The TRUTH about RV Solar and Lithium - and other Montana Shenanigans
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- Опубліковано 28 лип 2024
- Shenanigan intro ends at 1:58
Solar Exposed ... The truth about solar STC ratings and the strong arguments for Lithium batteries. (IMHO)
I didn't hit all the points I wanted to in this video, but I really wanted to get this basic info out there and perhaps start a series of videos on the topic?
Slim's video on flexible panels substrate becoming brittle:
• Video
Check out Bill's Colorado 4X4 Channel:
/ @colorado4x4van
Thumbs down for dumb Clickbait titles!
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Get a DJI drone here:
click.dji.com/AF7icN8Hg2BxV6X... - Навчання та стиль
Wow, what a great intro! And thanks for the real world experience.
A whole two minutes of it.
i agree
Happy to have found your channel. Very informative and in a manner I, as a novice, can understand. I'll be looking at you other videos and have subscribed. Thank you!
Thank so much!
Great video bro!
You are never monotonous and boring, it's a pleasure listening to someone who knows what they talking about not just regurgitate what manufacturer puts on there brochure. Thank you ☺️
Actually, you're not boring. You have an amazing command of so many different technologies, and other skill sets, that you are a very valuable resource! I've only listened to a few of your videos so far, but I find your thoughts are well organized, and you can speak articulately on each subject-- without a lot of extraneous words-- and therefore your info is fairly concise. I really appreciate your willingness to share so much info with those of us who are 'green' and trying to learn how to get out on the road with some education and preparation under our belts. Thanks to you both!! Your videos are really high-end, too! Thumbs up! Keep up the great work, and best wishes on your fun travels!!
Best comment of the day! Thanks!
@Everlanders Have to agree, we live in a western world of "TLDR" the epitome of "I don't want to learn, know, or achieve anything" 👏 well done... aren't you so cool being too cool to read / listen... Then in the next breath they'll want to travel the world and be free of the 9 - 5! Slave mentality IMO.
Just finished watching all your videos.... really great stuff from the technical to your camping and nicely put together with the ones with music and the great drone footage...We are planning on going full-time possibly by this summer as we continue our hunt for a reasonably priced, well made 5R (likely a used DRV). I'm planning on filling the roof with solar and using 4 Tesla S battery packs for over 20kWh... yeah.. we will be able to run our A/Cs and washer while boondocking.... Hoping to get some videos up on our channel this spring... Keep up the great work... and stay warm!!!!
Another great vid!! Thanks for all of your work in putting these out!
Sticker shock on Lithium is pretty crazy insane but TBH you are totally correct, its a much better way to go.
Your information is not glut, it is concise and nicely packaged with some important details. It's very good and useful to me.
Just found your channel, impressed by the build! Starting on my own sort of camper build and pulling some inspirations from this!
This was a GREAT video for understanding solar. Solar is confusing to say the least for many, and not everyone explains it in a way that is easily understandable like you. I will be looking for more videos from you about this!
I don't r/v..or off road..came across your video..and found it interesting..and informative..safe travels to you!
I have a 3KW standalone home solar array and you have identified the true downside of lead acid batteries. So many people on UA-cam don't seem to understand lead acid batteries shortfalls. I did not find any part of your explanations boring one bit. Thanks for the video!
Oh wow, thanks for the info about the AGM or Lead Acid batteries resistance to taking in the power from the solar panels.!! I have never heard of that before, and I have been on the road since Jan. of 2012 with AGM batteries. I knew about resistance with different size wire, but not the actual batteries. This is a game changer for me, 50 percent AGM to high nineties for Lithium charge coming in. I am stunned.!! A bonus for changing out my batteries will be the lighter weight of the Lithium compared to the heavy AGM's. Thank you so much for your time and info in making this vid.!!
definitely food for thought as I plan my solar system for my van. I have bought a rigid panel but had been planning on an AGM battery but now I might see if I can swing a lithium instead. Thanks for the detailed explanation, good to know a bit of the science behind the options.
