Advice on solar power? for camper van.

[Bbasso]

The weight of the battery is significant, but that also helps to keep it in place... along with the cage I'll build for it.

Better then 15%, I didn't see them. or rather didn't see ones that put out so much power. suggestion on one?

So your saying I should have the http://www.blueskyenergyinc.com/products/details/ipn_proremote/ along with http://www.blueskyenergyinc.com/products/details/solar_boost_2000e/ ?

Yeah, I was just about to pull the trigger on this http://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-15154-Enameled-Percolator/dp/B000690JTC/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

And also about to buy the http://www.maxxair.com/maxxfan-remote-control.html. for the obvious reasons... lol

 

[wrcsixeight]

Well, look at name brand panels like Kyocera, I don't think any normal panels exceed 18.5% efficiency. Not really a big deal, the size difference between the same wattage panels of 18 and 15% efficiency is not much

I am no longer sure the IPN pro remote is compatible with the the BS2000e CC. I have the Sb2512i. I wish I had the 2512ix with it's battery temp sensorand other extra features. The battery monitor is a very useful tool but is not 100% accurate. It is way better than trying to guess battery state of charge Via voltage. That is only accurate on a well rested battery.

There are other battery monitors available to like tri metric and others whose name escapes me.

I have no experience with that type of percolator, so no opinion either.

Consider putting the battery under the floor to open up interior space.

http://www.classicperform.com/tech_articles/Battery-Box/Drop-Out-Battery-Box.htm

Crawl under the vehicle and see where a battery might be installed.

 

[Bbasso]

Thanks again

As for the space, on the E350 Extended body there is plenty if I'm willing to do some fabrication work. and I'm sure I will. Most likely will use the space where Ford had the second battery for the diesels, along the passenger side frame rail between the body. And on that note, keeping all that battery weight down low will provide a better center of gravity too.

My parents way back when had a percolator very close to that one I mentioned, and it worked very well.

Big name panels like Kyocera and the sorts, are they really worth the extra $$ for such little gains? Usually it's 'get what you pay for' but in this case too?

I'll have to look more closely into the solar equipment... thanks.
I'd really hate to get unneeded items or pay extra for some feature that I don't want.

 

[wrcsixeight]

I think I'd go with 2 group 31 sears Die hard platinum batteries, one on each frame rail to distribute the weight. If you do fabricate boxes to hold them, make them large enough to expand to larger batteries at some point. I made mine an exact fit for 2 batteries I had at the time, and now I have to cut off parts of the handle to shoehorn 2 batteries into my box.

I built my van's interior with too much weight on the drivers side, and I can tell by the fact that I need more PSI in my drivers side air bag to level it out, and it pulls when braking, and I've ruled out every braking component as the cause. So keep this in mind when you design your layout

Although I most likely voided my Kyocera's 25 warranty by painting the frame white to match my roof, and drilling holes for the clevis pins for my locking/ pivot mechanism, I got that warm fuzzy feeling knowing they were confident enough to give it a 25 year warranty. And they have offices located in this country. Sometimes trying to save a buck or 2 costs you 3 or 4 in the long run.

Rogue has a pretty good MPPT charge controller worthy of looking into.

http://www.roguepowertech.com/products/mpt3024.htm

 

[Ozrockrat]

Battery mounting

Check out these trays from ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-OEM-VAN-BOX-TRUCK-MOTORHOME-BATTERY-BOX-NEW-E350-/320625347192

Also this posting about fitting them: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/45009-Mounting-3rd-battery-to-frame-rail

 

[Bbasso]

Thanks, I've considered using the stock battery mounts, but I'd have to modify them for the larger battery I want.

 

[sambot]

Watch your voltage

Make sure the charge controller can step the 24v PV array down to 12V for the batteries, the one you are looking at seems to be 12V only. Check out the morningstar converter http://www.morningstarcorp.com/en/tristar mppt I have not used it, but am trying to find a smaller one for my small system. I got a great deal ($175) on a new 24V 220 watt panel.

For coffee, we switched to the aeropress, no looking back. http://aerobie.com/products/aeropress.htm
Let the sun shine on!