Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: n_mathews13 on February 25, 2018, 08:02:35 PM

Title: Who got Solar panels ?
Post by: n_mathews13 on February 25, 2018, 08:02:35 PM: I have a 31' trailer
Have a AC ( but don't use it really )
Furnace (but don't plan to use it since I have a different heater)
I will have three 12v batteries

Was thinkn about solar panel for up top. Any input or advice?
Title: Re: Who got Solar panels ?
Post by: KFhunter on February 25, 2018, 09:02:14 PM: https://www.google.com/search?q=solar%20panel%20instal%20site%3Arv.net&rlz=1C1GGRV_enUS775US775&oq=rv+net&aqs=chrome..69i57.975j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&ved=0ahUKEwj6jrm35sLZAhWJMGMKHdDhDaQQ2wEILQ&ei=pZSTWrqoLonhjAPQw7egCg
Title: Re: Who got Solar panels ?
Post by: Birdguy on February 25, 2018, 09:07:48 PM: We have two panels on our cab over camper and we love them. Very handy have worked great for many years. Runs the camper anytime of year for all the basics, even during COLD turkey and late upland trips. We have a small generator for the other appliances. I will never own one without them.
Title: Re: Who got Solar panels ?
Post by: DoubleJ on February 25, 2018, 09:11:17 PM: Quote from: Birdguy on February 25, 2018, 09:07:48 PM
We have two panels on our cab over camper and we love them. Very handy have worked great for many years. Runs the camper anytime of year for all the basics, even during COLD turkey and late upland trips. We have a small generator for the other appliances. I will never own one without them.

How much were they? How hard is installation?
Title: Re: Who got Solar panels ?
Post by: Birdguy on February 27, 2018, 06:55:33 PM: They came as part of the camper when we bought it. During some warranty work the dealer neglected to screw one back down and it blew off going over Chinook pass :bash:. When we reached our destination I called the dealership and told them what happened. They ordered a new panel and just plugged it in where the old one cam unplugged. It looks like a very easy install, I would imagine just about any RV dealer would have a kit or tell you where to order one.....

In fact a quick EBAY search has 100 watt RV kits for $150ish and 200 watt kits for $250ish :tup:
Title: Re: Who got Solar panels ?
Post by: j_h_nimrod on February 27, 2018, 08:31:47 PM: I have run a fair number of solar panels over the years and, with the exception of keeping batteries topped up in the off season, are a bit of a pain. I feel you are typically better off and money ahead with a small generator. On a trailer you have to consider where you park and then for best results position the panel or trailer in the right position to take advantage of the sun. Consider that running your generator (1000 watt) for 1 hour gives you as much power as a 100 watt panel being optimally oriented for 10 hours. As an addition to a generator they can be helpful, but really are not much good without a lot of extra work. You feel good about “free” power until you do the math. If you do get a system, you will be better served with a quality panel then an eBay, India sweat shop special. Like most things, quality and technology cost more.
Title: Re: Who got Solar panels ?
Post by: syoungs on February 28, 2018, 07:04:22 PM: With 3 batteries you should be good to go. The biggest draws on the power system when off grid is the heater blower motor.

I went with 2 6v batteries in my trailer, and I have a generator I can run to top up if needed, or for running the ac/microwave. My opinion is to put the 150-200$ into a nicer gen set, rather then a set of panels. Much more convenient, and if you buy the right genny not much more intrusive.
Title: Re: Who got Solar panels ?
Post by: Hemlock on March 02, 2018, 01:38:09 AM: Quote from: syoungs on February 28, 2018, 07:04:22 PM
With 3 batteries you should be good to go. The biggest draws on the power system when off grid is the heater blower motor.

I went with 2 6v batteries in my trailer, and I have a generator I can run to top up if needed, or for running the ac/microwave. My opinion is to put the 150-200$ into a nicer gen set, rather then a set of panels. Much more convenient, and if you buy the right genny not much more intrusive.

I'll second the 6v batteries. I bought two golf cart batteries from Costco. Had to get new boxes too. That, LED bulbs and a small generator are the best upgrades for a camper.
Title: Re: Who got Solar panels ?
Post by: MADMAX on March 02, 2018, 06:04:17 AM: I bought the small one off northern tool for less than 30 bucks
I think it works great
my trailer is prewired so I plug it in tilt in on a southern exposure and leave it
I also have a 500w generator for nights where I want to watch TV and have the heat on
I like dry camping and this setup works great for weeks at a time