Great video! We're just getting started and bought a Yeti 1000 lithium battery (and power converter). We'll see how far we can get with it (we have only one flex panel on the top of our rv). Thank you for your sharing your experience!
I recommend you add a second alternator to your truck engine and set it up with an external (Balmar charging) regulator as a backup. I have a 2004 F350/6.0l diesel that I bought a factory take off alternator setup ($175 including alternator) and mounted. You should similarly easily find one for your 7.3l. I am charging a 24v battery pack of 35 Nissan leaf packs (18kwh in a 7S20P) and it works well. I use an Electrodacus SBMS 120 also with 8x190w panels in 4 stacked slide out modules very similar to yours. I had the alternator first then added the panels later so have some confidence in it's efficacy. I am using a cheaper external 'voltage' regulator ($75) set at 29.2v because of the price of the Balmar ($400) and to evaluate performance.
A second alternator as a backup would be fine, even if the main one dies - but we're doing good just on solar... For a pack as big as yours, sure - makes sense. The dual alternator brackets for the 7.3 are a bit more rare, I've been looking.
Great advice 👍 we are thinking the same thing.
Multiple alternators not only add to mounting complexities, but your drive belt will need to be changed as well. This isn’t a job for most do it yourselfers. Mechman makes alternators that can produce over 200 amps at engine idle. I would recommend any one thinking of upgrading their electrical system to take a look at what they offer. They arnt cheap, but they are hand built and often used by people building power hungry sound systems for their ride. If you’re going to be switching high current loads off and on a 500f capacitor bank merits consideration. Bmod0500 p016 is the part number. Google them and do your research…peace
Just find 7.3 powered ambulances, should be quite a few in wrecking yards by now.
Extremely helpful and informative. I would have made a big mistake had I not watched this.
In one video, you've summed the entire solar / batt issue to an understandable point.
I frequent The Forum over at the Northern Arizona Wind and Sun website. A bunch of smart people over there calculate the expected efficiency of solar panels within a system. Approximately 52% of a solar panel makes it to the battery after all in between components have been considered. The formula includes panel temperature, wire length and diameter , charge controller efficiency and battery temperature. One could almost use a 50% rule of thumb as to how much power from 'Label' will reach your battery in a real-world set up. Thank you for sharing.
Thank people of the get up and go type ,you inspire me . I got sick beat the odds feeling stronger . Australia is a big lad you are the real people no bs . THANKYOU .
This was great information, and truly helpful. Will definitely study before I get my own shuttlecraft or starship.
So informative and helpful, Thanks a lot like your temperment a lot 🥰
Very good report. Easy to understand and it makes people think about their requirements and needs. 👍
Extremely Helpful info my friend...
And love your use of Common-Sense when it comes to this issue of Reliability Of 🔋 Power...
Thank you Sir...🙏
Very insightful,
Very Helpful...👍
I always learn something cool when I watch your vids. thanks so much for sharing the info/experiences with us.
I have been searching and love that you made the most profound statement I have ever found about your actual use measurements of your off grid system. I jumped off my cell to search your video and comments with my PC but did not find more specific data. I didn't get the exact type of batteries, charger or solar panels. Lithium lifepo4 or a MPPT charger may not have been used. Still looking a formula statement like with this kind of equipment, at best, I can get % of it's rated capacity to charge the solar cells. So increase your build from there.
I've done quite a few videos on the topic, let me know if you still have questions after watching this playlist: DIY Solar Powered RV - Lithium Power LiFePo4: ua-cam.com/play/PL0uBLqOOwG8hv9HRxGZvnesMBrUVyiQKf.html
Just found your channel.... Great stuff! 👍
good to know about the flexible solar!!
Thanks, stumbled across your channel last night and I've enjoyed to couple of videos I've watched so far.
Thanks for watching Tom, We love having great viewers like you!
Just re watched this video. Love the work you do.
