is there any reason why a 'domestic' solar panel cant be fitted to M/H?

[MisterB]

It might seem like a daft question and might be, but i am looking to increase the amount of solar on the roof of the M/H. i have seen lots of adverts for 135w - 170w etc (and less) for M/H's but not many 250w (as i have on the roof of my house)

is it purely down to the footprint - where larger panels wouldnt fit due to roof configuration (vents, aerials, sat dishes etc) or is there something specific in the manufacture to allow 'movement' on those on vehicles?

my thinking is that its purely down to the footprint and if a large one was fitted it might also suffer shading issues, whereas two or more smaller ones in different roof locations are less likely to have shading issues.

 

[Raul]

Commercial panels( 60 cell up) are higher voltage than the battery panels ( 36cell). If you got the space, do it. All you need is a mppt controler to benefit of the higher voltage. I got two 295w panels on the van. It’s a no brainer, more watts per dollar.

 

[MisterB]

Commercial panels( 60 cell up) are higher voltage than the battery panels ( 36cell). If you got the space, do it. All you need is a mppt controler to benefit of the higher voltage. I got two 295w panels on the van. It’s a no brainer, more watts per dollar.

it might be a little more difficult to fit on our motorhome, which already has a number of roof vents etc already fitted. my intention was to identify as large a panel(s) as i could fit, then i can determine what size mppt etc i would need

 

[andy63]

i am looking to increase the amount of solar on the roof of the M/H

If you are planing on increasing the number of panels then what you can fit assuming your controller is capable will depend on your current connection method..ie series or parallel , and then voltage or current characteristics of the additional panels..
So if your current set up is pannels in parallel then adding a high voltage panel in to that set up would be largely wasted..
Likewise if in series then a high current rating of an additional panel would be reduced and wasted..
That's my thinking..
Andy..

 

[MisterB]

If you are planing on increasing the number of panels then what you can fit assuming your controller is capable will depend on your current connection method..ie series or parallel , and then voltage or current characteristics of the additional panels..
So if your current set up is pannels in parallel then adding a high voltage panel in to that set up would be largely wasted..
Likewise if in series then a high current rating of an additional panel would be reduced and wasted..
That's my thinking..
Andy..

thanks, i will need to upgrade by controller to an MPPT form the PWR that i currently giggle have. so changing the wiring string isnt going to be an issue i am hoping

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Raul]

Definitely do not mix panels with different cell count. It will not work well. My understanding was that you want to upgrade your solar but not add to the existing.

 

[MisterB]

Definitely do not mix panels with different cell count. It will not work well. My understanding was that you want to upgrade your solar but not add to the existing.

thanks for the advice. if it works out to be more cost effective then i am happy to redo the whole existing setup

 

[tonyidle]

I'm using a domestic panel because, as you have noticed, they are terrific value for money. The single issue with them is room to install. There is no difficulty in coping with the output voltage (usually 30 - 40 volts) and if you have smaller panels already in use simply leave them as they are, connected to their own existing regulator, and fit your new panel as a separate installation. I've been using one with an existing 80w panel, in that configuration, for two years.

 

[olsgreen]

Yesterday I put a 340w domestic panel on, purchased new for £143 quid! It's a snug fit at 1.7m x 1m excluding the feet! Definitely much more cost effective than some of the M/H specific vendors I've seen.

 

[hilldweller]

at 1.7m x 1m

That's the size of a door, wow !

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Bagofsand]

i am putting 2 x 500w domestic panels they measure 1900 x 1200mm, i ordered 3 but even with 7m x 2.5m roof i have run out of space so the spare will be used as mobile if staying put for a while.