Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 04-24-2010, 11:42 AM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 16
Replacing or adding solar panels?

Hey There,
I've got a 2005 SMB, recently purchased, with 3 'flexible' solar panels that are attached to the top of the Yakima pod that is up there. I am pretty certain these were installed 5 years ago when the van was built. In front of that pod is a satelite Tv Trackvision 'dish' that lies flat against the roof above the passenger seat. Knowing that, I have a few questions...

1. After 5 years, how has the solar panel technology improved and could I get more efficient panels. I am still learning about this rig, slowly but surely, and am not yet positive how efficient the existing panels are. How do you measure how efficient your panels and battery are? I don't know the age or type of the extra battery.

2. Do they still make these flexible panels?

3. I dont forsee using the Trackvision, there currently is no Tv and I dont intend to get one. Would it make sense to remove the Trackvision and in that spot put a 'latest and greatest' solar panel?

4. Would SMB Indiana be able to do that for us?

I am going to contact SMB Indy about this too, same questions, but I wanted to throw the hook out to you guys as well to get some 'first hand experience' type response. Thanks again.
Rip

Ripper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2010, 12:18 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,837
Re: Replacing or adding solar panels?

Have any pics brother?

I am pretty sure that the technology has improved

I am un clear if you still want the flex panels or the rigid ones

Additionally:

What is your battery storage amp hours total?

What is your required load ( lights, tv, fridge, etc)?
billwilson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2010, 12:40 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
surfgeek33's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Long Beach, Ca
Posts: 985
Send a message via AIM to surfgeek33
Re: Replacing or adding solar panels?

generally the Kyocera, rigid panels, are a lot more efficient than the flex panels which I believe was made by Solara. We opted for a single Kyocera and was very happy with it. It powered all of our equipment and some.
The Flexible panels should still be available from a marine retailer. I'm not sure if Solara is still in business.

Regarding the trac vision. if you are not planning to use it, I would advice on removing it. You can gain some valuable space on your roof. There is also a market for used trac visions.

Ray
__________________
???

"I do, cellularSTEVE" :o)
surfgeek33 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2010, 05:48 PM   #4
CJ
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SoCAL
Posts: 312
Send a message via Yahoo to CJ
Re: Replacing or adding solar panels?

I have two of the Solara flex panels. They are still in great shape however I think Solara is out of business now. I would suggest the newer technology if you are going to upgrade.
__________________
CJ
CJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2010, 06:22 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,837
Re: Replacing or adding solar panels?

IMHO the need and usage of the solar panels
would guide the replacement/need

ya need a trickle charge?

charging house battery or starter??

just my analitical mind ......
billwilson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2010, 09:14 PM   #6
Site Team
 
daveb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Turlock Ca
Posts: 10,407
Garage
Re: Replacing or adding solar panels?

Argg, Solara left the US. The only thing I don't like about glass panels is they can break. Pinecones now freak me out. My CB antenna took out one of mine after just being installed
__________________
2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer

Sportsmobile 4X4 Adventures..........On and off road adventures
daveb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2010, 01:50 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 282
Re: Replacing or adding solar panels?

When I do my install (any week now!) I was going to write this up, but there is a new flexible option out there, and I have one sitting next to me:

http://highflexsolar.com/

Basically, all the advantages of flex and low profile with the output of silicon. And yes, I've walked across it and rolled it and it's fine. Only issue I think will be that when flush mounted, you'll lose some efficiency due to the temp buildup. However, a 130W flat panel that is lighter and lower profile (wind resistance... hate it) is what I was after, and it's what I found.

When I finally get around to installing (don't have time in the forseeable future), I'll do the write-up.
__________________
2006 RB50 6.0 Diesel
Flatplate water heater (mounted INSIDE), portable butane stove (no propane)
SMB 4WD
Amsoil
kzemach is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sportsmobile SIP or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:47 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.