Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (April 2009, week 2)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Wed, 8 Apr 2009 13:22:29 -0700
Reply-To:     Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Solar Panel Fitment
Comments: To: Keith Ovregaard <kovregaard@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <6D608150-6200-431B-A368-B353A4A698F6@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed

On 4/8/2009 11:53 AM Keith Ovregaard wrote:

> Some volks like the simple approach and permanently mount the panel to > the roof. Using a larger higher output panel will help compensate for > off-angle alignment to the sun and shady campsites.

True that off-angle output doesn't drop panel output super fast like shade does. But one could put a thousand watt panel up there and the shade from a few branches would drop the output to 5W or less. BTDT.

Hook an ammeter in series with the panel and shade a portion of the panel with your hand. The output will go down faster than Lehman Brothers.

"Orientation of the modules to the sun is critical to the successful operation of a PV system. Ideally, the modules will be at a 90° angle to the sun's rays at all times. In practice, this is not always practical. Tracking mounts are available which will automatically reposition the modules continuously throughout the day, although they are quite expensive, and installed only on large arrays. Most systems are installed on a fixed-azimuth mount, which is adjustable seasonally for elevation. This means that the modules are pointed due south (Northern Hemisphere) or north (Southern Hemisphere), and the angle to the horizon adjusted several times a year as needed to keep the modules best aligned with the sun's rays. The result is slightly lower output power during the morning and evening, but results also in a much lower installed price. Even small areas of shade on a module will decrease the output dramatically, so location is an important consideration during installation."

http://www.mrsharkey.com/busbarn/electrics/chapt1.htm

-- Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott 84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana") 74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano Bend, OR KG6RCR


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.