pirijodonny wrote:flboy, the solar array looks great!
Do you still have the battery bank the same, 450Ah, with 225 usable or did you add more batteries as well? We have the same mini fridge as you do, and would like to run our fridge, toaster and microwave (very short times 3-6 min each) as well on the solar setup. From my calculations I should be OK with the 450Ah bank and 500-600 Watt solar array and 2k inverter. I saw on several posts of yours that (your system before the addition of 300Watts) you had the AC, fridge and a couple of other things running. From what I understand your system handled the load well. You only added the extra solar panels to keep from using the batteries during the day, correct? We don't plan on running our AC on solar. If you weren't wanting to run AC on solar would you have been completely happy with your initial system before added 300 more Watts?
I love the L bracket attachment for the solar mounts. Did you only use them on one side? Was that because of the awning?
Hi... Yes, still have the same battery bank. I did not expand it. The system as is worked fine and did everything it needed to do. I added the 300W of extra panels mainly for two reasons... but really because I could. 1) I wanted a faster recovery when I do get sun. I found a lot a places I camp are with trees and as the sun moves around during the day, I may only get a few solid hours of sun, so I wanted to take full advantage. 2) The other reason is to be able to run the AC straight up with no battery discharge when in full sun. I plan on getting another dog soon and as I travel, there may be times when I go in stores, restaurants, or out in the dessert and I leave the dog in the trailer. I want to be able to run the AC and not run down the battery bank for extended periods of time during the day. Will also be good for roadside naps when traveling. Side benefit is redundancy with separate charge controllers.
Your 2000K inverter and setup will work great for you I believe. As was, it was really adequate... but I have a disease!
I did use only 3 of the 4 L brackets. You are very observant. I could not use one because of the Awning rail. I screwed that side directly into top of frame. Really no issue as I used Dicor Tape under the rail where it engages the roof and Dicor self leveling sealer over the screw. I drilled a larger hole on top of the rail to get access to drive the screw in from the top and only engaging the inside bottom of the rail. That also left access for the sealer on top of screw.
Good luck with your system. I am heading out camping in the AM, so I will have a chance to field test the new additions.