minimum amount of solar
I am considering starting into the solar age. I currently have 4 group 27 batteries and have no problem going for weekends dry camping with our current battery capacity. All of our lights have been ...
Forum Discussion
pinesman wrote:BFL13 wrote:
What do you want to do more than now off-grid? You say no problem with how it is.
With our current work life, weekends are about all we can do now. As retirement is quickly approaching and longer trips to our favorite dry campgrounds are in the future, I want to be able to stay longer before we go home or to a campground with electric to recharge. We have one generator and might get a smaller one just for running the converter but I think I could like the silence of solar. I am just basically asking what is the minimum to be worthwhile. I do not plan to mount them on the roof at this time but just sit them out on the ground.
I agree with others that 200 is way more useful than 100. BTDT.
Some of those folding 200w "kits" are very expensive. You can make your own with two regular panels and a couple of hinges. That way, you can start off now and get an idea what it all can do, and then use it or expand it later as needed. Get a bigger amp controller with that in mind so you don't have to buy another one later.
Way more bang for the buck if you can aim your panel(s) during the day when you happen by. Can sit them on a swivel chair or just a low dolly with castors. High enough to keep the bottom of the panel(s) out of any taller grass. You will need a long enough wire to move the array out of the shadow of the rig itself for part of the day in some locations.
