Comments for Recreation Engineer

Comment on Solar Testing – Round 3 by KamperBob

KamperBob — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:47:30 +0000

Thanks, Sis!

Comment on Solar Testing – Round 3 by katjam

katjam — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:11:09 +0000

So you are really getting some great results from your latest project. I love that you are so “green” about your living style and trying to make the most of your resources. Wanna tweak our Consumer’s bill? Only kidding, we are making progress on getting this house cheaper to light/heat/cool etc…. Do spend some quality time with our dear friend Mom Nature – she is worth it. Hope you are having some other great experiences (food, travel and such)along with your exceptional solar panel project. Love ya – Sis

Comment on Solar Testing – Round 3 by KamperBob

KamperBob — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:20:50 +0000

Hi, Lynne. It’s great to hear from you. Thanks for the note and link. Another blog – cool. I was not familiar with their setup. The GO100 panels are attractive. I’m hoping one 100W panel is enough. The SunSaver 15A MPPT controller seems spendy. The Trimetric monitor deserves attention. Thanks so much!!

Comment on Solar Testing – Round 3 by Lynne (WinnieViews)

Lynne (WinnieViews) — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:39:23 +0000

Hi Bob:
I met you out in Ajo last winter when you were camped next to Sue.

Thanks so much for this info on solar panels. I’m wanting to get some this summer, but not convinced yet I want to flat-mount them on the roof of my View. Have you seen this other Casita owner’s portable setup?
http://www.imperfectdestiny.com/?p=487

Wonder what you think about it?

Happy Travels!
Lynne

Comment on Solar Project – Part 2 by KamperBob

KamperBob — Thu, 10 May 2012 23:38:58 +0000

Thanks, Bill. I owe Handy’s Bob’s website a fresh look. It’s been a while and appears quite different than I remember. I’ve started a couple times but fizzled. I just need to budget some hours … and get a round tuit.

Comment on Solar Project – Part 2 by Bill K

Bill K — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:41:38 +0000

Bob,
I don’t know if you have seen this guys page before or not, seems very blunt and honest about solar.
It has been awhile since I have looked at his page but when I went to get the link the picture looked different so it may have some new info on it.

Good luck with your data gathering.

http://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/

Bill Kelleher

Comment on Solar Project – Part 2 by KamperBob

KamperBob — Mon, 07 May 2012 03:58:06 +0000

Good point about long wire line loss. The wires coming directly out of these panels were disappointingly thin too which cannot help. Once I settle down with panels that measure up then fine tuning will follow.

Comment on Solar Project – Part 2 by KamperBob

KamperBob — Mon, 07 May 2012 03:53:06 +0000

Thanks, Sandi. IIRC yours showed 13 volts so it helped some for sure.

Comment on Solar Project – Part 2 by cpaharley2008

cpaharley2008 — Sun, 06 May 2012 13:18:50 +0000

Bob,
I see one flaw in your hookup, you are running the solar thru your 7 way, thru your trailer and back to the batteries. I’d be curious with your results if you connected the panel via controller directly to your batteries as what most solarist’s do. See if your output doesn’t increase. The longer the wire run, the least efficient the panel becomes.

Comment on Solar Project – Part 2 by sandi

sandi — Sun, 06 May 2012 11:41:18 +0000

Fantastic Bob. Healthy geekness. I enjoyed all your hard work.
As you know I have a little setup too. Not sure if it ever gave me much of a boost yet. No long term trials. I do know moving the panels and leaving them out and about is very risky. Kids, dogs, electricity….. I thought for sure you would be thinking about the solar panel solar adjuster for roof panels to follow the sun.
Interesting about the fridge. I have never tried my fridge on 12v I know it would be a total drain in about 5 hours. You proved it ! Your super fridge investment has paid off !