Going Solar!

Vintage465 wrote:
Man! I got tons of info here! OK, got my amps and watts mixed up. That's what I meant...10w is maintenance, like when it's parked at home. Having said that this unit comes prepared for a 150w panel. Yes I said 150w. They stick a 10w on there and call it "Solar Ready". I explained to the dealer what my needs are:
1. We don't watch TV when RV-ing
2. We don't use a micro wave when RV-ing
3. We boil water on the stove to make French press coffee
4. The main reason I want Solar is to replenish the batteries after a night of running the heater.
5. Before you suggest a catalytic heater, they worry my wife to much.
6. This trailer has all LED lighting inside and out.
7. I plan to buy a back up generator to use if there is too much cloud cover.
8. Not really even thinking of an inverter except maybe to run my C-pap at night. If you want the humidifier to work it need 110v. Don't eve know if that is plausible, but as it stands that would be the only reason now.

Talking to the dealer who apparently is a real solar geek, said he would add another 85w panel, 2 6v deep cycle golf cart batteries and the fancy, convert to amp from watt controller. He commented that since this unit comes pre-wired with the quick connects, adding the 85w would be a snap. I think he knows the business pretty well. The other sales man with him said he can power other trailers off his! Both the owner and the sales person at this dealer are avid hunters, fishermen and know their way around a tool box and a test light. I think they sell these rigs to support their habit!

Thanks
V-465

Reading this list of usage I'd want at least 200-300 watts of solar, and the 220 AH 6 volt batteries or more. This is before the C-pap which I have no knowledge of consumption. The furnace can be significant draw in cold weather-especially if you're needing it during the day.

Research your RV furnace consumption. Google model number and look a specs-post the amp draw. Some larger RV furnaces can draw 6-7 amps. Smaller ones like mine are only 3 amps. What thermostat setpoint do you use at night?

I feel 85 watts is inadequate for your proposed usage.

Anyway research your c-pap consumption-post it in watts. Yes you may need backup generator for unusual conditions. And check out the solarblvd.com link posted above. 100 watt panels @ $125. Plus much more.

For professional installation parts and labor check out:
http://www.amsolar.com/
but do have idea of the loads I inquired about to help them size it.