Solar panel
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Lest we forget
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 132
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From: Holland, Mich.
Solar panel
Want to purchase a solar panel small enough but still large enough to run my cooling fan in the back of the frig. My frig. is in my slide out, thus I have no roof vent. The fan comes on only when the frig. gets warm. The fan draws air in thru the bottom access door and blows the warm air out thru the top access door. So when i'm dry camping and its warm out side, this fan runs a lot, thus drawing down the battery's. So maybe a small solar panel would work, and I could hook the wires to a extra fan or to the one that is their know. I don't care to change wires all the time, so maybe an extra fan would be the way to go. I could lay the solar panel on the roof of the slide out to get the most sun. Does anyone know were I can get such a panel? Thanks Diesel is 2.88 in our town. waam Holland, Mich
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 1
From: St Paul , MN.
1st off , solar panels are generally hooked through a charge controller to the battery , this is for many reasons , to not over charge battery & boil out water , then an equalizing charge to keep all cells working the same .
A couple problems with your ? & the ratings of panels & motors , you say small panel & fan motor , the physics of that does not match , solar panels put out low current [ the smaller the panel the lower the current ] motors draw the highest current along with electric heat .
Next is putting on top of slide out , the problem here is when its in , the panel is not exposed to the sun , so the batteries do not charge .
The last thing is you probably do not have real deep cycle batteries , they may say some thing about deep cycle on them but if they are 12v , there is only a couple manufactures of true deep cycle 12v .
Now for the solution to this .
If you are like most RVs the battery box's are of such a size that only a standard starting battery size box , if you do have room in a ventilated container [ so the gas's can be vented out side , these are corrosive & explosive ] 6v golf cart batteries x2 for 12v .
I have an Airstream trailer , it has 2 battery box's , but only the car starting size will fit , so I got true deep cycle 12v [ Trojan brand ] from Batteries + , the vast majority of places that sell batteries do not know much about deep cycle and especially solar power , so do not let them tell you that a battery with a label that says marine RV , is a deep cycle , they are manufactured as a compromise between the 2 types , so not good at either .
A little proximate cost of a system , this can not be right with out knowing all the spec.s of all the components , the a panel at least 25watts if not 50 watts = do not pay over $ 3.75 a watt , charge controller - $40 - 70 , batteries - Trojan $80-120 .
This is a big subject so its hard to get all in this post .
Here's a link to help .
http://www.backwoodssolar.com/
A couple problems with your ? & the ratings of panels & motors , you say small panel & fan motor , the physics of that does not match , solar panels put out low current [ the smaller the panel the lower the current ] motors draw the highest current along with electric heat .
Next is putting on top of slide out , the problem here is when its in , the panel is not exposed to the sun , so the batteries do not charge .
The last thing is you probably do not have real deep cycle batteries , they may say some thing about deep cycle on them but if they are 12v , there is only a couple manufactures of true deep cycle 12v .
Now for the solution to this .
If you are like most RVs the battery box's are of such a size that only a standard starting battery size box , if you do have room in a ventilated container [ so the gas's can be vented out side , these are corrosive & explosive ] 6v golf cart batteries x2 for 12v .
I have an Airstream trailer , it has 2 battery box's , but only the car starting size will fit , so I got true deep cycle 12v [ Trojan brand ] from Batteries + , the vast majority of places that sell batteries do not know much about deep cycle and especially solar power , so do not let them tell you that a battery with a label that says marine RV , is a deep cycle , they are manufactured as a compromise between the 2 types , so not good at either .
A little proximate cost of a system , this can not be right with out knowing all the spec.s of all the components , the a panel at least 25watts if not 50 watts = do not pay over $ 3.75 a watt , charge controller - $40 - 70 , batteries - Trojan $80-120 .
This is a big subject so its hard to get all in this post .
