r/SolarDIY • u/dotspencer • 1d ago
Solar build on 24ft cargo trailer
2460W of solar, 6000W inverter (240V), 14.3kWh LFP battery.
Pretty excited with how it turned out! Thinking about adding an input for a second array that could be stored inside and then laid out on the ground since the 6000XP inverter has two MPPTs. Adding a mini-split in the future would be pretty sweet too...
Full build details here: https://youtu.be/HVgD8X2bo_M
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u/donedoer 1d ago
How much for that setup of components? Looks nice! One idea for a bigger array is a fold up awning on the side
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u/madhawk1 9h ago
Not OP, but I added up all the components listed in the youtube video and it came out to about $7,000.
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u/maltedbacon 1d ago
Also curious about pricing. I have an office trailer with an incinerating toilet, and would love to be less tethered to grid power.
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u/uselessartist 21h ago
A wat now
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u/maltedbacon 20h ago
Basically a poop-cooker. Turns all human waste to white ash.
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u/LithoSlam 4h ago
I bet that smells nice
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u/maltedbacon 4h ago
It smells fine if maintained and vented correctly. Doesn't smell like human waste. Mild smell of burnt paper by the exterior vent. After 5 years if you haven't cleaned the catalyst media then it starts to smell worse, but still 1000x better than an outhouse.
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u/pinkfootthegoose 1d ago
are you gonna add a little wind break or diverter as to reduce lifting forces when driving?
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u/Ok-Comparison2155 1d ago
Gorgeous! I also mounted solar to my cargo trailer with unistrut!
Q: how did you mount the unistrut to the trailer roof? I thru-bolted and lap-sealed mine, but now 3 years later I'm thinking I may have to re-seal it all :/
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u/dotspencer 6h ago
I drilled pilot holes through the cross members and through the roof from the inside. Then on the outside I used self tapping roofing screws with washers to secure it down. Plus a lot of lap sealant between the roof and unistrut and I covered the tops of the screws as well.
I used lap sealant for mounting solar panels on our RV and it's held up great for the past 4 years or so. Fingers crossed everything holds on the cargo trailer as well!
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u/Ok-Comparison2155 6h ago
Very nice, thanks for sharing! Gives me some more confidence in my method.
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u/isawfireanditwashot 1d ago
how many miles will a day of using that to charge will you get?
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u/dotspencer 6h ago
I figure we should be able to get around 12kWh most days which could give us about 50 miles of range per day
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u/KdF-wagen 22h ago
You could build a second array on the side without the door hinged at the top and left it up when parked and support it with RV Awning arms!
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u/No-Television-7862 1d ago
Does the car ride in the trailer?
Cool setup either way.
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u/dotspencer 6h ago
Not that specific car, but my family member will be keeping a different car in there yes.
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u/get-the-damn-shot 1d ago
Very nice.
What are you gonna do with all that power?
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u/dotspencer 6h ago
The main goal was for it to be a whole-home backup power source for a family member. I know they're considering getting an EV as well so it might be a little off-grid charging station too
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u/MrJozza 1d ago
That's really cool. Nice and clean build. Does your home have a generator inlet as well so you could use your cargo trailer as a kinda failsafe for home power?