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Old 03-23-2016, 01:46 PM   #1
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Renogy Solar System

I completed installing a 400 watt Renogy solar system on my 2016 Greyhawk 31FS. I used it for three days out at the nascar race infield with no hook-ups and couldn't be more happy! Plenty of power all weekend. Next up is to convert to 2 6v batteries.
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Old 03-23-2016, 01:56 PM   #2
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What did the setup cost you ( if you don't mind)

Asking because lots of JOF members consider Renogy sometimes.

I have 200watts of Renogy and mine works very well
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Old 03-23-2016, 02:11 PM   #3
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The kit was around $800 which included the 40 Amp MPPT controller.

The remote panel, fuses, switches and wire added another ~$100.

Hope this helps!

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Old 03-23-2016, 03:11 PM   #4
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Not to be critical as it looks like a very nice and tidy install and the fact that you are happy with it so I am assuming it works well but.....

Depending on trailer orientation you will get some shading issues from your AC unit and possible your TV antennae. Are your panels connected in series or parallel?

I also don't see any sealant over the panel mounts. Potential leak there. You may want to address that.

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Old 03-23-2016, 04:15 PM   #5
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Hi Subaru297,

I don't mind you being critical, and I appreciate the comments.

The roof picture was taken before the solar panels were mounted and sealed...

My panels are in series, I wanted less wires and this is one reason why I chose the controller I did.

The placement of the panels only gets shaded at very low sun angles. I had to compromise between spreading the panels out, and yet still allow walk-around room. Also, I may want to add more panels later. I chose 400 watts with the very minor shading in mind. I always have the option of adding struts to angle the panels, but i probably never will need to. The remote panel shows 100% output from the panels most of the day.

James
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Old 03-23-2016, 04:17 PM   #6
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James, what kind of battery bank do you have now?
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Old 03-23-2016, 05:50 PM   #7
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I have (4) 12volt 80 amphour batteries. 320 amps of power.

200 watts of solar, is series , producing 19.8V ( optimal sunlight )

That translates to 14.4 volts charging at 12 amps per hour, or close to 70 amps per day ......

I'm all LED and have a 600 watt inverter dedicated to outlets behind my TV.
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Old 03-23-2016, 05:51 PM   #8
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Oh, sorry, different James........

Anyhow, that's what I have built out
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Old 03-23-2016, 05:58 PM   #9
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Oh, sorry, different James........

Anyhow, that's what I have built out
That's ok.. I want to hear about everyone's solar set up and I love looking at solar pictures.
I love Mustangs pictures of his controller set up.
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Old 03-23-2016, 07:21 PM   #10
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Hi Klassic,

I still only have the stock single group 27 flooded that came with the rig. I love Jmooney's battery set-up though! I'm probably end up with two batteries. I may add another 12V group 27 until it and and stock get weak, and then switch to (2) 6V big Trojans.

James
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Old 03-23-2016, 07:22 PM   #11
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Old 03-23-2016, 07:24 PM   #12
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Hi Klassic,

I still only have the stock single group 27 flooded that came with the rig. I love Jmooney's battery set-up though! I'm probably end up with two batteries. I may add another 12V group 27 until it and and stock get weak, and then switch to (2) 6V big Trojans.

James
It's not advised to add another battery that's different , or a different age than its partner. ( parasitic issues)

If your ready to add battery, your better off replacing both at the same time
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Old 03-23-2016, 08:32 PM   #13
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I already know that, thanks. The battery is 4 weeks old and I'm adding the same manufacturer.
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Old 03-23-2016, 08:34 PM   #14
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Curious why you chose a pulse width modulated (PWM) controller?

James
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Old 03-23-2016, 08:43 PM   #15
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Came with the solar package
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Old 03-23-2016, 09:07 PM   #16
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Twin panels. One up front, one in the rear
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Old 03-23-2016, 09:13 PM   #17
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Did you drop the wires down the stink pipe?
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Old 03-24-2016, 07:27 AM   #18
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From JMooney's picture it looks like he did. I went down the refer chase. I used the refer method because of where I was mounting my controller, the remote panel, and the proximity to my battery (soon to be batteries).

James
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Old 03-24-2016, 08:05 AM   #19
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Curious why you chose a pulse width modulated (PWM) controller?

James
I know this was directed at Jmooney but I also chose to go with PWM over MPPT. The biggest reason is cost. A good MPPT controller is way more expensive than a good PWM controller. You can get high voltage panels cheaper than the "12volt" panels but I would need a 700Watt system to break even with the cost of the MPPT controller.

The second reason is I don't believe you get the benefits that MPPT claim. Yes you do get more "power" from them but I think it is marginal (5-10%) and only in ideal conditions. I would rather add an extra panel and get more power all the time rather than an MPPT controller and only get a little boost when conditions are right. And adding an extra panel is still cheaper.

When MPPT makes sense......
  • You want or have high voltage panels.
  • You have a prewired trailer or MH that uses small gauge wire
  • You are building a large 600+ watt system
  • You have long wire runs and want to run high voltage to reduce losses

Hope that helps.

Cheers
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Old 03-24-2016, 08:46 AM   #20
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Did you drop the wires down the stink pipe?
Down the vent , only about 2 feet, then pulled the wire back out in my closet, sealed it up, and ran the wires along side the pipe into the basement and forward to the power room
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