Are solar panels really worth it?

[hclarkx]

Originally Posted by Tomahawk

I love my 280W of portable solar. Been using it for 5 years. Takes me about 10 minutes to set it up and it keeps me with power my entire trip. I don't use much power, lights, tooth brush, laptop, and phone charging, water pump, propane fridge and water heater, and the heater. I average about 20 days a year and have ran my generator twice. Both times I was just being cautious, probably not necessary at all.
Before I bought my TT, I rented a TT and took a trip to Yosemite. No solar, rules said generator from 7 to 9, noon to 2, and 5 to 7. I ran my generator at 8AM and I nearly had a fist fight with half the campground. I explained I was just trying to follow the rules, they said they didn't like the rules, I said tell the ranger to tell me I can run the genny 9 to 10 and I would gladly do it.

You don't move the panels every hour or two to "follow" the sun? We average about 120 days boondocking and dry camping and hate the generator (to say nothing of the ruptured disk I got from lifting it last year when the truck was not close enough to the fiver for my charger cord).

Microwave, toaster, espresso machine, lights, home theater, heater fan, Starlink, chargers, ceiling exhaust fans, CPAP, compressor fridge, etc. can use 150 Ah at 12V between sunset and sunrise. We are definitely "glampers" but DW would probably stay home if we didn't have solar (she hates the generator and RV parks as much as I do).

So solar is our only option. And lots of it.

[Tomahawk]

Originally Posted by hclarkx

You don't move the panels every hour or two to "follow" the sun? ...
So solar is our only option. And lots of it.

Nope. On the first day I pick a panel tilt angle, a spot with the most sun exposure, and orient the panel (azimuth angle) mid way in the exposure window. I have 25' of cord to walk away from the TT. We generally dry camp in NF campgrounds and leave the CG around 9AM and come back with about a hour of light for dinner. When we get back the battery is maxed out. I doubt we use more than 30 or 40 AH. Biggest use is the heater.

[hclarkx]

Originally Posted by Tomahawk

Nope. On the first day I pick a panel tilt angle, a spot with the most sun exposure, and orient the panel (azimuth angle) mid way in the exposure window. I have 25' of cord to walk away from the TT. We generally dry camp in NF campgrounds and leave the CG around 9AM and come back with about a hour of light for dinner. When we get back the battery is maxed out. I doubt we use more than 30 or 40 AH. Biggest use is the heater.

If one can get away without moving the panels to keep the tree shade from hitting them or to get enough energy via optimum angle, portable panels will be less of a hassle. We tried ground panels and gave up after one trip. I suppose adding more panels would have reduced the need to move them so much though finding storage for the two 100W panels was difficult enough. Went roof-mount and more panels and haven't looked back. Given the roof panels are up 11 feet, they usually do quite well shade-wise. Our roof slopes to the rear (where the panels are) so we point the tail south which is usually possible with planning via Google Earth. This also helps with October-April camping which is 95% of our camping.

[Tomahawk]

Originally Posted by hclarkx

If one can get away without moving the panels to keep the tree shade from hitting them or to get enough energy via optimum angle, portable panels will be less of a hassle. We tried ground panels and gave up after one trip. I suppose adding more panels would have reduced the need to move them so much though finding storage for the two 100W panels was difficult enough. Went roof-mount and more panels and haven't looked back. Given the roof panels are up 11 feet, they usually do quite well shade-wise. Our roof slopes to the rear (where the panels are) so we point the tail south which is usually possible with planning via Google Earth. This also helps with October-April camping which is 95% of our camping.

My 280W panel weighs 40 LB and takes most of the bed of my truck if I lay it down. I made some mounts for the trailer bumper and I place it on the bumper for travel. I can get it on and off the bumper by myself but it is significantly easier with my wife's help.

I think the main difference between us is the amount of power usage. I don't think portable is an option if you are using a lot of AH each day. Even two residential (what I use) portable panels would be a PIA to transport. If we used used our TT different (days at the TT relaxing), I'd definitely go to fixed panels.

[hclarkx]

Originally Posted by Tomahawk

My 280W panel weighs 40 LB and takes most of the bed of my truck if I lay it down. I made some mounts for the trailer bumper and I place it on the bumper for travel. I can get it on and off the bumper by myself but it is significantly easier with my wife's help.

I think the main difference between us is the amount of power usage. I don't think portable is an option if you are using a lot of AH each day. Even two residential (what I use) portable panels would be a PIA to transport. If we used used our TT different (days at the TT relaxing), I'd definitely go to fixed panels.

I was limited to the basement of the fiver or the queen bed (up a stairwell in the fiver). Basement limited me to 100W panels and that was tight and awkward. We day hike or sight see most days so stationary panels on the roof works well enough if we can point the tail south which we usually can.

[SteveJ.]

We carry two sets of 120 watt framed suitcase panels, each set consisting of two 60 watt panels attached by hinges. Each set has been rewired into a series connection to work in conjunction with a Victron 100/30 MPPT SmartSolar controller. I have a 50' cable hardwired to on set of panels and there is a parallel connection for the second set. I also have a 25' extension cord that does come into play from time to time. I do like parking in the shade when it is warm/hot out. I have a spot adjacent to the entry door for stowing, whicjis reachable from outside the door. The hardwired cable gets rolled up and stowed in one set. The 25' locking cable and locks stow in the other set. The extension cord is on a cable roll up type spool.

[ZRT800]

Originally Posted by B737tech

I live in the north Georgia mountains and use my small 14 foot vintage camper for close by “during the week” primitive camping with my puppy. We would only be gone at the most 3-4 days visiting primitive sites with no-hook-ups. I have bought a 400 watt inverter to run my fridge to keep my food cold, along with a very quiet Ryobi generator. I know 400 Watts isn’t much, but I can use battery operated “puck” lights for the short trips we take. I do have 5 AC outlets and a couple of lamps, that will plug into the Ryobi to charge my battery, but was wondering if a solar power system would do me any good…. Seems to be a lot of trouble…..

we have 510 watts of solar and 2 8D AGM battery's. Refrigerator is 12 volt compressor. While on a 1900 mile trip inverter failed. Inverter also charges battery's when plugged into shore power. Good thing for solar will keep battery's charged until I get new one ordered and installed