Adding Solar To RV

[Steve Johnson]

Just purchased a new (to us) RV.  Project for this year is to install solar panels on the roof to recharge two 6 volt (in series) house batteries.
Will have to figure out what size panels I will need once I figure out what my typical daily use of the batteries will be.  Previous owner said he got about 5 full days of power for lights and appliances from the batteries. 

I am switching all the lighting to LEDs so that should cut down on the size needed.  Would like to be able to recharge the batteries from solar with one or two days of sunlight.  There is a generator if I need it but would much rather use solar whenever possible.

Roof:

[SeanB]

What size batteries do you have in there at the moment?

[Steve Johnson]

There are two 6 volt golf cart batteries in series but the RV is in storage.  I will pull the battery cabinet cover this weekend and check the sizes.

[Steve Johnson]

The two 6 volt golf cart batteries are labeled 255 amp hours each.  They weigh about 80 pounds each.  Should be enough to run my LED lights and blower for the furnace and the water pump occasionally for at least a week if I need to.  There is a generator that will run everything and recharge the batteries but I hope to not use it much.

[SeanB]

So your peak current from the panel will have to be between 25-30A, so size panels to get that. MPPT controller as well to suit. That will ensure the batteries get enough charge each day, as well as enough current to stir the electrolyte and keep it from stratifying.

[Steve Johnson]

Thanks, this will be a summer project.  I hope to see some already installed on RVs before I put mine together.  Really want one I can tilt when I'm parked for some time to get the best angle needed.  A few I have seen are just bolted down flat on the roof.  OK for the middle of summer but not so good in the early spring or fall.

[MJLorton]

I'm really looking forward to following this one Steve. Great RV...I hope you have some good adventures in it once you get going.

Cheers,
Martin.