Over the weekend I installed the first stage of my solar power project for our trailer. I plan to add an inverter and possibly another panel if needed down the road. It was a lot of work to get it in properly but I think it turned out nice. And I get to say I did it myself which is always good whenever people start asking questions about the system and how it works.
I decided on the GoPower system below. It has a 25 year warranty and is a Canadian company. It comes with a 25 amp charge controller and the required wiring. Although I had to get more wire to finish the job.
Not sure if I like the way it attached to the roof as per the instructions. The North Trail has basically 1/4" luan board over foam blocks for the roof construction, which can support your weight if you are up there but didn't really provide a lot of "meat" to dig a wood screw into. I sealed it with self leveling sealant in the holes and over the mounts when screwed down.
I ran the wires down through the fridge vent and underneath the fridge, through the furnace cavity and eventually ending up in one side of the dinette. I thought that would be the best place for the charge controller, in case I decide to change trailers and want to take the system with me I won't have a hole in the wall. I sheathed all the wires in plastic flex tubing and attached to the sides of the dinette.
The red and white wires I had to purchase. #10 stranded wire that can handle 30 amps. I ran this over to the other side of the dinette (couldn't drill down on the side that has the controller because of the fresh water tank), and then under the trailer and out to the batteries. All the wires are up under the under belly covering until they get out front and then the last foot is sheathed like inside. This what the controller looks like installed and running.
On Monday it was pretty sunny and I was getting 5.2 amps charging. Today it was cloudy and the only time I had a look I saw 2.2 amps charging. I am looking for about 36 amps per day of return on average in my grand plan so I will see how it goes over the summer. I eventually have to be able to run a hair dryer, I couldn't convince her to get a hat lol.
Edmonton
I decided on the GoPower system below. It has a 25 year warranty and is a Canadian company. It comes with a 25 amp charge controller and the required wiring. Although I had to get more wire to finish the job.
Not sure if I like the way it attached to the roof as per the instructions. The North Trail has basically 1/4" luan board over foam blocks for the roof construction, which can support your weight if you are up there but didn't really provide a lot of "meat" to dig a wood screw into. I sealed it with self leveling sealant in the holes and over the mounts when screwed down.
I ran the wires down through the fridge vent and underneath the fridge, through the furnace cavity and eventually ending up in one side of the dinette. I thought that would be the best place for the charge controller, in case I decide to change trailers and want to take the system with me I won't have a hole in the wall. I sheathed all the wires in plastic flex tubing and attached to the sides of the dinette.
The red and white wires I had to purchase. #10 stranded wire that can handle 30 amps. I ran this over to the other side of the dinette (couldn't drill down on the side that has the controller because of the fresh water tank), and then under the trailer and out to the batteries. All the wires are up under the under belly covering until they get out front and then the last foot is sheathed like inside. This what the controller looks like installed and running.
On Monday it was pretty sunny and I was getting 5.2 amps charging. Today it was cloudy and the only time I had a look I saw 2.2 amps charging. I am looking for about 36 amps per day of return on average in my grand plan so I will see how it goes over the summer. I eventually have to be able to run a hair dryer, I couldn't convince her to get a hat lol.
Edmonton
