Nova Kool RFU 8320 Refrigerator Installation

[hotfishtacos]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I wonder if the solars will impact the non white reflecting inability of the solar panels in dispersing the heat in the sun from inside??

OK, I'm going to try to decipher what you asked and then answer.. Continuing on what Brian said, there is air space under the panels but the big one in front is closest to the surface of the trailer...maybe 1 inch clearance. Although the panels will get hot it will probably be cooler inside the trailer since these provide some shade during the summer. However, solar panel performance degrades quickly when they get really hot so I will be watching that this summer.

[cpaharley2008]

I guess I just wonder if a plain white roof is cooler than one covered with solar panels absorbing heat/sun?

[hotfishtacos]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I guess I just wonder if a plain white roof is cooler than one covered with solar panels absorbing heat/sun?

According to this article the panels reduce inside temps during the summer and add to warming when it is colder. In fact, every article on the subject that I could find (lots of them) comes to the same conclusion regarding reducing the heating of the space below the panels.

http://blog.energysage.com/keeping-c...ool-your-roof/

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I guess I just wonder if a plain white roof is cooler than one covered with solar panels absorbing heat/sun?

The Solar panels capture the incoming solar radiation energy. Some of that energy is re-radiated out the back, and thence onto the white surface of the roof; not a significant factor.
The rest of the heat gain at the roof under the solar panels is thermal energy transfer: just the difference in temperature between outside and inside.
So, the answer is: In sunny weather a plain white roof is NOT cooler than one covered with solar panels.
That being said, a gloss white roof is very efficient at reflecting solar energy; something on the order of 80-90%.
Reading assignment: ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, chapter on Design Heat Transmission. ( Insert smilie of your choice here; I couldn't decide; it's not in my ref. library!)

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

The Solar panels capture the incoming solar radiation energy...

Makes sense to me.

Originally Posted by dfandrews

Reading assignment: ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, chapter on Design Heat Transmission. ( Insert smilie of your choice here; I couldn't decide; it's not in my ref. library!)

How about ? Ah, right, that's a book not yet made into a movie.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by KarenH

I didn't read it that way at all.

Yes I agree Karen, the roof mentioned in the article is probably asphalt ply which absorb heat vs a white reflective surface on our trailers which reflect heat. I agree, covering something that absorbs heat is beneficial, but something that reflects heat??

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

How about ? Ah, right, that's a book not yet made into a movie.

About the closest it'll ever be would be an Army Corps of Engineers training film. I saw the beginning of one once, then had a nice nap for the rest.

[kvermeulen]

Originally Posted by hotfishtacos

I'm getting my 19' ready for camping for a 3 day trip to the beach at San Clemente, CA starting the day before Christmas and wanted to show you a side view of the 3 new adjustable solar panel mounts locked down for traveling.

curious, whos mount did u use. or is it your own make. did u use the existing eti panel mount screws or did you use own.

[hotfishtacos]

I bought the two adjustable mounts for the 95 watt panels here: Adjustable Solar Panel Mount Mounting Rack Bracket -- Boat, RV, Roof, Off-Grid and made the one for the 160 watt panel myself. All mounts are bonded to the roof with 3M 5200 fast cure adhesive, no screws.

[J Mac]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I guess I just wonder if a plain white roof is cooler than one covered with solar panels absorbing heat/sun?

I would think that the solar panels, with a space between them and the outer shell of a trailer, would shade the trailer keeping is somewhat cooler.

[hotfishtacos]

Originally Posted by J Mac

I would think that the solar panels, with a space between them and the outer shell of a trailer, would shade the trailer keeping is somewhat cooler.

I agree.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by J Mac

I would think that the solar panels, with a space between them and the outer shell of a trailer, would shade the trailer keeping is somewhat cooler.

I agree. You can put your hand on the trailer roof in full sun and it's pretty warm. Put it on the roof under the solar panel and because it's shaded it is much cooler.

[oldclimber]

Thanks for re-posting the solar panel photo, Ken. A great job!

[Dave&Jane]

Originally Posted by J Mac

I would think that the solar panels, with a space between them and the outer shell of a trailer, would shade the trailer keeping is somewhat cooler.

So, a cooler trailer is another benefit of rooftop solar! Does anyone know how much solar panels affect wind resistance (and mileage) while towing? We have these nice streamlined trailers with streamlined accessories on top and then we attach angular brackets and wide panels guaranteed to increase drag. I certainly like my solar panel, but it would be nice to have a more aerodynamic rooftop.

-Dave

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by Dave&Jane

So, a cooler trailer is another benefit of rooftop solar! Does anyone know how much solar panels affect wind resistance (and mileage) while towing? We have these nice streamlined trailers with streamlined accessories on top and then we attach angular brackets and wide panels guaranteed to increase drag. I certainly like my solar panel, but it would be nice to have a more aerodynamic rooftop.

-Dave

Dave,
I had similar concerns regarding effect on mileage, so I'm planning on borrowing Ron's idea; I think it will help.

See: http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...ount-4951.html

[hotfishtacos]

I haven't seen any difference in towing.

[singletracker]

How is the Nova Kool working out?

[J Mac]

Originally Posted by Dave&Jane

So, a cooler trailer is another benefit of rooftop solar! Does anyone know how much solar panels affect wind resistance (and mileage) while towing? We have these nice streamlined trailers with streamlined accessories on top and then we attach angular brackets and wide panels guaranteed to increase drag. I certainly like my solar panel, but it would be nice to have a more aerodynamic rooftop.

-Dave

Perhaps a portable solar panel is the answer for you.
I guess when you say you would like a more aerodynamic roof top you're saying your okay with the fantastic fan and the bathroom vent on the roof.
BTW the solar panel doesn't stick up as far as either of these (or an AC or TV antenna)

[padlin]

Originally Posted by Dave&Jane

So, a cooler trailer is another benefit of rooftop solar! Does anyone know how much solar panels affect wind resistance (and mileage) while towing? We have these nice streamlined trailers with streamlined accessories on top and then we attach angular brackets and wide panels guaranteed to increase drag. I certainly like my solar panel, but it would be nice to have a more aerodynamic rooftop.

-Dave

Hi Dave, can't be much additional resistance, they are only about 1.5"x60" in profile to the wind and most of that is behind the AC. I would think it'd be barely noticeable.

[santacruzer]

Wind drag has a big effect on mileage, but I suspect the air conditioner, Maxx Fan and roof vents probably already doom any additional streamlining possibilities with the trailer. What's another panel or two at this point? I lose 2 mpg just by leaving my Yakima racks/bars on the Tacoma's shell, without the trailer.