| Topic: Our custom true flatbed truck camper build thread |
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Posted By: mikakuja
on 03/07/15 07:14pm
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Nice system!!!!
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Posted By: bka0721
on 03/07/15 09:53pm
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Nice work and great planning. I suspect you will find the GoPro beneficial and determine you will see some lift in the panels, due to the distance span, speed of air passing across the top of the panels and air flowing slower under the panels.
My question would be, what became of the 5th solar panel?
b
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Posted By: btggraphix
on 03/07/15 10:01pm
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That was my first thought too Bryan. Looks really nice, and great results from the first test. My other question would be how high above the surface are they mounted? Seems like a lot of people leave more clearance, Clarence, in case they build up heat underneath but I'm no expert. Really nice to see a roof used for the only thing that truly belongs up there.....a bunch of Solar!
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Posted By: Jfet
on 03/07/15 10:19pm
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Might see some lift at highway speeds but I have my doubts that it will be much of anything. The air passes over the panels level since the roof extends another ~4 feet. Heck, it might actually create the opposite effect and suction the panels to the roof. It will be interesting to see what happens.
The fifth panel remains unused. We bought a batch of five because the cost of four was more. We may or may not take it with us (kind of big and bulky). For our current smallish battery bank (24V 125AH) I am starting to think 1080 watts will be plenty.
As for the height and clearance (roger Roger), we wanted to keep the overall rig height as low as possible. Since we don't have roof stuff, like A/C or vents, it made sense to have the panels low (they are about 1 inch off the roof. It *has* to be better to have that one inch of air rather than directly sticking a panel to the roof, like the Unisolar (which we did consider).
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Posted By: Capt Eddie
on 03/08/15 07:35am
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Do you not have any A/c or just not on the roof? I would think that summer uses would be pretty hot without A/C.
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Posted By: Jfet
on 03/08/15 08:37am
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Capt Eddie wrote: Do you not have any A/c or just not on the roof? I would think that summer uses would be pretty hot without A/C.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseac........d/26735683/gotomsg/27758311.cfm#27758311
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Posted By: Jfet
on 03/08/15 10:01am
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9am, foggy morning, sun not even touching the panels yet and I am getting 93 watts.
This is going to be a kick butt system.
* This post was
edited 03/08/15 10:22am by Jfet *
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Posted By: bka0721
on 03/08/15 10:31am
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Ok. Now you are hooked. Good luck not glancing at your solar monitor when you walk by it. It becomes addictive. Wait until you park under a street light. You will see the different types (wave length) of street lights will impact the results you will see. The highest I have recorded, so far, 1,460 watts at 1145 for 94.5 amph. (Charge Controller Maxed)
Have fun. It looks like you will enjoy the solar addition.
b
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Posted By: Capt Eddie
on 03/08/15 12:02pm
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Thank you for the link. Is that a fireplace under the A/C unit? Is there an open screen on the outside of the A/C?
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Posted By: bigcitypopo
on 03/08/15 12:15pm
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I'd probably fashion a deflector for that edge..
2014 RAM 2500 BigHorn CrewCab 4x2 ShortBox, 6.7L CTD
2014 Keystone Springdale 294bhssrwe - Hensley Arrow!
The best wife, 2 kids and a bunch of fun
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