35 replies to this topic

[leadsled9]

Using information from this forum, I completed my solar install today. I found a 120 watt solar panel ($222) that only weighs 20 lbs.
I thought it was a misprint but I weighed it and it was 20.08 lbs.

I went with an MPPT controller that has a remote meter and a remote temperature sensor for the battery. The controller is user programmable for 4 different types of batteries (gel, sealed, agm and flooded). The meter mounts flush with the front of the cabinets.

I know you guys like pictures so here goes.

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[leadsled9]

More pics.....

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[leadsled9]

few more...

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[leadsled9]

Last pics....

Any questions just ask.

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[brett13]

Nice work. Did you punch through the roof to bring the wire in?

[leadsled9]

Nice work. Did you punch through the roof to bring the wire in?

Hi brett13. Thank you for your input for this project.

The solar wiring was done at the factory at the time of the build but I had no idea where the wiring terminated in the roof. On a recent visit to FWC I requested that the factory guys locate the wire in the roof and install a plug. That made it a snap to install the roof panel. The wiring terminated below the cabinet area.

[randygirl]

Thanks for the write up. I don't have the pre wiring in my 2002 Hawk, so I am hoping it won't be too complicated!!

Pulling the trigger today for the Mppt controller and an 80 watt panel.

I'll let you know if I have questions!

[RobNE]

that seems like a great price for a 120W panel, where did you get it?
Rob

Using information from this forum, I completed my solar install today. I found a 120 watt solar panel ($222) that only weighs 20 lbs.
I thought it was a misprint but I weighed it and it was 20.08 lbs.

I went with an MPPT controller that has a remote meter and a remote temperature sensor for the battery. The controller is user programmable for 4 different types of batteries (gel, sealed, agm and flooded). The meter mounts flush with the front of the cabinets.

I know you guys like pictures so here goes.

[randygirl]

solarblvd.com

Their prices are great.

I am now looking at the same panel.

[leadsled9]

Thanks randygirl for your help too. Yes, that's the place. Solar Blvd.

I was looking at the panel for some time....then last week the price dropped $50 over the weekend....and I couldn't take it any more. This panel weighs maybe a pound more than most of the 80 watt panels I was looking at. It seemed to be a nice panel and the extra watts couldn't hurt.

I wanted the extra capacity so I could run a 12v fridge in the future if I decided to go that route. It's nice to have future options available.

If you look at the picture of my roof....there is damage from tree limbs on the middle drivers side and in the front on the passenger side. I centered the panel as an attempt at protecting it from overhead obstacles.

I purchased two sets of mounting legs. One set was the standard "Z" legs for a permanent mount into the roof. I also purchased (and used) the "L" legs. After looking at the situation...the "L" legs seemed the way to go due to their stout design. If I decide later to just drill holes in the roof and mount the panel I have the "Z" legs in reserve. Right now I am happy with the panel mounted below the Yak bars....as they offer a little protection.....and the mounting system is bomb proof. Sort of overkill...but I like things that way. I used empty casings from a .44 magnum as a cookie cutter to cut the holes in the rubber material for shock absorption on the legs. The 3/8" bolt used to mount the panel to the Yak mount just seemed so much more sturdy than the #10 sheet metal screws used to mount the "Z" legs to the roof. I didn't even have to drill any holes in the panel as there were already holes in just the right place.
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