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Old 01-05-2024, 06:52 PM   #1
Just two
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Default Solar power

Installing solar panels and lithium batteries in our BT 5210. I moved the Wingard antenna to the center between the AC and the front Maxfan. To make room for the fourth 200 watt panel. Connected then series parallel for a 24 volt system. Also kept the 12 volt system for lights, pumps and 12 volt stuff. Adding 200 watts of panel for the 12 volts.

Anyone else working or enjoying solar power.
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Old 01-14-2024, 11:53 AM   #2
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Yes, I've gone the solar route on our 6245, but not as aggressive as your project!
I've installed four 100 watt panels & a 200 amp lithium battery. My biggest challenge was where to put the battery (which wouldn't fit in the factory battery compartment), but now rests comfortably in the entry stairwell.
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Old 01-15-2024, 09:30 AM   #3
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Default Last panel mounted

We added the batteries under the right side bed. We are building new beds replacing the dinette. My thought was to install them over the wheel well, but it would make the bed too high. So now they are just in front of the wheel well on the deck. Works nice with the weight distribution opposite the water tank.

Got the last 200 watt panel installed.
Break down
800 watts for 800 amp hour batteries at 24 volts
150 watts for 200 amp hour at 12 volts.

We plan on boondocking.
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Old 01-15-2024, 09:37 AM   #4
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Beautiful job, congrats & enjoy!
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Old 01-15-2024, 10:29 AM   #5
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Now we need some sun to test them out. Snow today in Virginia.
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Old 01-15-2024, 10:32 AM   #6
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Just for info, on two previous installs on travel trailers, same solar & battery and 12 volt fridge, we routinely stayed off grid for 4 or 5 days until full tanks and water supply drove us to hookup (in the sunny southwest). I would guess that with your install that you could stay off grid permanently!
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Old 01-16-2024, 11:58 AM   #7
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Default Need the snow to melt

Not going to get warm for awhile. This snow maybe around for so time.
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Old 01-28-2024, 09:25 AM   #8
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Default Snow melted

What a blessing the snow was. The temperatures got warmer and the snow melted. We found water on the floor caused by a leak at the seam left side where the front shell meets the Azdel wall. Looks like there is a lack of sealant where the retracted awning hides the walls. From close inspection I would say there never was sealant there. See picture. If we weren’t in the reconstruction phase we would never have found it. With the cabinets up around the TV area the moisture would have been hidden and causing damage.
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Old 01-28-2024, 09:39 AM   #9
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Default Solar test

Solar working good. The 2 controllers on the 12 volt house batteries have been working great. I had the re wire the 4 200 watt panel in series for the Sungold Power hybrid inverter to work. The MPPT portion of the system requires above 105 volt from the panels. With the series parallel set up I could only get 90.

Picture is the bigger batteries staged under the passenger side bed area. They are wired in series parallel, to get 24 volts.

Fun stuff.
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Old 01-28-2024, 09:49 AM   #10
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Man, that's horse power - you'll be able to light up your whole neighborhood!
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Old 01-28-2024, 09:52 AM   #11
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Man, that's some horse power - you'll be able to light up the whole neighborhood!
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