Forum Discussion

braeworth's avatar
braeworth
Explorer
Oct 13, 2014

First-time solar panel user

Hi everyone!

We ordered the optional 160-watt solar panel for our 2015 Leisure Travel Van Unity 24MB. We'll get the unit next Monday, after a 7-month wait. :B

We've never had solar power before. The rig comes with dual 6-volt coach batteries, a converter-power c/w battery charger (55 amps) and
a 600-watt inverter.

The question, if it can be this easily answered: what difference will this solar panel make in our everyday functioning? Assuming we have reasonable daily sun (our winter base is Arizona), what will the panel enable us to do that we couldn't otherwise do?

Hope this isn't too stupid a question :) I'm good at some things, but electrical things aren't among them!

Many thanks, as always.

braeworth
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Oct 13, 2014
    Your battery will tend to stay full much longer. With conservation the battery will be full every day. With more use you can still run it down. Battery will stay tip top 100% charged between trips and probably last longer for it.
  • voodoo101's avatar
    voodoo101
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2014
    It is really only beneficial when you are off the power grid. When camping without power hook-up. It will charge your batteries. When hooked to shore power it is of no real benefit. And the inverter will let you have 110 electric to run a tv or other small appliance off the batteries when off the grid.

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