Solar Panels

[jeepsrule]

We plan to do some travel in northern Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota this summer and it looks like there will be plenty of opportunities to do some boondocking. So I would like to add solar panels to my MH. I can do the work myself and would like to add enough recharging to eliminate running the generator very often, but also want to keep the costs under say $2000. How many watts of power do I want in the solar panels? What size charge controller??

[TheDubs]

I just Installed 2-80 watt panels, and a morning star charge controller, plus a 600watt inverter for less than 1400 dollars. And it works fine for us. But we also don't have a microwave, or a tv. It really matters on your electrical needs and what you have for a battery bank. Check out my blog listed below it might help you out.
Justin

[jeepsrule]

OK maybe this will help I have four 6volt Interstate U2200 batteries.

[TheDubs]

So Im assuming 2 for the cab and 2 engine. 2 of them should give you a total of 464 amp hrs. I think a set up similar to mine would work well for you, but it really depends on how much power you will use on a daily basis.

[jeepsrule]

No those four are for the coach. I also have two starting or chassis batteries.

[John Hilley]

A minimum of two 120 watt or 130 watt solar panels, three would be better. Four GC2 golf cart batteries for about 450 AH with half usable daily. A good charge controller and heavy enough cable to prevent voltage drop. If you only have room for two 12 volt batteries, you will have only about 260 AH capacity, with 130 AH usable daily.

[dextercath96]

What is the advantages of solar generator?
Solar generator is an environmental friendly equipment that can use anywhere. You can save the earth by having good equipment like a solar generator. What are the advantages of a solar generator? If you don't know, check out sunpowerport.com. The featured generator will run most small electrical appliances. It is great for camping or emergency backup. No noise. No fumes. For more details see SunPowerPort

[69RoadRunner]

A solar generator will not save the earth.

[walkingplow]

I have two 120's they are nice to have but not very cost effective. I will not be saving the earth by using them!!!!!

[OLYLEN]

Do a search on solar power, several good discussions on this. For the $2000 you can get 2-3 200watt panels and a good controller, this should power most every want. As to the Sunpowerport 28 watts is 2.3 amps not enough power to make coffee. And 50mhz and should be 60 for normal 110-120 power.

LEN

[Luv2go]

jeepsrule:

There is another thing to consider, how shaded are the campsites you typically camp at? We have panels on the roof, but since we camp in state and federal parks that are usually in woods they do not get direct sun during the day. Solar panels need direct sun and are not tolerant of any shading.

We now have a couple of panels that we can put on the ground in a sunny spot, this takes care of most of those situations.

You may want to consider this when planning your system.

Stewart

[jeepsrule]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luv2go jeepsrule: There is another thing to consider, how shaded are the campsites you typically camp at? We have panels on the roof, but since we camp in state and federal parks that are usually in woods they do not get direct sun during the day. Solar panels need direct sun and are not tolerant of any shading. We now have a couple of panels that we can put on the ground in a sunny spot, this takes care of most of those situations. You may want to consider this when planning your system. Stewart

Thanks for the helpful experiance.

[Campingman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69RoadRunner A solar generator will not save the earth.

ROFLMAO !!

[RVRoadTrip]

For under $1800, we added 270 watts of solar to our camper. Two 135-watt Kyocera panels, Blue Sky 40A 3024iL controller, big wire, 2 GC batteries for now (may add 2 more later), IPN-Pro remote, etc. Full details of the components and the installation can be seen at RV Road Trip Library - Solar Power Installation Guide


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