Here's a link to help .
http://www.backwoodssolar.com/
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,113
Likes: 0
From: New Mexico
There is a company that makes a little solar operated fan with it's own solar cell exactally for your purpose. You usually can find them at places that sell/service RV's. I have several of these on the fridges on my horse trailers and 5th wheel. I'll have to look around and see if I still have the literature on them, if so I will post it.
You can also instal a solar system as described in the previous post. I have these systems also on all my trailers, they are easy to install, can be very inexpensive to greatly expensive depending on how elaborate you want to go.
There are several RV web sites with really good information, wiring diagrams, cost analysis calculation sheets that you can download to figure your needs for a more encompasing system.
By the way, I live off-grid, my office is off-grid, my well is powered by solar and wind generation. I have done it all myself using several texts and information from websites. Solar is not rocket science and easy to design, build, maintain and use.
CD
You can also instal a solar system as described in the previous post. I have these systems also on all my trailers, they are easy to install, can be very inexpensive to greatly expensive depending on how elaborate you want to go.
There are several RV web sites with really good information, wiring diagrams, cost analysis calculation sheets that you can download to figure your needs for a more encompasing system.
By the way, I live off-grid, my office is off-grid, my well is powered by solar and wind generation. I have done it all myself using several texts and information from websites. Solar is not rocket science and easy to design, build, maintain and use.
CD
DTR's 'Wrench thrower...' And he aims for the gusto...
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 3
From: Smith Valley, NV (sometimes Redwood City, CA)
waam,
I did the same thing and it works very well. For a simple camping setup just get out the panel and set it where it makes sense. I put mine on the ground leaning against the bumper and I've also laid it on top of the slideout. Works just fine.
Wire the panel to your battery not to the fan directly. This can be done very simply with a piece of heavy gauge lamp cord and two clips. Or by wiring it to a cigarette lighter plug (male piece) and plugging it into a convenient socket. At night unplug the panel. And put it away in high winds.
You'll enjoy not only running the frige fan but some small lighting, and a water pump as well. Try to set yourself up with some LED lights and you'll get a lot of performance out of your simple system.
The only time you'll need a charge controller is if you're panel array is way bigger than the load or if you leave the camper charging while away with no load. If you do leave it, protect the panel from wind damage.
A panel of about 18 inches by 24 inches is easy enough to carry in a camper and will supply enough power to do these things and run a small inverter once in a while to charge your computer battery, rechargeable drill, or other items. It will easily run the frige fan all day with power to spare for modest lighting. The most economical fans are muffin fans. The ones with the lowest amp draw are often the quietest and the 24 volt ones will run fine on 12 volts. Or two 12 volt ones in series. Very quiet. There are a lot of different designs of muffin fans so get a bunch and play around. Used electronic stores are the best place to find them. The fans typically put in campers are very crude, power hungry and LOUD.
I have since added a charge controller because I now leave my setup for a week or two at a time. I added more batteries but am still running off one panel. Now, when I arrive on Thursday or Friday I can run all the power I want and still be fine. My lights are on a lot. I even run a CD player on the inverter, charge my drill batteries, run the laptop, coffee mill, etc. The inverter stays on all weekend ready to go.
If you camp a lot in fog you'll need a bigger panel and if you camp a lot in the high desert you'll be amazed at what it will do. Don't allow any shadow on the panel during the main part of the day. Mine shuts off completely with a small shadow. You can get the best performance if you point it South (in the Northern Hemisphere) and tilt it to the approximate lattitude. A little less in the summer, a little more in the winter, and turn it once or twice a day to track the sun. Flat on the roof works too, with a small reduction in output. If you want to play around a bit, put am amp meter in line with your wires so you can see the effect of orienting it differently and know when to unhook. Of course these are not necessary A volt meter on the battery will give a rough idea of charge.
I have really enjoyed my various arrangements and mine is now much more complicated than necessary. If you want the minimum system just get the panel, some wire and two alligator clips. A panel half as big as I described would probably be fine for what you describe, but more power is nice and you'll find uses for it.
John
I did the same thing and it works very well. For a simple camping setup just get out the panel and set it where it makes sense. I put mine on the ground leaning against the bumper and I've also laid it on top of the slideout. Works just fine.
