A Redesign Was Needed

True to their word, my friends Mark & Gary showed up in Mark's Diesel work truck to assess and possibly begin the process of installing the four 300 watt solar panels to the roof of my Stealth Cargo Trailer home.

My Stealth Tiny Home (on the right)

 Upon further assessment the three of us jumped in Mark's truck and made our way to the local Lowe's and then Home Depot to purchase eight ten foot lengths of aluminum "L" shaped channel for around $160.

We also stopped at Starbucks for some much needed liquid energy in the form of caffeinated coffee and tea.

Gary is Marking the Aluminum for Cutting

One solar panel sitting on a pair saw horses

When we returned Gary got up on the roof and determined how to best install the solar panels. After cutting the aluminum to the desired length and drilling holes for the bolts and lock washers, I was asked by Gary how I had planned on wiring the panels. 

I stated that I designed the system to be series-parallel wired where each set would be wired in series to double the voltage then the two sets would be wired in parallel to double the amperage yielding an array that would be putting out 92.4 volts @ 17.12 amps or 1581.888 watts maximum.

All he really wanted to know was how I was going to wire up the panels if they were already fastened to the roof making the wiring inaccessible. That is when we decided to postpone the duration of the wiring until after I were to obtain the photo voltaic cable, a crimper and additional MC4 connectors.

As soon as the crimp tool, wire and connectors show up, we will complete the installation of the solar panels with the wiring in place.

I look forward to completing this installation and I really appreciate Mark and Gary's commitment and expertise in this install.

Solar System Update

I had hoped that the 4 large solar panels would have been installed by now but sadly that task has not been completed yet. The problem is that there are certain things that require more than just myself to complete the job. The installation of each 50 pound 6.5 x 3.5 foot panel takes at least 2 people to install on to the top of the cargo trailer. I cannot do this process by myself.

Lucky for me, My friend's Gary & Mark have volunteered to assist me in the installation of the panels. Both guys are going to come over on Sunday September 21st, 2014 to assess what is required to efficiently get the panels mounted to the cross members on the roof that tie the roof to the sides of the trailer. Safety is a prime concern which is why I want to make sure that when I'm towing the Cargo Trailer to a new location, there is no possibility that the solar panels would slide off and come down on a vehicle behind me.

I'm sure, after my friends assessment, I'll be sent to Home Depot or Lowe's to purchase the necessary hardware to prepare for the solar panel install. Wiring the Solar Panels is my job as an Electrician and can be accomplished relatively quickly once the actual solar panels are in place.

I am hoping to accomplish the other two projects (1. The On-Demand Hot Water system for the shower & 2. The Emergency Floor Exit) soon after I complete the electrical system.

I look forward to completing the solar charging portion of my electrical system because it is the most time consuming, expensive & potentially dangerous aspect of the projects to date.

I guess that's it for now... Have a great day!