Camper Shell Solar

OldestFart

Hi, big, dumb newbie here. I've done a lot of reading but never put the plans in place. I'm buying my system piecemeal (because that's how I can afford to do it). Thinnk this will be enough for camper shell solar with only LED light strips and a car stereo (in the back) to power. Feedback is welcome.

First piece arrived today (from China), a Powmr 30A SCC.

Nex buy will be the battery, this one:

Then the panel (s)

706jim

Yes that's a good start. Keep in mind once you have "free" solar power you will start to add more loads and what you have now will not be enough. Just sayin'.

Wheelman55

Like Jim said, once you experience some solar you’ll likely want more. 

One of the best things that we added for our camping was a DC fridge. 

A 100ah lithium battery, and a 100 watt suitcase solar panel/charge controller would cover this, plus your other small loads.

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Monocrystalline-Foldable-Waterproof-Controller/dp/B079JVBVL3/ref=asc_df_B079JVBVL3/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241958137370&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17871171468957841011&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028672&hvtargid=pla-496536007381&psc=1

Have fun!

BB.

I always like to suggest that you do not buy peace piece meal... But instead have a plan and buy to the plan. Many times, it can be difficult to build out an effective system from mix and match parts.

• Measure the amount of power (Watts or Amps @ XX volts) and energy (Watt*Hours or Amp*Hours per day).
• Look at the results. Conservation is your friend here. In times past, a DC powered car radio could be a pretty big waste of power. New car radios may be better these days, but looking at electronics that start from battery (such as USB devices) can use less power.
• Once you have the daily energy usage, then define your battery bank size. Typically 2 days of storage plus some buffer (3rd day in case of bad weather, etc.). Note that Li Ion batteries can be near ideal for many uses... If you plan on dry camping it freezing climates, Li Ion batteries need be be kept above freezing (40 or 50F in some cases). Charging below freezing will ruin the battery and if there is a BMS (battery management system), it may shut down the battery if too cold.
• Then solar array... Enough solar to power your system (based on where/when you will be camping...). In summer of US south west, lots of sun. Up in the great white north, not much sun during winter. 
• Flexible solar panels... Many do not last even 2-5 years. Flexing can break internal connections. And sun can cause the plastic to turn brittle and fail. If you are looking for long term usage (>10-20+ years), it is hard to beat glass panels (downside, cannot conform to curved surfaces and panels can shatter pretty easily from rocks/metal tools, etc.).
• Once you have your needs... Now you can spec the parts you need for your system, and purchase to that parts list.

-Bill

OldestFart

I have done my energy audit, though I have decided to size up to 60AH battery and 150-watt rigid mono panel.

I promise not to do this peace meal.

BB.

Fingers typing ahead of brain...

Anyway... Just some quick example math. Say camping in Central California area. The numbers would be something like:

• 60 AH battery bank * 12 volt battery bus * 1/2 days of "no sun" * 0.80 of battery capacity = 288 WH per day 12 VDC load
• 288 Watt*Hour per day / 12 volt = 24 AH per day

Li Ion batteries are "much nicer" than Lead Acid types and don't have the min/max charging limitations that are usually seen with Lead Acid.. But some nice numbers to start with are 5% mininum solar charging (RV, sunny weather systems, etc.) tos 10-13% rate of charge for full time off grid systems...

• 60 AH * 14.4 volts charging * 1/0.77 panel+controller deratings * 0.05 rate of charge = 56 Watt array minimum (cabin/summer usage)
• 60 AH * 14.4 volts charging * 1/0.77 panel+controller deratings * 0.10 rate of charge = 112 Watt array off grid system.

And there is sizing the array for your daily engergy usage and where the system will be used (angle of array, etc.)... For example:
http://www.solarelectricityhandbook.com/solar-irradiance.html

Modesto
Average Solar Insolation figures

Measured in kWh/m2/day onto a horizontal surface (typical RV panel mounted flat to roof):

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun
2.36	3.35	4.90	6.37	7.44	8.11
Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
8.03	7.19	5.82	4.37	2.85	2.19

Say you camp March through October, or at least 4.37 hours per day of sun (Modesto). And use 288 WH per day:

• 150 Watt array * 0.75 solar DC system efficiency with Li battery) * 4.37 hours of sun per day = 492 WH per "average summer" day (October)

Not saying what is "right or wrong" for you needs--Just some modeling/math to ensure that your system meets your expectations. Refrigeration is usually a "major load" for solar power systems.

-Bill

Wheelman55

Consider keeping your solar panel moveable so that you can park in the shade and move the panel into a sunny spot.

OldestFart

Wheelman55 said:

Consider keeping your solar panel moveable so that you can park in the shade and move the panel into a sunny spot.

Wheelman55 said:

Consider keeping your solar panel moveable so that you can park in the shade and move the panel into a sunny spot.

Oh yes, unless I'm out fishing all day, in which case the panel will remain affixed to the roof until I return with the catch (I hope, supper) and tend to it. I do have a metal ground mount to set it out in the afternoon/evening pointed at the sun, but the roof mount will be the main mount.

solartrout

Hi guys, I've changed everything since my first post.

1 - HQST 100-watt panel. (will have a roof mount, but the panel won't travel on the roof.

1- Epever Tracer 4201AN with MT50 meter

1. Kusroie 12v  50AH Lifepo4 battery

1. JJN ground mount fixture for when I'm around and can easily adjust the panel on the ground.

I decided against an inverter because I don't anticipate the need for shore power in the camper shell. A stereo (Kenwood/JBL) and some led strip lights for the back so I can lisen to the Who or just read with light classical playing. But I'll have lights and that's important.

For such a small system, what wiring, fuses ands battery cutoffs do I need? If you can, please be specific. Thanks!!!

I am a 69-year-old beginner. =:-O

Wheelman55

Try this link for custom cables:

https://ceautoelectricsupply.com/custom-cable-builder/

Tony Candela is the owner. They are based in the Phoenix area and ship via US Postal. 

Best of luck!