Wire the panel to your battery not to the fan directly. This can be done very simply with a piece of heavy gauge lamp cord and two clips. Or by wiring it to a cigarette lighter plug (male piece) and plugging it into a convenient socket. At night unplug the panel. And put it away in high winds.
You'll enjoy not only running the frige fan but some small lighting, and a water pump as well. Try to set yourself up with some LED lights and you'll get a lot of performance out of your simple system.
The only time you'll need a charge controller is if you're panel array is way bigger than the load or if you leave the camper charging while away with no load. If you do leave it, protect the panel from wind damage.
A panel of about 18 inches by 24 inches is easy enough to carry in a camper and will supply enough power to do these things and run a small inverter once in a while to charge your computer battery, rechargeable drill, or other items. It will easily run the frige fan all day with power to spare for modest lighting. The most economical fans are muffin fans. The ones with the lowest amp draw are often the quietest and the 24 volt ones will run fine on 12 volts. Or two 12 volt ones in series. Very quiet. There are a lot of different designs of muffin fans so get a bunch and play around. Used electronic stores are the best place to find them. The fans typically put in campers are very crude, power hungry and LOUD.
I have since added a charge controller because I now leave my setup for a week or two at a time. I added more batteries but am still running off one panel. Now, when I arrive on Thursday or Friday I can run all the power I want and still be fine. My lights are on a lot. I even run a CD player on the inverter, charge my drill batteries, run the laptop, coffee mill, etc. The inverter stays on all weekend ready to go.
If you camp a lot in fog you'll need a bigger panel and if you camp a lot in the high desert you'll be amazed at what it will do. Don't allow any shadow on the panel during the main part of the day. Mine shuts off completely with a small shadow. You can get the best performance if you point it South (in the Northern Hemisphere) and tilt it to the approximate lattitude. A little less in the summer, a little more in the winter, and turn it once or twice a day to track the sun. Flat on the roof works too, with a small reduction in output. If you want to play around a bit, put am amp meter in line with your wires so you can see the effect of orienting it differently and know when to unhook. Of course these are not necessary A volt meter on the battery will give a rough idea of charge.
I have really enjoyed my various arrangements and mine is now much more complicated than necessary. If you want the minimum system just get the panel, some wire and two alligator clips. A panel half as big as I described would probably be fine for what you describe, but more power is nice and you'll find uses for it.
John
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 632
Likes: 1
From: Redding, CA
1st off , solar panels are generally hooked through a charge controller to the battery , this is for many reasons , to not over charge battery & boil out water , then an equalizing charge to keep all cells working the same .
A couple problems with your ? & the ratings of panels & motors , you say small panel & fan motor , the physics of that does not match , solar panels put out low current [ the smaller the panel the lower the current ] motors draw the highest current along with electric heat .
Next is putting on top of slide out , the problem here is when its in , the panel is not exposed to the sun , so the batteries do not charge .
The last thing is you probably do not have real deep cycle batteries , they may say some thing about deep cycle on them but if they are 12v , there is only a couple manufactures of true deep cycle 12v .
Now for the solution to this .
If you are like most RVs the battery box's are of such a size that only a standard starting battery size box , if you do have room in a ventilated container [ so the gas's can be vented out side , these are corrosive & explosive ] 6v golf cart batteries x2 for 12v .
I have an Airstream trailer , it has 2 battery box's , but only the car starting size will fit , so I got true deep cycle 12v [ Trojan brand ] from Batteries + , the vast majority of places that sell batteries do not know much about deep cycle and especially solar power , so do not let them tell you that a battery with a label that says marine RV , is a deep cycle , they are manufactured as a compromise between the 2 types , so not good at either .
A little proximate cost of a system , this can not be right with out knowing all the spec.s of all the components , the a panel at least 25watts if not 50 watts = do not pay over $ 3.75 a watt , charge controller - $40 - 70 , batteries - Trojan $80-120 .
