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bobkatmsu's avatar
bobkatmsu
Explorer
Jun 03, 2016

Where to start with solar power?

Assume I know nothing about solar power in a RV. Yea, that's pretty close. I have a 2007 Gas Safari Simba, 38'. I am 11 months from retiring, while we won't be full timers, at least not yet, we plan on being on the road 7-8 months of the year. We enjoy boondocking in remote areas. Where do I start? What can solar do for me? What are the positives and negatives? I've got a year to get ready, can someone point me in the right direction?
Class A
  • mrkoje's avatar
    mrkoje
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2016
    rcjunkie wrote:
    I'd avoid anything by "gone with the wynns" and find more credible online sources.

    Solar can do almost anything you want it to except run your a/c.

    Only drawback is cost and install can be a pain in the ass.


    If you're going to say avoid anything by "Gone With The Wynns" then at least follow that up with a reason or two as to why. Who knows it could be helpful.

    I've personally enjoyed reading about their adventures and watching their videos. Matter of fact - one of the first videos I watched regarding solar setups on RVs was on their website. Their videos are not filmed as how to videos or step by step instructions and they're not meant to be.

    Anyways - I'm just going to leave this here:

    http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/off-the-grid-how-rv-solar-works

    MK
  • rcjunkie's avatar
    rcjunkie
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2016
    I'd avoid anything by "gone with the wynns" and find more credible online sources.

    Solar can do almost anything you want it to except run your a/c.

    Only drawback is cost and install can be a pain in the ass.
  • wallynm's avatar
    wallynm
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2016
    READ THIS


    bobkatmsu wrote:
    Assume I know nothing about solar power in a RV. Yea, that's pretty close. I have a 2007 Gas Safari Simba, 38'. I am 11 months from retiring, while we won't be full timers, at least not yet, we plan on being on the road 7-8 months of the year. We enjoy boondocking in remote areas. Where do I start? What can solar do for me? What are the positives and negatives? I've got a year to get ready, can someone point me in the right direction?
  • PastorCharlie's avatar
    PastorCharlie
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2016
    I have 500 AMP battery group with 2,000 WATT Magnum Inverter with 3 stage charging and 2 130 WATT solar panels with 30 AMP booster.

    I have used the system for 10 years and it does a great job as most of our use is boondocking. Operates everything except W/D and heat pumps.

    On extended rainy days may have to use generator to help with charge.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jun 04, 2016
    Decide what you wish to power via solar.

    Do an energy audit.

    Then come back with those figures and lots of folks here will help you spend your money.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jun 03, 2016
    Solar just charges the battery. What ever you can do on battery power you can do with solar.

    You would use an inverter to make 120vac and power some items for a short period. Probably not air conditioning. Recharge small items are easy like phone and laptop.

    > Members Solar Installations With Pics
  • supercub's avatar
    supercub
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2016
    Gone with the Wynns have a fair amount about solar on their website.

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