I am curious how a system like this would work with an inverter/charger and a generator? Any thoughts?
amazed at your skill set and thought process -- subscribed. I'm building a 88 Honey from the frame up,,, thinking about aluminum frame. New 460 7.5 installed and overdrive, Jerry from Tucson
First off this is an AMAZING build! A few things I learned getting my Bachelors in Science for renewable technologies is there is no silver bullet. When installing solar panels you need a gap underneath to help with cooling and using solar or batteries for heating applications is the most inefficient use of your electricity. Microwaves, Hair dryers, cook tops and all those sorts of things not only draw heavily from your battery bank due to the high wattage need of the appliance but your essentially taking heat energy (I know these are photo-voltaic cells not solar thermal) converting it to electricity then re-converting it into heat energy.. For cooking use propane stove your loss of energy is simply the btus not heating the pan, for hot water a propane instant hot water heater.
We have 11.5 kW of Lithium and 1500 watts of solar that runs all our high wattage devices easily... There is not easy access to propane refills once you get south of Mexico, so a no go for us...
Good build man and man's wife. Keep them panels clean, tiled 30degrees,
Face em south. I'm gunna do the same but different.
Great Vid. I prefer to hear from people like yourselves that actually use it daily rather than what some tech info tells me.
Can I just replace the LA battery with a Lithium batt straight away or are there other components that I will also need? Tnx
Great video - as are all of your videos. Well thought out, practical and proven. THANKS for sharing your knowledge and experience!
You showed the output on flat panels at around 800watt and I am wondering if you have experimented with tilting the panels to gain efficiency? I currently use mobile panels that I tilt and rotate as the sun moves (about 5 moves a day not being too fussy) and on sunny days have been consistently recording 80 - 90 watts and up to 96 watts per 100w panel (renogy) with mppt controller. When laid flat that same panel drops to around 65 watt. I was surprised how much difference tilting made.
Yes, if you have time to move a small number of panels it's fine... You can make some gains... But the time it takes to setup and keep moving mobile panels wasn't worth it to me. We need to be ready to roll on a moment's notice and so we just overkilled with a couple of extra panels. A big difference between moving around 100watts of solar and 1,500watts.
I have a 40' motor home that almost 1 year ago I decided to go solar. I wanted to be able to use the motor home on solar as if it was plugged into shore power. I installed 10 panels at 435 watts each (4350 watts) on my roof, not an easy job but was accomplished. I also installed a 6,000 watt 240volt split phase inverter, and 3 batteries that total 15,360watt hours of storage. The most I've seen from the panels is 3400 watts, but normally 2800 watts or so. I can use air conditioning, electric hot water, microwave, and a host of other items running in my motor home. Its not enough to fully take the place of a 50 amp shore power source, but we can still live comfortably using solar. We are full time RV'ers for almost 2 years now.
Thanks for sharing, extremely important knowledge
Would you ever consider installing your sliding solar panel system on other RV's? I'm in Utah, USA.
Appreciate the info very much 😊
I am interested in the panel deployment> what did u use to accomplish that design. building 2019 sprinter.
I know you've since found it, but for those also looking, the parts list and detailed build video is here: ua-cam.com/video/cM5s4F-7AOk/v-deo.html
and
ua-cam.com/video/3nKCH-whO2A/v-deo.html
Very good info, saved to my Solar 101 playlist. I did not know you were from Canadastan. I am an hr. east of Torontostan if you ever get out here. Til I sell and leave the police state and hit the road.
Actually it is spelled canadistan and torontistan, a and o becomes i( don't ask me why, grammar dictates that way, 😁)or they drop out.
I have a RTT on the roof of my car and i don’t have a choice but to go with flexible panel 175W on the roof. What are your thoughts on putting in spacers below the flex panel on the roof to allow for breathing space?
Lots of good information about many things. Thanks for sharing this
Thanks!! Very informative. You gave some much needed information about Lithium batteries. Enjoy your travels. :)
Thanks for the info. Very helpful!
Thank you again! Great video. I personally would love more detailed in depth videos.
What brand are the composite wall panels?
