Is solar the way to go?

PawPaw_n_Gram wrote:

campgrl wrote:
Is solar a better option than a genny?

If you want to scale back and enjoy nature, happy with moderate to minimal electric support - solar is great.

So very true. I enjoy being able to dry camp and not run the generator. I designed and installed my own setup last year and have been very happy with it. My two 12 volt, group 31 AGM's have not needed the EU2000 as of yet, but we bring it along just in case.

Last year we were chatting with neighbors at a state forest campground and they originally didn't want to camp next to use, thinking a couple in a fifth wheel would be running a generator all day. They appreciated the fact we were powered by solar.

We have more dry camping trips planned for this year and will hopefully get a better idea on how well our system is working and have the ability to download the usage onto a laptop.

Solar setups can range in cost an size, but the cost keeps coming down. That's why I went with the EU2000 in 2004 as the cost of solar was to much back then. We will have payback on our system in less than 7 years in camping fees alone. Another thing that can't be measured in dollars and cents is that I camp in more remote and peaceful campgrounds, which to me in itself is worth the cost. We enjoy getting away from the crowds.

Your mentioning portable probably means a smaller system than one installed on your roof. Shade and clouds cut back on the amp hours in a big way. Looking at the display on the converter and seeing the effects of high thin clouds on power production was an eye opener.

Steve