craig333
Riley's Human
Not sure why getting rear ended motivated me but it did and I finally installed the 150watt panel I ordered on black friday (or whenever they were on sale). I wasn't in a hurry mainly due to winter but it was getting to be time to get it done. One thing that slowed me down a bit was having to relocate my old 100watt panel. I really liked how it sat between the rack bars but there was no way I could redo it that way. However, if I was starting over I still might move a bar back and do it that way.
Original panel
New panel
Between relocating the old panel, fighting the weather (under the carport at least) and drilling holes while balancing with one leg on the ladder it wasn't the easiest install I've done. Unfortunately I couldn't just remove the cross bars and do it all on the ground as the hold down bolts are covered by the panels now.
Got it all wired up using two waterproof (I hope, I'll use some silicone just to be sure once I'm satisfied with the arrangement) junction boxes (makes it impossible to ever short it out). I haven't finished that part yet. Wanted to make sure the wiring was good and still not sure if I want to use screws, glue em down or try two side tape.
I somehow got lucky and had a very brief period of sunshine to see the results.
Actually saw it hit 11.8 amps. Huge improvement over the old panel. Never saw more than 3.6 even in ideal conditions. Looking forward to seeing how it does on a multi day trip running everything.
Oh, I also tested raising the top with the extra weight. Other than a noticeable bit right at the beginning of the push once it starts going up its not bad at all.
Original panel
New panel
Between relocating the old panel, fighting the weather (under the carport at least) and drilling holes while balancing with one leg on the ladder it wasn't the easiest install I've done. Unfortunately I couldn't just remove the cross bars and do it all on the ground as the hold down bolts are covered by the panels now.
Got it all wired up using two waterproof (I hope, I'll use some silicone just to be sure once I'm satisfied with the arrangement) junction boxes (makes it impossible to ever short it out). I haven't finished that part yet. Wanted to make sure the wiring was good and still not sure if I want to use screws, glue em down or try two side tape.
I somehow got lucky and had a very brief period of sunshine to see the results.
Actually saw it hit 11.8 amps. Huge improvement over the old panel. Never saw more than 3.6 even in ideal conditions. Looking forward to seeing how it does on a multi day trip running everything.
Oh, I also tested raising the top with the extra weight. Other than a noticeable bit right at the beginning of the push once it starts going up its not bad at all.