Posted 2011-09-24 12:42 PM (#137840) Subject: Solar Battery Charger Install
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Northern KY
I am planning on installing a solar panel for battery charging and need some advice. The trailer is an ADAMS All American 3HGN. The 1st option is mount on roof left side and drill thru roof then floor of closet coming out directly above battery box. Concern is drillin 1/2" hole in roof. 2nd is mounting on roof same place but run wires externaly down side then under neck to battery box. 3rd option mount on right side of trailer above hot water heater and run wire directly under neck to battery box....Since I'm using it as a trickle charger wondering if the mounting on side of trailer would be all that bad? The side mount would be the easiest and least costly as I could do it all myself. Thanks in advance for the help and happy trails....
Posted 2011-09-24 7:14 PM (#137845 - in reply to #137840) Subject: RE: Solar Battery Charger Install
Veteran
Posts: 178 Location: Richmond, Ky
I believe I'd stay clear of drilling holes in my roof, might have a leak that you won't know about, until it's too late. How about hooking up to your truck 12vdc. and using your truck alternator to charge battery while in route. Solar cells require the sun pointing on them for maximum output. Maybe make a stand-alone cell and just repositioned where it's needed and connect it when stored and not being used for a while.
Posted 2011-09-25 9:51 AM (#137853 - in reply to #137840) Subject: RE: Solar Battery Charger Install
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
My neighbors had one put on, it is on a bracket attached to the front of the hayrack. the wire is ran along the roof a short distance and down the vent for the refrigerator. It exits down in the side of the rear of the frig area into the inside of a kitchen cabinet, where the monitor/controller is located. No holes in the roof and no wires flapping on the side...it was done by an rv place.....
Posted 2011-09-25 4:33 PM (#137855 - in reply to #137840) Subject: RE: Solar Battery Charger Install
Veteran
Posts: 178 Location: Richmond, Ky
correct me please if I'm wrong on the refrigerator vent, is that a hot gas vent for a duel fuel refrig. I'd have have second thoughts on running a low voltage wire if it was!
Posted 2011-09-28 1:26 PM (#137904 - in reply to #137840) Subject: RE: Solar Battery Charger Install
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Solar cells are good compared to nothing. The rated power output is when everthing is just right. Ordinary life conditions may get you half output at best. Light incidence angle, panel temp, panel condition etc all conspire to lower the output. I would think the best installation is flat on the trailer roof. Allow an air space between the roof and panel to help cool the panel. Wires on the side of the trailer are in danger of a getting snagged and torn off. Roof penetrations made mechanically sound and sealed aren't really an issue to me.
Solar Battery Charger Install
