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Old 05-16-2017, 08:33 PM   #1
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Solar Installation

This was my trailer roof this morning.



This was my trailer roof this afternoon.



All the exterior work is done. The four 60W semi-flexible panels are installed. I wired them in two parallel sets of two panels wired in series, so the system voltage to the solar controller will be 36V. I held them down with Eternabond tape around the entire perimeter. I taped cable tie holders down with the tape too. They entered into the trailer via a Go Power Cable Entry Plate supplied by Escape.

This is one of the panels in my garage. I pre-cut all the pieces of tape ahead of time.



Tomorrow I will install the solar controller and tie everything in, including a tap for my 80W portable panel. I will do a follow up post later tomorrow.
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Old 05-16-2017, 08:36 PM   #2
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It will sure be an easy go to do the fridge caulking fix Reace supplied.



Note the cables that come from the Entry Plate on the left of that photo.

Another couple pounds on my belly, and I could not shimmy past the fridge, and it is setting on the first step up to the loft.

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Old 05-16-2017, 08:37 PM   #3
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Whew! I'd say that you are really into solar. Semi-flexible means that you can put them right on the roof, no air needed?
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Old 05-16-2017, 08:42 PM   #4
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Didn't know you hated waxing the roof that much...
Looks good Jim!
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Old 05-16-2017, 08:47 PM   #5
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Whew! I'd say that you are really into solar. Semi-flexible means that you can put them right on the roof, no air needed?
Correct, they are taped right to the roof.
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Didn't know you hated waxing the roof that much...
Looks good Jim!
A nice bonus, eh?
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Old 05-17-2017, 07:15 AM   #6
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Elegant solar solution Jim. No wind resistance, no profile, and completely invisible from the ground. I'm assuming 240 watts of potential charging power will do very nicely. Great work, as always. When people tell me craftsmanship is dead, I point them to work like this.

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Old 05-17-2017, 07:25 AM   #7
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Elegant solar solution Jim. No wind resistance, no profile, and completely invisible from the ground. I'm assuming 240 watts of potential charging power will do very nicely. Great work, as always. When people tell me craftsmanship is dead, I point them to work like this.

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Thanks, Robert. The only thing I am tempted to do is to clean up that wee coil of excess cable. It is from using the supplied leads at their full length with MC4 connectors already on. It just means cutting out a bit more cable and splicing on new connectors. It would not take very long, or cost much, but later as I have plenty to do yet, and it is hidden by the fridge vent.
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Old 05-17-2017, 07:26 AM   #8
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One thing that was nice, is that I could get the trailer to kneel down in the front for better access to the roof by raising the landing gear all the way.
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Old 05-17-2017, 07:36 AM   #9
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One thing that was nice, is that I could get the trailer to kneel down in the front for better access to the roof by raising the landing gear all the way.
Ha! Hidden benefit of a 5er....

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Old 05-17-2017, 07:49 AM   #10
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Is there a way of removing Eternabond if you need to at some point?
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Old 05-17-2017, 07:52 AM   #11
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Is there a way of removing Eternabond if you need to at some point?
Yes, I checked that out before I used it. You mechanically peel/scrape off the outer layer with as much adhesive as possible, then the residue will come clean with something like acetone.
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Old 05-17-2017, 08:17 AM   #12
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They're only pictures

Hi all
If you liked the pictures just think how much you'll enjoy the trailer tour of this craftsman's masterpiece at the rally next week. Just see Iowa Dave or Thoer for tickets and you too can have a rally experience you'll never forget. Off to the photographer to pick up our glossies so I can autograph my side. Where did I put that Sharpie?
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Old 05-17-2017, 08:38 AM   #13
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Hi all
If you liked the pictures just think how much you'll enjoy the trailer tour of this craftsman's masterpiece at the rally next week. Just see Iowa Dave or Thoer for tickets and you too can have a rally experience you'll never forget. Off to the photographer to pick up our glossies so I can autograph my side. Where did I put that Sharpie?
Dave
Extortionist! LOL
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Old 05-17-2017, 08:48 AM   #14
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Jim: Love the install with the flat profile. Who makes your panels again? You've got me interested in following your lead if we decide to take the plunge with adding solar. Since we removed the rooftop A/C I could fit 3, maybe 4 of these on the 19.
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Old 05-17-2017, 08:55 AM   #15
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Jim: Love the install with the flat profile. Who makes your panels again? You've got me interested in following your lead if we decide to take the plunge with adding solar. Since we removed the rooftop A/C I could fit 3, maybe 4 of these on the 19.
They are identical to these Lensun panels, made by the same manufacturer. Lensun panels get pretty good reviews.
2PCS 60W(total 120Watt) 12V Black Flexible Solar Panel for RV,Camper,Boat Solar Charger
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Old 05-17-2017, 08:57 AM   #16
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Pouring rain here right now, glad I got the exterior work done yesterday, though have more to do.
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Old 05-17-2017, 10:33 AM   #17
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I really like what you have done with the flexible solar panels. I prefer the low profile, and am thinking of doing something similair. What type of controller are you using? Was this sourced from the same place as the panels?
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Old 05-17-2017, 10:46 AM   #18
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I really like what you have done with the flexible solar panels. I prefer the low profile, and am thinking of doing something similair. What type of controller are you using? Was this sourced from the same place as the panels?
I am using an EP Solar BN 30 MPPT charge controller, with a MT50 Remote Meter. I found the 30A controller cheaper online than the 20A sold for at a local store, where I am right now buying DC breakers and DIN rail.
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Old 05-17-2017, 11:48 AM   #19
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Jim, Are you putting a different fridge in and if so which one? (I'm sorry if I missed another thread where this was discussed. I did a quick search and didn't find anything.)

Good work on the solar. Thought provoking.
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Old 05-17-2017, 11:58 AM   #20
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I will be putting the sane fridge back in. I just removed it to facilitate pulling cables for solar, solar controller and inverter control panels, and a coax cable.
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