Solar Power

Singletrack · 02-24-2015, 07:53 AM

I'm installing a 200 watt solar system on a 2015 23XM. I have a choice of the traditional hard frame or the new flexible wafer thin system. The difference is $200.
The thin one has a peel off back, wonder if there will be problems with wind lifting the corners?

Imnaha.Mansion · 02-24-2015, 08:11 AM

Gone with the Wynn website installed the adhesive backed flexible and they seem to like it. Others not so much. I'm looking into adding Solar myself this spring (if I ever hear back). The suggest 1 Watt Solar for every 1 Ah in your battery bank so I'm looking at 600 watts. Don't forget to plan for expansion in case you want more in the future.

Seann45 · 02-24-2015, 08:58 AM

Those flexible ones (all black with lines running through them) are less efficient than the others.. and as long as you are aware of it and realize that you cannot tilt them for max efficiency they can be fine..

**Mustang65** · 02-24-2015, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

Those flexible ones (all black with lines running through them) are less efficient than the others.. and as long as you are aware of it and realize that you cannot tilt them for max efficiency they can be fine..

2x

Singletrack · 03-01-2015, 01:51 PM

Thank you for the feedback!
I will go with the traditional solar.
Might boost it to 400w, but in the past ,for my usage , 200w fully charges the batteries up during the day.
Having 400 will help on those cloudy days or In the fall when you have less sunlight.
Now if I could just figure out how to get an extra battery in my unit.....one will not cut it for dry camping.

Seann45 · 03-02-2015, 06:52 AM

IF you find a way go to a pair of 6's they will last longer and give you more power than any 2 12's.

Singletrack · 03-02-2015, 08:16 AM

Thanks Seann45,
When I figure it out I will use 2 6 volts in series.
It seems the Trojan batteries have a good reputation.
With the amount you are boondocking I'm assuming you head South for the winter? Or are you a winter camper?

Chaplain Ed · 03-02-2015, 09:07 AM

installed a 100W panel on the roof and it is keeping the battery up just right.

troutslayer · 03-02-2015, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Singletrack

Thanks Seann45,
When I figure it out I will use 2 6 volts in series.
It seems the Trojan batteries have a good reputation.
With the amount you are boondocking I'm assuming you head South for the winter? Or are you a winter camper?

You may want to consider AGMs. They have a lot of advantages.

Imnaha.Mansion · 03-02-2015, 07:24 PM

As I noted, I don't think you really need 400W solar unless you need that to run an inverter while the sun is out or to charge 400Ah of batteries. AGM are pricey but you can mount them anywhere since they don't vent and they require no maintenance. I went with 4 Lifeline 6 volt AGM '. I like them. I'm looking to match them with solar this spring. Custom boxes can be found online or some use a truck tool box.
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