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Putting solar panels on my trailer roof

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by stocktonhauler, Jan 19, 2012.

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  1. Jan 19, 2012 #1
    stocktonhauler

    stocktonhauler Medium Load Member

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    Dec 9, 2007
    Stockton, C
    0
    Two years ago, I blew some money on expensive GM batteries ($200- each). Well, those died and have been replaced by Walmart's most expensive marine battery, which has an 18 month free replacement guarantee.

    Even so, I don't like my APU turning on just because my refrigerator and laptop are plugged in. I understand the need to recharge the batteries following the use of microwave and rice cooker, but I would like to put a jake brake on the battery discharge when the truck is stopped. I don't idle my engine, and there's always power consumption.

    Considering all the real-estate available on my trailer roof, it seemed that laying down thin film photovoltaic panels would be best, especially since this type is more heat tolerant than conventional mon-crystalline panels. So, this year's tax deductible green-energy experiment will involve solar panels to keep my batteries topped off.

    The thin film panels are like linoleum in thickness, so won't significantly add to the height of my trailer. Plus, the peal and stick adhesive is very permanent and not likely to blow off. The charge controller will maintain battery charge without doing damage, and will supplement power even when the APU is running if necessary, to boost available wattage for the microwave, for example, again saving the batteries from excessive discharge.

    I'm not sure how to calculate if the $500 invested will pay off, but since I've blown much larger sums to achieve little or nothing in terms of repair in the past, I'm willing to gamble.

    Any questions? Any recommendations? I'll post pictures when the install is complete...
     
    stocktonhauler, Jan 19, 2012
    stocktonhauler, Jan 19, 2012
    #1
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  3. Jan 19, 2012 #2
    Gears

    Gears Trucker Forum STAFF - Gone, But Not Forgotten.

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    Aug 20, 2009
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    How much of the roof will this cover? I'm assuming your trailer is a reefer or metal roofed van. Interesting concept, I'll be watching here for your updates.
     
    Gears, Jan 19, 2012
    Gears, Jan 19, 2012
    #2
  4. Jan 20, 2012 #3
    mgt1085

    mgt1085 Medium Load Member

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    Oct 4, 2009
    west palm beach,fl
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    i too would like to see this sounds like a good idea
     
    mgt1085, Jan 20, 2012
    mgt1085, Jan 20, 2012
    #3
  5. Jan 20, 2012 #4
    whosedog

    whosedog Medium Load Member

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    Mar 18, 2009
    fair lawn nj
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    Interesting idea,it's amazing how much power the sun puts out.I'm wondering how you are going to regulate it or are you going to store it in a battery for use during the night?My house's 20 panel roof array produces up to 3,800 watts at peak hours,but the excess that I don't use goes back into the utilities electrical grid.Last month my electric bill(the amount I needed that I didn't produce myself) was $6.49 .If I wanted to be totally off grid,I would need more panels and a battery storage unit(quite pricey)
    Let us know how it works out.
     
    whosedog, Jan 20, 2012
    whosedog, Jan 20, 2012
    #4
  7. Jan 20, 2012 #5
    7122894003481

    7122894003481 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 6, 2011
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    Will they put you overheight?
     
    7122894003481, Jan 20, 2012
    7122894003481, Jan 20, 2012
    #5
  8. Jan 20, 2012 #6
    wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

    3,944
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    Jan 17, 2011
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    Got a freind in LA that did it. He uses a RV battery a/c system and it works just fine. He is home at least every other night but can make it through most of a night on a 4 battery system. The hardest part of the installation was cleaning the roof of the trailer.
     
    wichris, Jan 20, 2012
    wichris, Jan 20, 2012
    #6
  9. Jan 20, 2012 #7
    Kansas

    Kansas Road Train Member

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    Apr 14, 2009
    aircap, Ks.
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    Youre gonna pay a crap load more money than $500. Your batteries are still going to go bad, and I doubt you're gonna get any where near the power out put you are looking for.

    Solar power technology just isnt any where near it needs to be yet. Only the govt can afford to invest in solar lol.

    Using deep cycle batteries as starting batteries really isnt helping your situation much easier. You are greatly shortening their life.

    I would suggest switching over to AGM batteries, and adding a second battery bank of deep cycle only. Plus adding a good battery issolator/combiner. Such as what this company has to offer. http://hellroaring.com/index.php
     
    Kansas, Jan 20, 2012
    Kansas, Jan 20, 2012
    #7
  10. Jan 20, 2012 #8
    albhb3

    albhb3 Medium Load Member

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    Nov 3, 2009
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    whats your plans for winter it would be a good time getting them cleaned off
     
    albhb3, Jan 20, 2012
    albhb3, Jan 20, 2012
    #8
  11. Jan 20, 2012 #9
    texan007

    texan007 Medium Load Member

    526
    236
    Jun 5, 2010
    In the woods,TEXAS
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    I have a solar panel on my truck! I put it along the back of the cab between the stack and the other side. It works great. It has allowed me to not to have to idle as much. I hardly ever did anyway. Make sure to out the overload switch on for when you batteries get fully charged. If you want I will send you pictures and other data.
    My next move will be turbines to collect even more "free juice" Some cars already have them so all I have to do is come up with a good place to mount them.
    Just wait til you get them on your going to love it.
    The ones your talking about, however, do not last long.......last time I checked.
     
    texan007, Jan 20, 2012
    texan007, Jan 20, 2012
    #9
    RubyEagle Thanks this.
  12. Jan 20, 2012 #10
    paul 1052

    paul 1052 Heavy Load Member

    899
    346
    Oct 9, 2010
    Sand Springs, Ok.
    0
    I got Optima yellowtops for a little over $200 per and Auto Zone puts a 3 year exchange warranty on them.
     
    paul 1052, Jan 20, 2012
    paul 1052, Jan 20, 2012
    #10
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