How to measure how much solar we need?

path1 wrote:

NinerBikes wrote:

OP needs to tell us more about the rig he is in, what they use that sucks power, and wifey habits. Obviously, hair dryers, and A/C's and microwaves may be out of the picture, without a generator if in a smaller rig.

OP here....More info if it will help.

We just brought wives TT home last month. We have RV'd for many years and have had several RV's (actually too many). The latest is a 2013 Arctic Fox that and it is the wives. We love to travel in our X-rental Majestic that replaced our 37ft 5th wheel six years ago and will keep it. The places a small class C can get into are great. But as about everything else in RVing there are compromises. One of the compromises is the size of RV. Small class C is great for shorter amount of time, but when its raining or staying put for longer time, they are not so good for us!.

We wanted something that we would be more comfortable for staying put for longer time and more room especially in the kitchen area. Overall be more comfortable.

Talking with people that do have solar we've noticed that some people want to power a small city and others say they should of put up more.

Being we seem to blast thru batteries, we thought why not get some solar? Most of our camping trips are in the winter time the temps are in the 30-40's and raining. But our lack of sun in the pacific NW we'll probably need more than the usual. We are going to start our "going south" again to warmer climate as soon as wife gets OK from her Dr.

So knowing nothing about solar, I thought others might chime in and atleast get us going in right direction. Our elec usage IMO is "normal" we like temps 70-72 degrees and wife will read 1/2 the night with some lights on. IMO wife is not as conservative as she should be, but that's OK, she thinks we'd get better MPG if I didn't bring so many tools and spare parts along. But she doesn't complain about my shop labor rate when something needs fixing and I don't complain about all the gadgets or weight of them in the kitchen. So I guess we're even.:B

Our generator is an old Honda (1990's model)that is not so quiet compared to newer light weight ones, so we don't use it if we think it will disturb others. And I thought we might be able to leave generator at home with enough solar being tow rig is an older diesel. That would be no gas and gas cans.

I'm starting to read some of the links people have posted and starting to believe solar is like tire posts. What works for some doesn't mean it will work for you.

Maybe my question should of been, how much solar do you have and do you like it?

Thanks

With what you tell me, and not sacrificing, and where you camp, and how much roof you have on a C class...I'd sell your 1990's generator, and get a new Honda Eu2000i Generator online from Wise Sales. Maybe a good 14.8V charge controller too.