PNW_Steve wrote:
would I be better served to run my generator when I am without shore power? Solar system, batteries & inverter would cost me close to $2000. I can buy a lot of generator fuel & maintenance for $2000.
I suggest you discount the above number by the cost of batteries, because you still need them for boondocking with a generator. If you use, say, gallon a day, this is $120 a month. In one year you will spend - on gas alone - what you were going to spend on solar. Besides, generators make bad neighbors.
PNW_Steve wrote:
I like the idea of the solar setup but it is costly
See the above line.
PNW_Steve wrote:
"The more parts in the system, the more there is to break"
There are very few parts to break, in solar.
PNW_Steve wrote:
Mexico travelers: What do you think??
I think, that for area where I'm usually in - Baja - there is no excuse not to have a solar.
I also think that 300-400w is way too small for somebody who is living in trailer full-time, and wants to significantly reduce generator time. Don Pianotuna suggested 800W - if you can fit that much on the roof, - go for it. In winter it will barely collect enough to keep your fridge running.
120V fridge needs to be very small and very efficient (usually means - something better than cheap boxes from Home Depot), because this is your major item in energy consumption.
Also, you won't be able NOT to run a generator a few weeks or few months summer, because of A/C.
PNW_Steve wrote:
is it worth the time and $$ to save generator run time?
It depends - for who. If you drycamp a lot, and the goal is not to run a generator on most days (not running it at all, in winter, is realistic), - then it's worth it because there is no other way around it. If you drycamp a few days in a month, - maybe it's not worth it. To me having to listen to generator several hours a day - and when I KNOW that could've avoided it - is a wasted day. Other people may have other preferences.
