One of my winter projects is installing solar on our slide-in. I already have it on our fifth wheel and I have installed solar on several RVs, but was wondering if anyone has done it yourself on a pop-up.

Normally I just find a spot and go down through the roof, but it is more challenging finding a perfect spot on our Hallmark. I am thinking about running my wires over the roof edge and down through the upper sidewall refrigerator vent rather than going through the roof. Other thoughts?

Steve

 

as long as scuffing and or cutting of the wires can be avoided during travel... SURE...

most wire can handle 300 degrees "F"...

 

Steve, I have not done this but would probably recommend calling the boys at Hallmark to see how they do it at the factory. I did read a post but can't remember where that a guy did this on his pop up and then had problems raising the roof because he did not consider the weight of the panels and I believe put them on one side of the roof causing it to bind when raising/lowering the roof.
I am sure with your background you have probably already thought of all that though.

 

After I watched the video of one of the owners sitting on an ATV while they raise the roof, I haven't worried too much about weight. I think I know how they do it at the factory, but want to do it without "punching" the roof.

Steve

 

Good deal Steve. Let us know how the install goes.

 

Its going to take me a while. I often spend way more time planning than the actual install and in this slide-ins space is really at a premium. It is actually much harder to mod these than it is full size campers. Maybe just a small inverter, clearly not the kind I am used to installing.

Steve

 

Planing is important , and very important... to avoid the pitfalls of poor planing.

enjoy your "Little" project.
if you are anything like me.. its getting our ageing body in tight places.

 

Steve you might have been here but just incase it might have some ideas for you.
You searched for Solar - Truck Camper Magazine

 

Thanks, I had read it over in the past, but it is good to review it again. I have been shopping components versus complete kits online. I am seldom a kit fan as they often include parts that do not fit the application. Doesn't seem to be huge price differences between suppliers. Solar is just pricey.

Steve

 

Here is what I bought. I am no expert but I am happy with what I bought. I would not buy his kits though just panels.
ebaylink Currently have 2 panels with the Bogart charge controller and monitor that talk to each other. sc2030 and 2030rv i think.

 

Thanks. Yah, that is about what I am finding, a dollar per watt. Open circuit voltage has sure gone up over the years.

Steve