any pictures or even an instruction guide they could share.

My local dealer hadn't done the install on any Rainiers (NW version of the Vibe) they sold. They were still happy to quote me $599 for the install cost.

I get the feeling the vendor put the kit in the trailers almost as a freebee to get their foot in the door. Then they make their money back on the kits themselves.

[Jdleach0369]

Well I installed my controller and panel today

[DaTraveler]

Were the wires labeled inside the wall? i.e., battery and panels?

[Jdleach0369]

Originally Posted by DaTraveler

Were the wires labeled inside the wall? i.e., battery and panels?

No, but it was the only wire that had wire nuts in them so I took a multi meter and checked them.

[HangDiver]

I also used the Renogy Adventurer Controller. Here's a couple photos:

[Jdleach0369]

We only have one panel for now. What can 2 do?

[Arctic Wolf]

Double the output.

[hankpac]

Not same rig, but had it done by an itinerant installer, rather than a RV dealer.
Brian Boon, on Facebook.

[HangDiver]

I bought this as a kit from Amazon. Essentially with two 100W panels I don't worry about using electricity at night to run lights, run the furnace all night, use the sound system, etc. The next day my 2 - 12v batteries are fully charged by noonish with full sun. Because many of my camp spots are at higher altitude (colder climates) being able to run the furnace without worry was important.

Starting off with one panel is fine. You'll get to see how well one panel performs and its always easy to add another panel later if you decide to.

Good luck on your installation!

[Arctic Wolf]

Originally Posted by hankpac

Not same rig, but had it done by an itinerant installer, rather than a RV dealer.
Brian Boon, on Facebook.
Attachment 156212

Attachment 156213

Attachment 156214

Attachment 156215

Very nice. How are the panels mounted?
I want to install mine, but am not happy about drilling holes in my new roof...

[richp]

Hi,

If you contemplate adding panels later on, be sure to think ahead to the capacity of your wiring from the roof to the controller.

Google up some information on voltage drop in 12 volt systems, and go from there.

Hope this helps.

Rich Phillips

[Jdleach0369]

Originally Posted by HangDiver

I bought this as a kit from Amazon. Essentially with two 100W panels I don't worry about using electricity at night to run lights, run the furnace all night, use the sound system, etc. The next day my 2 - 12v batteries are fully charged by noonish with full sun. Because many of my camp spots are at higher altitude (colder climates) being able to run the furnace without worry was important.



Starting off with one panel is fine. You'll get to see how well one panel performs and its always easy to add another panel later if you decide to.



Good luck on your installation!

Thanks for sharing. I’ve used the harbor freight solar panels on my last travel trailer but I decided to go this route this time. So far I’m satisfied

[hankpac]

Originally Posted by Arctic Wolf

Very nice. How are the panels mounted?
I want to install mine, but am not happy about drilling holes in my new roof...

Mine are mounted on attachment points, and yes drilled into the roof. There are also several other holes drilled for wires to pass into the coach and threaded to Controllers, and Panels. Lots of wiring.
The installer (Brian Boone) uses plenty of Dicor, and is detail oriented. Of several hundred installs, I have never seen a single leak complaint from his customers.

Like any other installation or system, one has to keep an eye on everything.
There are glue on installations, and those work too. One thing everyone seems to shy away from in the Solar Community is gluing flexible panels directly to the skin. Lots of issues with over heating, peeling, failure, etc.
Depending on where you are, (AZ, Pacific Northwest, etc) there are pro solar installers (not home installer, RV!) available to guide you even if you decide to do the install yourself.
One thing I found, from doing a lot of reading and shopping before ordering, Brian's blog "Got Solar Installed" has best supplies and equipment and prices, and vendors. I also learned that there is a lot more in the way of small items to purchase beyond simply the panels, controller and inverter. My build list had items I would never have thought of if I hadn't been guided.

[Lundy]

hankpc - what type of roof construction do you have? My Rockwood is the laminated type of construction with a very thin 3/8th piece of plywood to lag screws into. I was concerned that it wasn't strong enough to mount panels on so I was going to go with the flexible panels with ethernabond tape. I have done a lot of research on the flexible panels and have read a few panel failures, but a lot of people are using them successfully. I am still trying to decide which is the best way to go based on the construction of my trailer roof.

[hankpac]

I can't recommend one way or the other. I suggest reviewing the info on the FB solar pages, especially regarding flex panel installs. Then ask your installer. Finally, note that the panels are the lightest part o the entire system. I watched a lady carry one in one hand while climbing the ladder. While I was prepping them to go up, I noticed that they don't weigh much at all. Brian can give you an educated opinion regarding your roof, and he is very nice about giving out information.

[Jdleach0369]

Here is my (1) 100w panel. I just ordered another one. I didn’t screw into the roof I used the gorilla glue caulking to secure it.

[HangDiver]

Originally Posted by Jdleach0369

Attachment 156272

Here is my (1) 100w panel. I just ordered another one. I didn’t screw into the roof I used the gorilla glue caulking to secure it.

Nicely done. Your second panel will make a significant difference for your DC needs.
My solar install was my fist electrical install experience and I was surprised to learn how important proper crimp terminals are to getting the most voltage from your panels to the batteries.

Always learning,
Rich J.