Solar Powered Generators

What do you mean.. solar panels? There are all kinds of threads on here about that, but not in 5th wheels.

From what I have read, its a box containing a small charge controller, a battery, and an inverter, paired with a solar panel. They are usually small having no more than 40-50 amphrs of 12 volt power available. And maybe a 25-50 watt solar panel for recharging.
Probably pk for charging a laptop or cellphone, but not going to run much for very long in a 5er.

As stated above, these are not really generators. They are power storage and management systems, often called portable power stations. Past versions were more of the jump-start + compressor + AC and DC outlets and maybe a light. I've been investigating the new versions lately, reading reviews. Some of them are quite powerful and most are packaged nicely.

Expedition Portal has reviewed a number of them. Info can be found in the pile of results from this search: https://expeditionportal.com/?s=portable+power&submit=

kerrlakeRoo wrote:
From what I have read, its a box containing a small charge controller, a battery, and an inverter, paired with a solar panel. They are usually small having no more than 40-50 amphrs of 12 volt power available. And maybe a 25-50 watt solar panel for recharging.
Probably pk for charging a laptop or cellphone, but not going to run much for very long in a 5er.

X2

More of a tool for folks with very limited space.

It doesn't generate anything.

I wouldn't waste my money on a 'solar generator', Just buy solar panels, a battery bank, etc.. It will be cheaper and you will have a better system.
Solar generators are marketing hype.

Or, buy a portable inverter generator. They generate power in the dark and are fairly quiet.

For the cost of one of the smaller ones of these, lets say $500 you could buy a complete 200 watt solar system such as the kit from
www.solarblvd.com and buy a off brand 700 - 1000 watt generator from HF or home depot for the days the sun doesnt shine.

X2, gbopp. Buy panels, a controller and batteries. Texan, read articles on solar RV.

Solar Generator is just marketing for "very small solar system in a box sold for a lot of money." The battery or batteries on your RV are already larger. Just add a nice 200 - 300 watt panel on your roof, a charge controller, and maybe an inverter if you want. You'll have a better system for the same or less money.

Solar panels ---> Controller ---> RV Battery ---> Inverter ---> 120vac
And your 12v items just run direct off the RV battery.
Don't waste your money on some package with poor features and a high price.

> Members Solar Installations With Pics

(thanks to the changes at photobucket many photos are missing as the links to a forum are no longer allowed)

Texan72 wrote:
Has anyone had any experience with solar powered generators for their 5th wheel or trailer ? If so are the worth the investment over gas powered ? Want to use for occasional short term boon docking.

solar panels vs genset for short term boondocking, get a genset... solar is great if you go big enough, but it isnt worth the cost for short stays once in a while...