Goin’ Solar! DIY

[campin]

I put together a 24V system for boondocks and expand abilities; two 320 watt panels, two LiFePO4 batteries, 3000 watt inverter/charger, 60 amp charge controller and step down converter. It should power 184bh ac/dc loads, shore power is optional.

[campin]

I’ll run PV wire through the AC vent and cabinets to an enclosure for the inverter, charge controller, li batteries and converter...there’s two air vents (17x10 and 13x13). Hardware is close together for efficiency and the Aims remote LCD mounts above the radio.

The project will take time, so far so good. Any comments, suggestions....

[campin]

The tilt kit will support large panels in landscape position (up to 90 mph wind), the tilt adjustment is 0 to 42 degrees (equivalent to an 11-12 roof pitch). The pics show 0, 20 and 42 degree options...panels lock into place (pin) when fully reclined.

I have to remove (unbolt) the old tv antenna for needed space.

[PJC]

Can’t wait to see how it turns out!

[Scott91370]

I'm thinking the same thing. We usually have power but when we go to hunting camp I don't have a way to charge unless I steal my father in law's generator and who wants to be moving stuff around camp every couple of days for that. I figure a small setup would hold me to run the heater fan every night and interior lamps (which are all LED) without worrying about draining and killing the battery.

I'll be coming back to see the progress!

[campin]

for me various electric heat options didn’t pencil out, a huge battery drain. I don’t know your setup or livable space but my 184bh furnace is a gas guzzler. I looked at the BTU rating and was surprised; input BTU-HR 18,000 and output BTU-HR 13,680...an efficiency of 76%. That’s crazy.

But an efficient propane heater will complement the solar system. The 184 has 119 livable sf, a small mr. buddy heater will heat this space for a long time (4,000 or 9,000 BTU per hour). Btw an electric blanket at night and mr. buddy in the morning+coffee will take the chill off.

[PJC]

Tilt is a cool feature and I like the idea of 2 big vs a bunch of small ones. We just have a little 195rb but I keep kicking around the idea of solar vs our 3500w generator.

What other batteries/switches did you add (if any)?

[campin]

I haven’t ordered batteries or switches yet but I’m leaning towards Aims 12V 100ah batteries w/10 year warranty and Bluetooth monitoring.

[campin]

...secure tilt kit to the roof. Jayco provided a roof plan of the 184bh, very helpful! I want to locate/drill as many rafters as possible (seal with butyl tape, dicor, eternabond tape).

[campin]

I received the dc to dc 60 amp step down converter (24v - 12v). ...required between a 24 volt battery bank and 12 volt circuit panel.

Rule of thumb to calculate converter size - I use a maximum of 25 continuous dc amps x 2 for power surges, round up to 60.

Solar hardware may be oversized but in return low operating temperature, more efficient and expandable.

[campin]

Sizing the roof and locating rafters for the tilt kit, 640 watt array.
I removed the old wineguard antenna for the rear panel. The front and rear panels are separated by 3.5 feet to avoid shading (in tilt up positions). All solar hardware is inside, adding a second vent to dissipate heat...shouldn’t be much because the system is somewhat oversized w/short wire runs.

[campin]

Preparing to install solar panels. I’ll use a template to make it easier.

[campin]

Tilt kits mounted, next seal and solar panels.

[NorCal Eagle]

Originally Posted by campin

Tilt kits mounted, next seal and solar panels.

Looking great, I'm excited to see the next steps!

[campin]

Thnx NorCal. Installed the panels tonight, post a pic tomorrow. Cheers

[campin]

640 watt solar array to power the 184BH.
...an effort working with roof curvature and locating rafters but job complete. The tamarack tilt kit is solid, designed for 90 mph winds and locks into place when traveling.

[colby]

Very nice! Well done.

[campin]

Thnx Colby. Next mount, wire hardware and tint windows to help manage indoor temps.

[PJC]

Whoa! It looks great. When should I drop mine off? Haha

[Scott91370]

That does look good!

I'm not brave enough to put more hole in my roof after already having to replace it. I'm just making a stand for my panel(s) and will let them sit on that on the ground and I'll move them around to where they get the best reception...