Solar "power plant" built into a small trailer

[Tenor]

Just saw this posting on the e-place and I thought it was pretty cool and wondered if anyone had seen or thought of doing something like this.  As many of us busnuts pull trailers, there's got to be many ways to adapt the idea.  This is not my listing and I have nothing to gain from it.  Just thought it was cool.

Here's the number: 170181755578

Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/THE-LITTLE-GREEN-MACHINE_W0QQitemZ170181755578QQihZ007QQcategoryZ50073QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Tim Strommen]

Hi Tenor (Glenn?),

   I think it's a good idea, especially if you do a lot of boondocking in open areas (not a lot of obstructions like trees blocking the sun).  I'm considering something similar for the bus, but I want tracking to improve the power output of the panel (there are several designs for low-cost/low-energy trackers available).  It doesn't look like the e-place listing "product" has any kind of physical mounting for the panels when deployed, and the electrical looks like something a kid threw together (or someone using a lot of pot ).

[Tangent] I'm currently attempting the design of a voltage regulator which should be able to control the alternator on the prime-mover, a DC generator plant, shore power, AND a solar array input - but I'm talking to a CV-Transmission manufacturer to see if I can get one alternator to run from two engines (less weight, fewer parts) - so the design might get simpler [/Tangent]

I would like to have two arrays which I can "deploy" from an in-roof storage hold (to keep it stream-lined when moving). A 3-Degree-Of-Freedom platform (up/down - pitch and roll) should be enough to point the panels where they need to go - I can piggyback the serial GPS line to get Longitude/Latitude, time, and date - and use a cheap digital compass to know where to point them.

Personally, I'd avoid pulling another set of batteries in a trailer - but a High-Voltage or high current trailer to Bus tie would be good so that you can use the roof area for solar power.

Cheers!

-Tim