murphylawe
Mad Scientist
Hey Guys,
The work is progressing:
I have constructed a box and installed a 24v battery bank beneath the forward dinette seats in a (2s,4p) configuration of (8) 12v - 100ah AGM batteries. Yes, I know the issues with AGM's in series and will be switching wires when the batteries get out of balance.
The AMPINVT 3000w Inverter/Charger and AMPINVT 40amp MPPT Controller are installed in the basement bay across from the battery box with a total run of 7 feet of 1/0.
Anyway, now I am looking at mounting 8 solar panels on my roof. I have devised a mounting system based on 4"X6" aluminum mounting plates. They are spread out to avoid shadows cast by the A/C units and I can get all 8 on the roof.
However, I had a crazy idea yesterday. I was on the roof making measurements for ordering wire and remembered the stage roof on the trailer in the movie 'Doctor Sleep'.
I used to be a 6GR certified pipe-welder (Stick, MIG, TIG) and I envisioned an aluminum mounting platform that would have the panels an inch over the AC units. I could put 6 more panels on the rig and shade the entire roof with solar panels.
I spend the majority of my time in the desert southwest and I believe this would significantly cool the entire vehicle, making the AC units more efficient, and I can't imagine having more power would be a bad thing.
I am going to be on the roof anyway, the amount of work is the same. Maybe even less since I can have fewer mounting plates.
Thoughts?
The work is progressing:
I have constructed a box and installed a 24v battery bank beneath the forward dinette seats in a (2s,4p) configuration of (8) 12v - 100ah AGM batteries. Yes, I know the issues with AGM's in series and will be switching wires when the batteries get out of balance.
The AMPINVT 3000w Inverter/Charger and AMPINVT 40amp MPPT Controller are installed in the basement bay across from the battery box with a total run of 7 feet of 1/0.
Anyway, now I am looking at mounting 8 solar panels on my roof. I have devised a mounting system based on 4"X6" aluminum mounting plates. They are spread out to avoid shadows cast by the A/C units and I can get all 8 on the roof.
However, I had a crazy idea yesterday. I was on the roof making measurements for ordering wire and remembered the stage roof on the trailer in the movie 'Doctor Sleep'.
I used to be a 6GR certified pipe-welder (Stick, MIG, TIG) and I envisioned an aluminum mounting platform that would have the panels an inch over the AC units. I could put 6 more panels on the rig and shade the entire roof with solar panels.
I spend the majority of my time in the desert southwest and I believe this would significantly cool the entire vehicle, making the AC units more efficient, and I can't imagine having more power would be a bad thing.
I am going to be on the roof anyway, the amount of work is the same. Maybe even less since I can have fewer mounting plates.
Thoughts?