Love your video, really appreciate the knowledge share. We are birds of the feather. I fly drones and airplanes and I live off grid full-time and work my metal fabricating shop out of a trailer all on lithium power. I would love to know what kind of computer software you’re using for power management. Thank you 🙏
As a fellow flatlanders (we live in Esterhazy) I'm wondering about your thoughts on building a Sinopoly battery bank similar to yours. I'm looking at a 24v 400ah system. I'm able to buy 8 x 3.2v 400 ah cells much cheaper that 32 x 100 ah versions. Do you know of any reason why the larger batteries wouldn't operate as effectively as the smaller ones?
Can you please advise the (Canadian) store where sourced your Lithium batteries? Exploring the option for future upgrade. Thanks for sharing your gained knowledge & experience.
You'll pay a bit more in Canada, but they are available here: store.easpower.com There are currently a few hundred for sale in Saskatoon for about a hundred bucks each...
Useful and well formulated.
Great scenery and camera work. We were able to enjoy the video after muting it and turning on captioning.
So glad you could find a way to enjoy it!
I actually understood your explanations - thanks. By the way I knew your were going to say hunky dory.
Thank You for this great review..
Hey Goog afternoon what the differance in agm &lithium batteries.ps Thanks
You are correct about solar panel ratings. Recently I got a score on some industrial 1KV panels that were removed from an installation but never technically powered on. The panels are rated 330 watts, but facing one in the sun, the actual output is in excess of 400 watts. A solar expert told me that because these panels have a 25 year rating, that they under rate them so that after 25 years it will be still at the "Rated" output. Something to consider... These are industrial panels, though, with 6MM thick glass you can walk on, rated for 1KV system voltage so it's not built like panels you get at radio shack.
Those sound super, and I agree about the panel quality and rating for degradation. The fellow who built my panels actually hand picked the highest output, matched cells to give the maximum output and no hotspots.
🤯 I'm digging how your solar panels pops out from underneath the other solar panels 🤯
Yup, it allows for a 4 inch air gap for cooling and ventilation, and the offset panels hide all the wiring! I did a whole video on the build here: ua-cam.com/video/cM5s4F-7AOk/v-deo.html
I did a whole video on the build here: ua-cam.com/video/cM5s4F-7AOk/v-deo.html
Just curious, with running a mini split AC unit, did you guys consider wiring in a 48 volt battery and solar system? I believe they make mini splits that run directly off 48 volt as well.
This was done years ago, before that existed, we are making use of what we already have. I'm sure we could dump a bunch more money into new toys, but we're using that money to see the world instead.
Would be interested to find out what you have done to keep your LiFePO4 batteries from getting too cold. Did you mount them inside the cabin?
Everything is inside the cabin... I've also built a heater into the pack... ua-cam.com/video/ZFsXcoLl6Kc/v-deo.html
Thank you.how many miles were on your rig when you purchased it.
150,000 km
How safe and stable are the lithium batteries? How long do they last?
Fantastic insite into lithium. Im just about to swap our 2 agm batteries for 1 lifepo4. Really looking forward to seeing the advantages after having used the agms for 4 years. Love the channel your videos are so in depth but explained so clearly. Keep it up
Since this video, we've traveled throughout North American and now into south America, and after 6 years these batteries are still at 96% of their original capacity.
ua-cam.com/video/fvcRO78Kbb8/v-deo.html
Any links to some decent sized lithium batteries? I have a home installation where I am going to need to replace my lead acid batteries soon.
In the US? www.evwest.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=3
Finally - someone using logic about batteries!!!!
Cheers
Great video just add two Chevy volt battery's to my 5wheel They are 12 v @200amp working very well .
Silly question, is it possible to add cooling fans or some other means of cooling system to cool down the solar panels?
It's a good question... I've seen papers where they've tried to water cool the back of the panels, but the losses moving the water are greater than the gains. I have our ventilation fan directed under our panels to try and cool them, not sure it gains us much.
