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08-17-2015, 09:38 AM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Ogden
Posts: 638
M.O.C. #13862
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"Solar for Dummies" I need a book like this
I want to add solar to my Monty, and I'm a pretty competent DIYer. The problem is, I really don't know where to start with system design, and parts/supplies aquisition. I'm looking to add enough to power things while we normally use boondocking. Things like lights (I'm entirely LED), water pump, furnace fan and satellite TV. I know A/C is out of the question, but I'm thinking a 2500W PSW inverter would probably cover everything else we typically use. I currently have 2 6V batteries, but I'm assuming I would need 2 more.
Sooooo...Is there a "Solar for Dummies" place to start designing my system? Thanks all!
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08-17-2015, 11:03 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: YUMA
Posts: 861
M.O.C. #2625
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08-17-2015, 11:45 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Olympia
Posts: 1,058
M.O.C. #9441
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I was in the same boat 1 1/2 years ago.. I started by doing a lot of searching online for wiring diagrams and different installs to see what else other people had done.. I wanted to build a system that would allow me to run everything from the tv with DTV box to the hair drier and coffee maker. I ended up installing 6 6 v AGM batteries and wished I had 2 more.. If you do enough research you will build a great system that can do what you want it to do.
__________________
2020 Ram 3500, 2022 Luxe 38GFB,2500w Solar with Victron equipment, Gen Y Pinbox
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08-17-2015, 12:01 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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We also have six AGM golf cart batteries and wouldn't want less, but then we are electric hogs.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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08-17-2015, 12:35 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Aguanga
Posts: 606
M.O.C. #13601
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I have 4 6-volt, 480w solar, 2k watt inverter running two sub panels. I could use more of both battery and solar but we do just fine as is (if it was that bad i'd spend the $). We conserve anywhere possible but aren't obsessive about it and 2 more batteries would probably allow us to be less so. Inverter powers everything we ask it to. Use generator for a spell at at night to put a full charge on the batteries after the sun drops and before quiet time.
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08-17-2015, 01:45 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: YUMA
Posts: 861
M.O.C. #2625
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08-18-2015, 01:24 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Livingston
Posts: 1,150
M.O.C. #12333
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Research, research and more research....
Try these links for lots of info and there are plenty of great DIY guys here who have designed and built their own systems such as John Kohl, Drifty1, 7.3 Ford, etc....
http://www.jackdanmayer.com/rv_electrical_and_solar.htm
http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm
http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volta.htm
The first thing you must do is an analysis of your energy usage and needs in order to assess how much solar you need including panels, batteries, inverter and controller.
Too much is never an issue, too little and you will always regret it!
Good luck!
Les
__________________
Les and Sue Young, 2009 Int 4400 LP, 2020 DRV Mobile Suites [/url] https://ramblingrvrat.blogspot.com/2019/11/freedom-from-grid-rambling-rv-rats.html[/url]
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08-18-2015, 02:32 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Olympia
Posts: 1,058
M.O.C. #9441
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Well said Les....
__________________
2020 Ram 3500, 2022 Luxe 38GFB,2500w Solar with Victron equipment, Gen Y Pinbox
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