LED and dual batteries vs solar

Hi,

Solar is the nearest thing to a free lunch that you will ever find. It is a one time cost for years of benefits.

I debated going solar but we camp in too many shaded sites for it to work for us. Sure, I could have mobile panels and chase the sun, but I'd be uncomfortable leaving them unattended when we're gone.
So - it's a generator for us.

mleekamp wrote:
good info, thanks. I do need to look further into solar panels to charge batteries. any good references on web / rv.net posts to look at?

Downloadable calculator for use

Rvnet member's solar installations

Golden rules of solar

There's always discussion of solar in the "Tech Issues" section of the Forum. You're welcome to start a new thread about your intentions.

For most folks just weekending and having moderate charging needs, a single module and a small controller is all that's necessary. Most of the benefit can be in storage as the solar will keep the battery/s charged and ready for the next trip. There's no need to remove battery/s and charge at home or injure the battery by leaving it in a discharged state.

good info, thanks. I do need to look further into solar panels to charge batteries. any good references on web / rv.net posts to look at?

What dahkota said. Another con for solar is the need to park in the sun. For OP, typically we boondockers do the LED lights, multiple batteries, AND solar/charging method of choice. Solar charges batteries, it doesn't really run anything.

Pro for solar: I don't have to stick around the campground while the generator runs for hours. I can go to town, hike, sleep, whatever catches my fancy as the panels do all the work.
Pro for solar: my system is set to equalize my batteries once per month. I don't have to think about it, I don't have to remember, and I don't have to run the generator for hours to do it.
Pro for solar: I don't have to buy gas and carry extra gas when camping.
pro for solar: My panels charge up my batteries faster than my generator does. It takes about 3 hours of a good sunny day to get to 100%. A generator will take you to 90% fairly well but after that...
con for solar: I have to exercise my generator once per month to keep it working.

Honestly, once it is installed, there is nothing simpler than solar power.It just keeps on giving. I'm considering having it installed on a house, if we ever get one.

Pros, Top of the list Silence Once installed it does not require gas/diesel so ROI is dependent on how long you will keep your RV. Potentially it will keep batteries fully charged and they will last longer.
Negative, cost, not so much if you do it your self. Solar panels have come down price to below a dollar per watt. They will not power AC but with conservation most everything else.
It is not that hard to do it yourself and to get it right with good quality components.
There are decisions to make i.e. a high voltage system, panels meant for grid tie system mine puts out 50V and required an MPPT converter but puts out usable current in shade and on cloudy days.

I wanted the ability to be somewhat self sufficient, off the grid, if necessary.
Toward that end, I added (2) additional group 24 batteries for a total of (4) in a custom vented battery box.
I added (2) 135 watt solar panels and 30 amp charge controller.
I also replaced all the interior lights with LEDs.

I longer plug the fifth wheel in at home and the solar keeps the batteries topped off.
We have not had the opportunity to dry camp yet.

I think it was well worth the effort and expense.

Hope this info will be helpful.
Bill

It's best to have it all.