I thought of doing the same thing with my van build out, using the Maxxair fan blowing/exhausting out under my two LG 305's (residential panels). I'm also going with 6-100 amp hr Battleborn lithium Phosphate batteries and adding a battery to battery controller to a high amp output alternator 'just in case' and why not, if the motor is already running might as well use that juice too ! This is all new to me, but like you I want to travel in full comfort with the 6200 BTU A/C, Induction cooktop, Micro, coffee maker, etc. There are UA-camrs out there using this same system and it's pretty amazing. I'm basing my build on this guy, MrRickyBill . I'm leaving you a link to his video of his set up and testing. I'm also subbed to you now ! Here's the link:
ua-cam.com/video/Ev2FHakHKUM/v-deo.html&lc=z22rfvf42le0hbrj404t1aokgghig0lzy3mhsum4vyfcbk0h00410.1537447904588024
some interesting results from liquid cooled PV here - ua-cam.com/video/zmm_4YGVX3g/v-deo.html
Unfortunately his test was using a current clamp at the panel, and while the cooler panel will make more power than an uncooled panel, it will take power to pump the water around, which he did not account for, not to mention the cost of the pump, tubing and maintenance of this mechanical system... Much easier to make those same gains with one more panel.
I like the slide out solar panels great idea
If you were going to do a custom mount, it would've been a good idea to allow raising the sides selectively so that you could angle them for your latitude, better yet make it a tracking mount.
Wow! Great advice. I’m planning to just get by with a Webetop with a direct connection to a small (50w-100w) solar panel and save up for a big lithium (...because I want AC & microwave).
Very good honest review of your real life. We can often be tempted to design for best case and not real world case. I have often wondered about cooling solar panels off due to the efficiency drop. Of course there is energy required to provide coolant even if it is a sprinkler with water. It could be an interesting science project for the future (talking to myself). Great discussion on Lithium performance. Have a great summer! Cheers!
This is a very old video, we've got newer videos regarding our lithium upgrades, running our air conditioner from solar etc you may be interested in seeing...
Solar powered AC ua-cam.com/video/woZH85EiHNY/v-deo.html
20 Lithium Cell Upgrade
ua-cam.com/video/2uYENzaDBY4/v-deo.html
Everlanders thanks. I was watching from your playlist. Most of what you said still holds true for the STC ratings and Lithium at a high level. I will check out your other videos you mentioned. We are vacationing in northern Minnesota at our lake cabin. Nice relief from Texas heat!
Plus lead acid produce hydogen "granted its small" but in a closed space it could build up and explode
Not just closed.. Sealed. It would have to be better sealed than the inside of the average car. Hydrogen is very light and extremely small. It can and will escape through the smallest crack.
Could you put a 4” gap between the panels and your RV. The heat would disperse and actually shade your RV?
Yes, that's exactly what we did... The lower set of panels slide out and shade the sides and the upper panels have 4 inches of airspace to the rooftop.
Hi, how do you monitor your battery using linux? Is it a raspberry pi that it was shown at the hair dryer test? Cheers
Exactly, I use a Raspberry Pi, running a python script, to query the solar charge controller, and then display it via LigHTTP.
This is very helpful thanks
skip back to start of explanation of possible output ... 4:10
batteries 6:55
charge\discharge comparison 12:30
Thanks for heads up
I didn't know that about batteries thank you for info.
I'd like to ease into Lithium by starting with one battery (like the Battle Born 100aH) and adding another after deciding whether we need more power (and likely adding solar, etc, at that point). Is this a problem from a reliability standpoint? Use case is occasional, not full-time.
Sure, should be fine.
@@Everlanders Agreed. I started with one Battleborn, got about 25 full cycles on it over two summers- just added a second. With 2-5 000 cycles minimum, don't expect to see much issue. A bit diffeent adding a second after 2000 cycles on first though. Still not a real issue, just that older one limits your depth of charge to discharge. Slightly less performance and new one lasts even longer.
Are there ways to cool down the panels while using them?
It's not worth the effort... It's far simpler to just grab another panel for $200
Thanks for the info. I've been thinking on building a storage van camper with solar electric. So it looks better to me to bite the bullet and plan on installing lithium batteries.
Thanks for watching!
I know...I know...upgrades will come later...lol...I don't disagree with anything you've said...sticker shock is a big deal though, and even though it works out over time, you still have to come up with a lot up front! Trying to manage a build with the Accountant looking over your shoulder is tough!...lol...And Thank You for the mention!
