Subject: Re: pv or wind? was: sma

From: Ross Binnie <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 25 May 1995 16:08:23 GMT

-=> Quoting Alternative Energy Discu to Ross Binnie <=-

Kevin Eber sugested the use of PV to supply energy for my RV.

 AED> Don't know what your location is like, but for that application
 AED> it might be wiser to consider either photovoltaics (i.e. solar cells)
 AED> or wind power.  If you're in a cramped park, photovoltaics are
 AED> probably the way to go (as in: on your roof).

PV units are marketed for RV's at this time. There are however some
serious problems relating to the use of such devices on a 'gypsie' RV such
as mine. The type of PV on the market is suitable for 'trickle charge' of
the rv battery, ie it would provide enough energy to keep the electronics
going on my lpg powered refrigerator. There are well defined limits as to
roof loading and gross vehicle weight. I run at minimum weight to conserve
fuel. Larger PV arrays add weight and I don't think  are  well suited to
constant pounding of the interstate. You have to take my word about
interstate pounding inside an RV. What is only a constant thump thump in a
car or pickup, is to a highway tractor and fifth wheel somewhat more
severe. Our experience has been that some roads literaly pound the heck out
of a rig (I could write a book about that aspect of RV travel).
Although I have one good deep cycle 12v battery to provide energy
for lighting, water pump and refrigerator control system, the battery is
depleted in 3 days. This is not a problem in commercial RV parks as 120v
is readily available for charging the battery and providing lighting
current. Power is not available in many state and federal parks and I
rely on the battery. Energy consumption for lighting takes the largest
toll. I can fire up the powerplant in my truck (Cummins turbo
diesel) in the day time to recharge the battery but I can't stand the
racket and my neighbours shouldn't be subjected to it either.
It is for these reasons that I am looking for a silent means of recharging
the battery. I can just hear someone saying, why not use 2 batteries. I
have done this in a number of RVs over a long span of years. Short
battery life in the tractor and in the RV is a consequence. The whyfor can
be a subject of debate. Maybe I can find a practical method of paralell
charging multiple batteries in this type of unit and _still obtain long
battery life_.

Ross Binnie

[email-masked]

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Re: pv or wind?  was: sma

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From: [email-masked]
Date: Sun, 28 May 1995 19:20:33 GMT

ross. I have been using pv on my rv for 15 years. works as welll today as
it did then. rv solar electric, 602-443-8520. they are about the oldest
rv/pv place going. they have a book, rvers guide to solar battery
charging. i know a lot of rv'ers using pv. [email-masked]
Re: pv or wind?  was: sma                                                    R

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From: Ross Binnie <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 28 May 1995 19:09:01 GMT

> AED> probably the way to go (as in: on your roof).

 AED> I've had 2 53 watt panels roof mounted on a 27 ft class c RV for 3
 AED> years without any problem. Theyv'e been to the gulf coast twice, North
 AED> Carolina 3 times Chicago once. Been caught in hail storms (Marble
 AED> size) twice and they just keep on putting out. I do have to remove
 AED> accumulated dust and dirt occasionally. They are bolted directly to
 AED> the rook with the pv controller mounted inside the living quarters.
 AED> They carry the gas frig, furnace and lights just fine. For extended
 AED> cloudy days I use a 300 watt gas generator to recharge the batterys.
 AED> If we watch TV in the evening (14 inch color set drawing 5 amps @ 12
 AED> volts. I usually crank the small gen. Also have 4 KW gen on board but
 AED> never use it unless we need the airconditioner. Can't Aircondition on
 AED> Solar.

Thanks for the response. Can you tell me the make & model of these PVs and
where I can get them?

Ross Binnie

[email-masked]
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From: [email-masked]
Date: Sun, 28 May 1995 19:20:33 GMT

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From: Ross Binnie <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 28 May 1995 19:09:01 GMT

Ross Binnie

[email-masked]
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