Solar panels on CT ideas please.

[LandyAndy]

Hi Guys.
I need to start thinking of a method of fixing my solar panels to my camper trailer.
Have in mind some sort of telescopic frame that folds out but remains securely attatched to the trailer.I have 2x37w ex Telstra panels and 2x14w panels I got with my Honda EU20i generator.
The ability to position to suit differing campsites and morning afternoon sunlight needs to be part of the design.
Would appreciate pics/links of how others have done theirs.
Thanks
Andrew

[austastar]

Hi,
You might get some ideas from Danbri's post on MySwag (http://myswag.org/forum/index.php'topic=2691.0)

cheers

[Jezzaol]

G'Day Andy

I have fixed a 80 solar panel to the top of my tool box on the front of my camper, it fitted perfectly in size. I then riverted two hinges (ones that pull apart) on the front edge of the panel and box, then on the back edge I made a slotted bracket that slots onto a fixed bolt with wing nut.

So basicly its fixed solid for traveling and is hard wired via a small lead and socert so it can charge while in the sun on the camper. When required the panel is removed by loosening the two wing nuts and slidding the panel off the front hinge, I have a 10 meter extension lead that alows me to sit the panel in the sun all day away from the camper !

I am more than happy with the way that works with my set up, I also have a 80 watt mounted permantly on the roof of the disco.
gives me about 5-6 amps in good sun from both.
I cant seem to find any pics but I'll see what I can find or take one for you.

Cheers
Jeremy


Hi Guys.
I need to start thinking of a method of fixing my solar panels to my camper trailer.
Have in mind some sort of telescopic frame that folds out but remains securely attatched to the trailer.I have 2x37w ex Telstra panels and 2x14w panels I got with my Honda EU20i generator.
The ability to position to suit differing campsites and morning afternoon sunlight needs to be part of the design.
Would appreciate pics/links of how others have done theirs.
Thanks
Andrew

[awabbit6]

Hi Andy. Here's a thread with some pictures of our set-up.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/camping-tucker-bush-basics/69547-solar-power-our-camper.html

I was in the same situation as you this time last year and this was my solution. It took a bit of time to design but it works very well. I made sure that it was light and quick to assemble. The main priority was that it had to allow for quick repositioning of the panels to follow the sun. I usually give it a tweak as I walk past it, then once the sun goes down, swing it around to pick up the first rays of light in the morning.

[back_in]

Hi
you will run into probs with different size panels
you could similar panels 2x37 watts in parallel and charge a battery
the 2x14 in parallel to float another
the easy way would be to fix mount them
as they are not as efficient as a 80 watt
cheers
Ian

[LandyAndy]

Hi Ian
I have a Plasmatronics PL20 controler,was hoping to feed the 4 panels into it in parallel.Is this still likley to be an issue???
Thanks
Andrew

[back_in]

Hi Andrew
I only know what I been told by experts
you can not have 700 CCA battery in parallel with a 260 CCA one
if you run batteries in parallel they must be the same type etc
This how it was explained to me
hope this makes sense
cheers
Ian

[back_in]

Hi Andrew see below

[back_in]

Hi Andrew
The info I posted has been thrown to the rubbish heap
I called into the home of 12 volt at lunch time today.
with this reg. Powertech 20 amp you will be able to hook every panel and run them in parallel to the reg.
you can see all at Homeof12volt.com.au
contact them on pooraka@homeof12volt.com.au
hope this help's
cheers
Ian:D:D:D

[LandyAndy]

Thanks Ian
I have a Plasmatronics PL20 regulator that will handle multiple panels,just got to sort how to mount the panels in such away to be able to direct them to available sun as it changes and different camp sites.
Have looked at a couple of setups and seen some good ones on the net,just got to combine them inti a dinghy rack and make it all work.
Thanks
Andrew