Everyone, go check out Bill's build, great stuff...
@@Everlanders just subscribed
@@Scrambler85 Good Timing! We're doing a colab video this week if all goes well.
Lifepo is really only worth the cost for two reasons...you just want it or weight is an issue. It would cost me over 8k to match my current flooded cell performance. That's not happening. If you go solar you need to have 3 days worth of ah without recharge. The sun doesn't always shine. Small systems should only be supplemental to a generator. Until you can reach 3 days without sun then a generator is a must have item. Even then a Genny is a good thing to have on hand in case the solar system breaks down.
@@montanaprepper3926 please educate yourself on Lifepo4. A 1000ah lead acid bank can be replaced by a 200ah Lifepo4 bank which is cheaper to buy and charges in half the time. Watch my video series SOLAR BATTERY BATTLE
Good Facts, to expand:
With Solar panels, different parts of the globe at varying times of the years like summer winter will produce varying power as well as cloudy or overcast.
With Battery, Lithium can be drained flat while lead acid, AGM, gel or poly gel will suffer if taken below ~50%.
Then their is the weight.
Sure is NICE to get the important facts needed and procedures to make a FIX that are accurate
Can you not charge these batteries with an inverter generator ?? TY
At $2 per kW to extract electricity from diesel would cost $20 per charge of our 11.5kW battery bank, the solar has paid for itself many times over already...
Hey first time viewer here, that’s a ton of great info! I’m also wondering where you guys got your 360ah battery for 1800$ CAD that’s a steal thank you, from Ontario!
Thank you!! You made more sense in 14min than watching hours of video from others!! What does this translate to gel batteries or is that similar to lead acid? And being in Australia it’s good to know about the heat percentage loss!!
Gel and AGM are better... But still a lead based battery... So, better, but not as good as lithium.
Great info !!!! Love your channel. Cheers from Calgary Alberta Canada 🇨🇦🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
I plan on bouncing around Michigan We have more wind than sun in the winter so I am looking into wind power Chinese lantern Have you looked into wind? It's taking a while to see so many video's Thank You
I'd be interested in the optimization of the whole system especially how to find the most efficient and reliable panels.
Furthermore, I’d like to make the panels movable, so that you get the maximum light on them. Any ideas on that?
What about a combination of solar and PV? I mean you could cool the PV panels with water to increase the efficiency and produce hot water at the same time. If you don't need so much hot water, you could probably use some sort of heat exchanger and put excessive heat in a nearby river or lake.
Combination of Solar and PV? Pease give more details on how you think this would work. Water Cooling panels has been shown to consume more power moving the water than the gains you'll make...
Everlanders with combination, I meant the water cooling/ heating.
I see there’s not too much to gain. However, I’ll keep that in mind. What’s the max surface temperature/ efficiency decrease caused by heat in practice? I guess you need just a tiny pump. If you combine that system with a thermal heat pump and a well sized and insulated hot water tank, you can use hot water the next day and can keep efficiency of PV panels up. There’re some serious lab tests and calculations required..😁
I guess you can increase the lifespan of those panels too by keeping them cool right?
You'd need a very large pump to lift water to the rooftop with any significant flow for the hundred square feet of panels we have. The hoses, weight and compexity is not worth the gains that one more panel for 89$ would get you. Furthermore, the water lines would all freeze when were camping in Sub-Zero temperatures and it's much simpler to heat hot water with the electric heater than with thermal transfer off the panels.
Very informative.
Love your stuff. Regarding quality flexible panels…. By installing them in aluminum frame to raise off roof, do you have a preferred substrate to make more ridged while dissipating heat?
I would never consider a flexible panel.
@@Everlanders I plan to put 20 180w 21% efficiency full size panels on a 34’ RV.
Do the math, 24 pounds per panel verses 6.3 pounds (plus light aluminum frame) surely is preferable. So I’m trying to get idea of sliding frame weight. Thanks
Every flexible panel I've used failed in 2 to 3 years due to UV damage... Redo your math.
