New RV Owner with power(solar) questions.
Hi Everyone, I've enjoyed reading through the forums, and finally joined! I appreciate the wealth of information that is accessible here. My wife and I recently bought a 1985 LeisureCraft. It's ...
Forum Discussion
tpi wrote:
The power converter is useful for recharge when hooked up to AC, or recharge when running generator.
I don't know how long you'll be camping at a stretch. But for some of us who camp less than a week at a stretch there is no need for the solar to completely keep up with usage. There can be a small daily deficit. This can be made up by the solar system once finished camping, or the power converter w/ generator use or a night in RV park along the way.
As one with small solar system (no plans to expand), I concentrated on the demand aspect too. I have all LED/fluorescent lamps. Laptop draws 13 watts. I carry enough blankets I can turn the furnace way down at night. I use propane for all heating tasks: coffee, baking, cooking-equipment that has already been provided by mfg.
This sounds a bit like where I'm at. My furnace is gas powered ( i think). I don't have a microwave. I would easily swap all my interior bulbs for LED to save power. Do you think 200 watts of solar is over-kill? We will be doing one 8-10 day trip annually, and we will be periodically running the generator during that time...say 1-3 hours a day. Am I overdoing it on what I think I need for solar?