This is a big subject so its hard to get all in this post .
Here's a link to help .
http://www.backwoodssolar.com/
A couple problems with your ? & the ratings of panels & motors , you say small panel & fan motor , the physics of that does not match , solar panels put out low current [ the smaller the panel the lower the current ] motors draw the highest current along with electric heat .
Next is putting on top of slide out , the problem here is when its in , the panel is not exposed to the sun , so the batteries do not charge .
The last thing is you probably do not have real deep cycle batteries , they may say some thing about deep cycle on them but if they are 12v , there is only a couple manufactures of true deep cycle 12v .
Now for the solution to this .
If you are like most RVs the battery box's are of such a size that only a standard starting battery size box , if you do have room in a ventilated container [ so the gas's can be vented out side , these are corrosive & explosive ] 6v golf cart batteries x2 for 12v .
I have an Airstream trailer , it has 2 battery box's , but only the car starting size will fit , so I got true deep cycle 12v [ Trojan brand ] from Batteries + , the vast majority of places that sell batteries do not know much about deep cycle and especially solar power , so do not let them tell you that a battery with a label that says marine RV , is a deep cycle , they are manufactured as a compromise between the 2 types , so not good at either .
A little proximate cost of a system , this can not be right with out knowing all the spec.s of all the components , the a panel at least 25watts if not 50 watts = do not pay over $ 3.75 a watt , charge controller - $40 - 70 , batteries - Trojan $80-120 .
This is a big subject so its hard to get all in this post .
Here's a link to help .
http://www.backwoodssolar.com/
Good advice.
Where are you finding solar for less than 3.75 watt? I can't get used stuff for that price.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 1
From: St Paul , MN.
The links for a lot of my stuff was on old dead computers , there were a few .
I have multiple systems , haven't bought any panels for some yrs , I paid $2.85 watt back then .
I'll see what I can come up with .
I think this one of them .
http://www.partsonsale.com/
I have multiple systems , haven't bought any panels for some yrs , I paid $2.85 watt back then .
I'll see what I can come up with .
I think this one of them .
http://www.partsonsale.com/
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Registered User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 632
Likes: 1
From: Redding, CA
The links for a lot of my stuff was on old dead computers , there were a few .
I have multiple systems , haven't bought any panels for some yrs , I paid $2.85 watt back then .
I'll see what I can come up with .
I think this one of them .
http://www.partsonsale.com/
I have multiple systems , haven't bought any panels for some yrs , I paid $2.85 watt back then .
I'll see what I can come up with .
I think this one of them .
http://www.partsonsale.com/
I suspect prices have doubled since then.
My dad owns an RV store and just got a stock order of 30 130w panels and paid 3.84 per watt delivered. From what I've seen on the net lately, that was a good deal for a wholesaler.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 1
From: St Paul , MN.
Up grading both of my systems is in the future , but hasn't been on the ft burner , so any pricing is the last time I looked , but I do not look where most look , think about it in relation to what ever kind of work you do , you find deals [ not every day ] if your in that environment a lot , if not you miss them , a 2nd is like going to auctions , do not fall in love with a single item , bid on the sleepers .
I know that alt energy is put down by the media , so it can be had to see a lot of deals , when I go to the book store , there are only 2 magazines that cover alt E. , with an ongoing energy issues for what 40 yrs , and most book stores do not have an alt energy section , RANT over .
I know that alt energy is put down by the media , so it can be had to see a lot of deals , when I go to the book store , there are only 2 magazines that cover alt E. , with an ongoing energy issues for what 40 yrs , and most book stores do not have an alt energy section , RANT over .