We cycle our 4S Lifepo4 between 13.4 and 12.9 with the occasional balance charge to 14.4 - maybe once every 100 cycles - we wondered what settings you use?
Our SBMS100 controller is constantly monitoring and balancing each cell, so we don't need to worry about manually balancing. I hope you're monitoring individual cell voltage if you are charging to 14.4 😮
Great video and informative for me - average Joe Schmo
Fantastically presented!
Great info!
You quoted a Cdn $ price for your batteries. Where did you get them (I'm in Canada BTW).
We got ours for less, but you can still get them here: store.easpower.com/products/calb-180ah-3-2v-cell
Hello from Australia, another Lifepo4 convert here. I have been using a set of 8x 160AH (24V) for near on 7 years now. Can confirm the claims are true, cycle life is incredible when they are setup with a good BMS. No noticeable capacity loss after all this time. Can handle huge Charge/Discharge rates. Lead acid is archaic in comparison.
What BMS are you using? Im getting into Lifepo4 soon ;)
I'm using the SBMS 100
Great video and great information. My only argument against Lithium is use case. I'm not a full time RV'r but use my rig about 6 weeks per year almost all boondocking. I don't have a large inverter (300w) but need power for my CPAP and furnace and a few other things. In my use case (and most other campers) a single or dual lead acid setup is better long term. Less expensive, less complicated and in some ways more robust. My $350 pair of golf cart batteries last 5+ years. Require a water check every 6 months or so and are maintained by a 40w panel and a crappy controller while in storage. I don't even take them off the trailer in very cold weather. Other than weight, lithium offers very little advantage to me. If I used my trailer more, lithium would be justified.
Yeah, if you're not using it it doesn't make sense... We are living in it full time, currently traversing Mexico, and our 100% reliant on electricity for all of our power, induction electric cooktops fridge, seperate, deep freeze, CPAP, two laptops, 3 cameras, two drones, and everything else that goes into making these videos... For that use case it does make sense.
I love your PV array design and have been considering the same for my Sprinter. Is it DIY? Where can I get one?
It is indeed DIY, links to all the parts in the description. You'll need to fab up some brackets. But otherwise easy.
Good info!
This was super useful info, thanks!
Thanks for the great share 😃👍🏽
I’m really stuck on flexible, because I have a fiberglass roof and worried about the weight on the other panels... any suggestions...
Just the weight or because it's curved?
Everlanders now that you said it both
Roof rack? Glass panels will last for decades, flexible for only a few years at best. They heat up your living space, essentially painting the roof black. And most importantly, they are not as efficient, you'll be making less power...
Do you have details on how you built the slide out solar panels?
Yes, I have have whole videos on the topic.
Panels on a vehicle can easy bu put at the best direction, at least from flat to an angel. The vehicle can be put in the rigt direction. The solar panels atached on one side on some kind of hinges on a rack or frame, the other side has to have some presed air springs as the type that hold the back doors from cars up and so on. With a tension belt that is used to keep loads on a roofrack etc. the panels can be lowerd back to the roof from simpely standing on the ground , and by un-tension the belt, the panels go by themself up. The " click-clack " device on the belt is screwed on the back of the vehicle, the belt itself can be changed for a good rope type, or at least that part that dus'nt go in the tensioner. A couple of litlle guiding wheels keeps the rope in place, it can go trouch cupper bended pipes over the edges between the roof and the back wall, or other solutions depending on what type of vehicle. It works on my 4x4 Unimog for years now. In the morning, when de battery's are most used from the evening before, without sun ofcorse, first thing to put them to the rising sun. At noon I have a hundred % . In my experience, one needs halve number of panels this way. I'm building a tiny house now, a lot of people have there panels fixed on there roof or on some stand on the ground It wonders me why....When one is not present some day(s) to put them at the sun , two or three times a day, THEN they can be put in the best direction. It's not much energy to put them in the right direction to have... more energy . :-)
But for the cost of one more panel ($160) I have the same gains without needing to tilt anything, and we can be ready to roll in a moment's notice.