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Old 10-19-2014, 05:57 PM   #1
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My solar plan - opinions wanted

We're planning to put 2 of the small 100W panels from AM Solar flat on the roof next spring. We are pre-wired for solar with a Specialty Concepts Mark PV controller. (The rig used to have solar, but when the leaky PH top was replaced by PO he didn't replace the panels.) I've been following the tilt vs non-tilt debate as well as the fixed vs portable panel discussion. My issue with the portable panel is where to stow it.

I'm thinking I can have the best of both worlds, with the two fixed panels on the roof and a single 100W thin flex panel as the portable. This one from AM Solar is on sale: http://www.amsolar.com/home/amr/page_25 ... panel.html It's small enough to just fit under the rear section of the penthouse bed. I'm thinking I would fix the panel to some thin plywood to give it some body, but it would still be thin enough to suspend from under the PH bed without much loss of headroom.

I think my major challenge may be making the electrical connection, drilling through the van wall to have an outside plug-in for the panel. Any thoughts or ideas for improvement would be most appreciated.

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Old 10-21-2014, 05:14 AM   #2
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Re: My solar plan - opinions wanted

As far as your new hole goes, Sportsmobile generally uses a Perko deck connector as an option for temporary solar. You can get them on Amazon for $17.

http://www.amazon.com/Perko-1190DP0CHR- ... R6K42TK6TF

I recently added a hole in my roof to run wire through for two 100w panels. I had similar questions / concerns about drilling through my roof and got some good feedback from forum members on how to seal / waterproof the hole in my thread:

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=14213

I like your plan, it is pretty much what we are doing with our setup. (2x100 watt with preware for another panel / directional sun)

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Old 10-21-2014, 06:34 AM   #3
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Re: My solar plan - opinions wanted

I believe the Minnkota MKR-18 is another choice, it has more current capacity then the Perko.

http://www.amazon.com/MinnKota-MKR-1.../dp/B001PTHKRQ

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Old 10-21-2014, 09:27 AM   #4
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Re: My solar plan - opinions wanted

Looks like a twist lock! Nice!
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