generator vs. solar panels
I have severe RA and am reluctant to install a pull type generator i.e. Honda, Yamaha etc. Have 2002 30' Jayco Eagle 5th wheel. Storage in front compartment has room for electric start generator. ...
Forum Discussion
I tried speccing out what I would need to run a 15k BTU A/C from a solar trailer here in Texas where the compressor would be running on a nearly 100% duty cycle. The amount of square feet needed for the panels is gigantic. I wouldn't just need enough panels to run the A/C, but about twice that many to cover charging the batteries, and the fact that panels don't run anywhere near their rated capacity, especially in real world conditions where one isn't using an active tracking system.
Not just solar panels, the batteries are also a heavy expense, and there would be a lot of them needed at ~125 amp-hours, and twice as many as they have amp-hours since charging them below 50% SOC damages them. If I wanted to do something like this, I'd probably have to go with six two-volt batteries, each jar costing $360 each, but $8640 later, I'd be sitting on 4440 amp-hours, which should be able to handle the A/C without damaging the batteries.
Since I don't have five digits for that type of solar array (not including the charge controller and inverter), solar is a good thing for dealing with the 10 Ah loss from the furnace fans, but if I want to run the large energy appliances, it will be by generator.
Not just solar panels, the batteries are also a heavy expense, and there would be a lot of them needed at ~125 amp-hours, and twice as many as they have amp-hours since charging them below 50% SOC damages them. If I wanted to do something like this, I'd probably have to go with six two-volt batteries, each jar costing $360 each, but $8640 later, I'd be sitting on 4440 amp-hours, which should be able to handle the A/C without damaging the batteries.
Since I don't have five digits for that type of solar array (not including the charge controller and inverter), solar is a good thing for dealing with the 10 Ah loss from the furnace fans, but if I want to run the large energy appliances, it will be by generator.
