Solar Safari
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 1:30 pm
heres that project Ive been meaning to post.
![Image](http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009%5C12%5C08%5Cbikepics-1849365-full.jpg)
It started with a single 40w panel and got a little out of hand.
now a total of 346 watts from two 43w panels and two 130w.
this battery is the first addition I added with the 40w panel. its an odessy 110ah VRLA AGM that mounted about where a left side passenger would be seated behind the driver.
![Image](http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009%5C12%5C08%5Cbikepics-1849370-full.jpg)
I added this Lifeline 230ah VRLA AGM later where the factory spare tire goes, I had to remove the tire support bracket to get the most clearance and that was the biggest PITA of this project.
![Image](http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009%5C12%5C08%5Cbikepics-1849367-full.jpg)
under the hood. a litle messy with the wires but I can keep an eye on them this way. havnt had any problems so far.
![Image](http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009%5C12%5C08%5Cbikepics-1849366-full.jpg)
drivers side just behind the door is where the first inverter and Batt selector are mounted.
![Image](http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009%5C12%5C08%5Cbikepics-1849369-full.jpg)
alltogether its not too noticable and my yakima racks are 3/4" higher than the panels so they are still fully functional that was important all along as I use them quite a bit.
oddly I had more wind noise with one single panel and was considering a yakima fairing but now that they are all in place the noise isnt too bad
![Image](http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009%5C12%5C08%5Cbikepics-1849363-full.jpg)
not shown is a morningstar SSD charge controller specifically designed for RV and multiple battery use. http://www.morningstarcorp.com/en/sun-saver-duo
and also a Duracell 1500w inverter http://www.duracellpower.com/power-i...rter-1500.aspx that Ive mounted in the drivers side interior panel.
Id add more panels if I had room.. considering a fold-up or slide out deal where I can double them up and then extend them out when needed.
costs add up quickly and youre looking at ~ $4000 in equipment onboard allready.
anyone else into solar?
![Image](http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009%5C12%5C08%5Cbikepics-1849365-full.jpg)
It started with a single 40w panel and got a little out of hand.
now a total of 346 watts from two 43w panels and two 130w.
this battery is the first addition I added with the 40w panel. its an odessy 110ah VRLA AGM that mounted about where a left side passenger would be seated behind the driver.
![Image](http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009%5C12%5C08%5Cbikepics-1849370-full.jpg)
I added this Lifeline 230ah VRLA AGM later where the factory spare tire goes, I had to remove the tire support bracket to get the most clearance and that was the biggest PITA of this project.
![Image](http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009%5C12%5C08%5Cbikepics-1849367-full.jpg)
under the hood. a litle messy with the wires but I can keep an eye on them this way. havnt had any problems so far.
![Image](http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009%5C12%5C08%5Cbikepics-1849366-full.jpg)
drivers side just behind the door is where the first inverter and Batt selector are mounted.
![Image](http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009%5C12%5C08%5Cbikepics-1849369-full.jpg)
alltogether its not too noticable and my yakima racks are 3/4" higher than the panels so they are still fully functional that was important all along as I use them quite a bit.
oddly I had more wind noise with one single panel and was considering a yakima fairing but now that they are all in place the noise isnt too bad
![Image](http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009%5C12%5C08%5Cbikepics-1849363-full.jpg)
not shown is a morningstar SSD charge controller specifically designed for RV and multiple battery use. http://www.morningstarcorp.com/en/sun-saver-duo
and also a Duracell 1500w inverter http://www.duracellpower.com/power-i...rter-1500.aspx that Ive mounted in the drivers side interior panel.
Id add more panels if I had room.. considering a fold-up or slide out deal where I can double them up and then extend them out when needed.
costs add up quickly and youre looking at ~ $4000 in equipment onboard allready.
anyone else into solar?