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
100W solar suitcases like Renogy is an easy way to get a little solar but the cost is not so little. 200W permanent install on the roof will cost less than Renogy. Imitation suitcases I won't comment on. Renogy have an "acceptable" quality controller, not a top notch but Ok.
There are some benefits to portable method, like possibility (read - necessity) to tilt it to the sun, thus increasing the output. Though, 200W flat array without tilting would harvest more than 100W with tilting. Larger 500W array would generate a notable current even in a light rain or partial shade.
Another benefit of portable is that you can attach a long wire and place it out the sun if you happen to park in the shade. OTH, flat solar on the roof would often remain in the sun while the ground is shaded with trees and other obstacles. Depends on the area.
I tried the "comforter way" and found it working in a narrow range of temperatures only. Thin duvet needs another layer/blanket when temps drop just before dawn, and a thick duvet is heavy and doesn't conform to your body well. Besides, the usual problem of wintering in the South - it gets dark at 6pm and immediately it gets colder. It takes a lot of warm clothes to feel comfortable when you're not working or exercising. Propane heater (not a furnace) works better for me.
Some day I will try an electric blanket, I recall Pianotuna was satisfied with them (to certain point of course, given his unbelievably cold area).
There are some benefits to portable method, like possibility (read - necessity) to tilt it to the sun, thus increasing the output. Though, 200W flat array without tilting would harvest more than 100W with tilting. Larger 500W array would generate a notable current even in a light rain or partial shade.
Another benefit of portable is that you can attach a long wire and place it out the sun if you happen to park in the shade. OTH, flat solar on the roof would often remain in the sun while the ground is shaded with trees and other obstacles. Depends on the area.
I tried the "comforter way" and found it working in a narrow range of temperatures only. Thin duvet needs another layer/blanket when temps drop just before dawn, and a thick duvet is heavy and doesn't conform to your body well. Besides, the usual problem of wintering in the South - it gets dark at 6pm and immediately it gets colder. It takes a lot of warm clothes to feel comfortable when you're not working or exercising. Propane heater (not a furnace) works better for me.
Some day I will try an electric blanket, I recall Pianotuna was satisfied with them (to certain point of course, given his unbelievably cold area).