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: hutchinson MN
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90599
there you go Guys, Here's your chance to diss harbor freight tools but ya.. anyways, the solar panels work great. I use them to keep the batterys on my horse trailer toped off and you get a couple of handy 12 volt compact floesents lights. the only thing you might want to do is up grade the charge controler on it . it has anoying beep to it that you can doo searches to stop that. but if you take a computer fan and hook it direct ot the pannel it would work just fine. PM Me direct if any more questions, hope it help cole
there you go Guys, Here's your chance to diss harbor freight tools but ya.. anyways, the solar panels work great. I use them to keep the batterys on my horse trailer toped off and you get a couple of handy 12 volt compact floesents lights. the only thing you might want to do is up grade the charge controler on it . it has anoying beep to it that you can doo searches to stop that. but if you take a computer fan and hook it direct ot the pannel it would work just fine. PM Me direct if any more questions, hope it help cole
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 1
From: St Paul , MN.
The cheap chineez can have a place [ if money is tight , and you just gota have something ] , but if you have quality concerns [ any good panel , has a min. 20-25 yr life ] , if you need the most power for the space ,
Generally there are 2 basic styles of panel , the blue crystal & the black ones [ the ones in the last link are the black , the blue ones put out over 3 times as much .
The point being is that they all work , but they do not all work the same .
One of the other links I gave had good brand name panels on sale for $4 a watt , about the size of one of the harbor fright , if you do the math , its about the same cost per watt as the harbor fright , you get a couple of extras with the harbor freight , but have you ever bought a chineez product ? You may be able to take it back [ or not ] ,
My last purchase was one of the chineez generators , it literally broke every other time I used it , petcock [ can not find one that will fit in place of the broken ] , gas gauge on top of tank melted in 3 weeks .
The point here is if your like most , you do not have the time to fix every thing you own every time you go to use it .
Generally there are 2 basic styles of panel , the blue crystal & the black ones [ the ones in the last link are the black , the blue ones put out over 3 times as much .
The point being is that they all work , but they do not all work the same .
One of the other links I gave had good brand name panels on sale for $4 a watt , about the size of one of the harbor fright , if you do the math , its about the same cost per watt as the harbor fright , you get a couple of extras with the harbor freight , but have you ever bought a chineez product ? You may be able to take it back [ or not ] ,
My last purchase was one of the chineez generators , it literally broke every other time I used it , petcock [ can not find one that will fit in place of the broken ] , gas gauge on top of tank melted in 3 weeks .
The point here is if your like most , you do not have the time to fix every thing you own every time you go to use it .
Proprietor of Fiver's Inn and Hospitality Center
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,506
Likes: 22
From: Sarasota, Florida
Hey WAAM,
Keep it simple. Get the small battery powered fan for in the refer space - - use rechargable batteries for it and recharge them on a small solar panel. Then, you use it when you need it, forget it when you don't. You only need that sucker on hot days, normally not in the night. Those little fans definitely do help. Make sure you don't place it such that it blows out the flame. Added bene - - use that charger and batteries for other things around the RV.
LoveinTheSimpleLifeBob
Keep it simple. Get the small battery powered fan for in the refer space - - use rechargable batteries for it and recharge them on a small solar panel. Then, you use it when you need it, forget it when you don't. You only need that sucker on hot days, normally not in the night. Those little fans definitely do help. Make sure you don't place it such that it blows out the flame. Added bene - - use that charger and batteries for other things around the RV.
LoveinTheSimpleLifeBob
DTR's 'Wrench thrower...' And he aims for the gusto...
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 3
From: Smith Valley, NV (sometimes Redwood City, CA)
Fiver,
You're right on the money. waam started this thread with a simple idea and wanting a simple solution.
Complicated systems that are completely controlled are fine but not right for every situation. If cost and simplicity are what you are after, a solar system can be very practical, easy, cheap, simple and fun. Especially in the beginning untill you find out you want more power.
For occasional camping use, start out simple, have fun with it, and refine it as you learn.
John
You're right on the money. waam started this thread with a simple idea and wanting a simple solution.
Complicated systems that are completely controlled are fine but not right for every situation. If cost and simplicity are what you are after, a solar system can be very practical, easy, cheap, simple and fun. Especially in the beginning untill you find out you want more power.
For occasional camping use, start out simple, have fun with it, and refine it as you learn.
John
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