Solar panels. Looking to buy several.
Since frequently we are out in the boonies with either the coach or the travel trailer, rather than to run the generator to recharge the house batteries, I've seen folks with solar panels. So....wh...
Forum Discussion
You'll want to feed the batteries through a controller to keep the voltage withing acceptable limits for charging batteries. Unregulated solar panels will over charge the batteries and possibly fry your fridge circuit board.
If you get a portable kit, they usually come with a controller and all the cables needed to connect to the batteries. GoPower has several sizes to choose from, but they are a little pricey. However, if you're not going to mount the panels on the roof, this may be your best option.
More important than how much solar is how much battery. If you have 2 group 24 12v RV/marine "deep cycle" batteries, all the solar in the world won't get you through the night with the furnace running.
The general rule of thumb is 100 watts of solar for every 100 amp hours of battery. Mounting the panels on the roof and running wires to the controller and then to the batteries is a medium skill task. Panel brackets are screwed into the roof and require proper sealing.
I'd stay away from the cheap panels. Substandard wiring and construction makes them prone to catching fire.
If you get a portable kit, they usually come with a controller and all the cables needed to connect to the batteries. GoPower has several sizes to choose from, but they are a little pricey. However, if you're not going to mount the panels on the roof, this may be your best option.
More important than how much solar is how much battery. If you have 2 group 24 12v RV/marine "deep cycle" batteries, all the solar in the world won't get you through the night with the furnace running.
The general rule of thumb is 100 watts of solar for every 100 amp hours of battery. Mounting the panels on the roof and running wires to the controller and then to the batteries is a medium skill task. Panel brackets are screwed into the roof and require proper sealing.
I'd stay away from the cheap panels. Substandard wiring and construction makes them prone to catching fire.
