Spot the problem with this photo.

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Today I watched a video from MMM on how to fit a solar panel on a motorhome.

For me, there were a few things that I don't like about the installation, but there is one that may affect the panels output, can you spot it?

solar.png

 
Obviously the owner of the motorhome won't be using the tv during the day and will move the Ariel away, so not to cast a shadow, and return every night.
Not the smartest solar panel installation.
 
Well I don’t know from that how close the batteries are from the controller but I suspect he placed controller where easy to see rather than keeping short cable run to battery.

Only mentioned one fuse, I would want one on solar panel side as well as battery side

tv aerial will shade panels

I would site gland box so cable entry is from the rear of the vehicle not the side
 
Lee said:
Obviously the owner of the motorhome won't be using the tv during the day and will move the Ariel away, so not to cast a shadow, and return every night.
Not the smartest solar panel installation.
Click to expand...

Even with the antenna in it's least problematic position it is still casting a shadow on the panel. In field tests, they found that 3% shadow can reduce output by 25%
 
Is it because he's wired the panel through the motorhome electric system. I've read recently that a better control unit can improve the amount of power recovered from the panel?
 
1) TV antenna always casts a shadow on the panel.
2) There were no gap spacers under the feet to ensure an even layer of the adhesive.
3) The feet and roof were not keyed before applying the adhesive.
4) Gland box would be better facing backwards.
5) White roof = white feet and gland box.
6) Picky but the trim on the cable insulators was not even and was cut too far back. I like tidy jobs.

Not going to open the fuse can of worms.
 
Phil said:
Even with the antenna in it's least problematic position it is still casting a shadow on the panel. In field tests, they found that 3% shadow can reduce output by 25%
Click to expand...
That reminds me I must pop up and clean mine.
You've got me worried.
 
Once I knew the roof was clear I would prefer to put a pilot hole up from inside to out for cable, didn’t look like there were any cables in the area though so didn’t mention before.
 
Phil said:
1) TV antenna always casts a shadow on the panel.
2) There were no gap spacers under the feet to ensure an even layer of the adhesive.
3) The feet and roof were not keyed before applying the adhesive.
4) Gland box would be better facing backwards.
5) White roof = white feet and gland box.
6) Picky but the trim on the cable insulators was not even and was cut too far back. I like tidy jobs.

Not going to open the fuse can of worms.
Click to expand...


Picky!!!!!!
 
I agree with choice of colour it grated watching it, surprising how many kits come with black though when you look round, must be a lot in stock cos folks WANT white :)

Did you notice early on how the skylight cover was moving as if windy but trees and bushes were still, freaky huh!
 
nabsim said:
I agree with choice of colour it grated watching it, surprising how many kits come with black though when you look round, must be a lot in stock cos folks WANT white :)

Did you notice early on how the skylight cover was moving as if windy but trees and bushes were still, freaky huh!
Click to expand...

My favourite part is where he starts to put in a pan head stainless screw with an impact driver, a big no-no, they snap. The next shot shows a countersunk wood screw being driven home. 1.55 on the video.
 
When attaching the feet to the solar panel would it be advisable to put a rubber washer between the foot and the panel frame to allow a bit of flexing, I would use a stainless screw and nyloc nut to hold it together.
 
I used stainless bolts and nylok nuts to fix panels to the plastic mounts but only used adhesive to fix mounts to roof. It’s good enough for car panels and aircraft so should be okay for me
 
As pointed out by Nabsim, no fuse on the solar panel side, a mistake most "pro" installers make, so the idea of a rubber grommet to stop it chaffing is next useless!

Regards,
Del
 
It's a good idea to check and clean solar panels now and again.

Even leaf matter or bird crap can have a bad effect on the panel's performance.
 
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