Battery powered rooftop AC installed in my sleeper.

Rich Solar.

I really need to do a full write up in a separate post. What I used was not the cheapest, nor in hindsight the best approach. When I do that post I'll explain that. Posting on my phone, no way LOL. Need to be sleeping now too.

Going to these big panels is a huge jump in price. They're about $500 each. I got one of the kits with all the basics and added a few pieces i knew id need for my application. They are a bear to install and you only get one try. The adhesive does not accommodate do overs.

Without the details, a few tips:

Don't buy adhesive panels bigger than a place mat.

Flexible panels are too stiff to follow a compound curve. Smaller ones make this less of a problem, and easier to put on straight.

There's a panel on the market called Military Grade. From reading reviews, their quality is on par with Rich. However they did not seem as responsive and leave that to dealers. One positive is they make a set of panels to fit the V-shaped indent on Freightliner roofs and some others.

 

For those of you thinking lithium is the way to go if you run up north beware, they have horrible performance in the cold, like non existent in extreme temps, they also are a bit of a fire/explosion hazard, there is a silica salt alternative that would be nice also. So if you run a diesel heater off of them in the winter it probably would not work

 

Some of the newer batteries have heaters in them, brings them to a minimal operating temp for safety.

 

The Li Ion are the ones that can catch fire and do so in a big way. The LiFePO 4 are pretty safe.
LiFePO 4 cannot be charged in freezing temps, good ones will have a BMS that includes a temp sensor to make sure they dont try. Better ones have a heating pad. Once your cab gets warm though , everything is fine.

 

You mean like these Lithium Ion batteries.

 

Yep, thats why you want lithium iron phosphate instead.
If you have an electric bicycle those can cause crazy fires also, they are packed with 18650s which are lithium ion

 

i stay with tripac

 

You need to use one of These...!!
DC to DC Battery Charger - Best Charging Systems | REDARC Electronics

 

Wow man, absolutely gorgeous. That’s awesome!!! I loved the insulation too. Just two months after I started as an OO, my AC compressor blew and I went from June of one year to May of the next without AC in the Midwest. It was a sweaty delirious mess, needed to save up. You have a sick setup, and give some good motivation for newer guys to see what hard work can get you!

 

^^ Thanks Jed2009 ^^
Here is an update. The 200 amp alternator doesn’t seem to recharge the batteries any faster. Still looking at 7-8 hours. I found the Delco Remy 300 amp alternator on Peterbilt parts website and found a dealer that had one in stock. They wanted $1602 out the door with tax!!! Then I google searched the Manufacturer's part number and found it here: Heavy Duty Truck Parts Online, Medium Duty, Light Duty - FinditParts For $1154 plus a summer sale 15% discount. Shipped to me for $981!
If anyone is wondering here is the Delco Remy part number - 8600298.