Bob: when I've looked into solar stuff they've emphasized how important
orientation and angle are, and that even being 15 degrees off can significantly
decrease output. It's sort of like the way your legs tan if you sit
in the sun: the tops of the thighs or shins burn but where the curve
downward from the middle starts, the skin has less response even though
they looked like they were in the same amount of light. Did you include
a factor for decreased efficiency of your panels due to partly being curved
away from the sun? Maybe having a flat frame they are mounted in,
that you can take down when you are en route, would give you more bang
for your buck? I've thought of putting those flexible panels on the
awning too, wonder how well that would work?
--Sarah
Bob Kiger wrote:
The flexible solar panels have a special
backing that is desinged to let them do what they are made to do . . .
lay flat against a curved surface. I checked this very carefully
before setting the plan.
Bob
At 01:01 PM 3/30/01 -0500, you wrote:
Bob,
you may want to reconsider the mounting of your solar panels. According
to what I read and hear from those with solar, the panels need air circulation
underneath. If they get hot the word is that the output is reduced. You
may have taken that in consideration in sizing your solar system based
on your daily power needs.
Jim Greene
'68 Tradewind
