Portable solar for limited current draw
I want to be able to generate enough power to run my laptop and keep a couple of lights inside the RV lit. 1. Will a 100 watt portable solar array do it? Or will I need 200? (Let's assume that I'll...
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Ohhell, perhaps you will have my surprising experience. Since I installed a 100 watt panel flat on the roof about 4 years ago, I have never plugged in or used a generator. That 5 amps for a few hours is completely sufficient. I have never seen the batteries (2) below 80%. We don't have a laptop aboard very often but two iPads are running every evening, often using cellular internet shared by one of our iPhones.
Don't fear installation. All I did was run a pair of wires down to ground and the positive (through the controller) to the terminal on the battery monitor where engine and converter current are connected. I know the horizontal panel is much less efficient but it does deliver those 5 amps when driving, too. I expected to need a second panel and will get one if we ever "need" a TV or can't manage without a microwave or electric coffee pot. I might well choose portable for the second one but I'm very glad the first one is fixed. Solar is magic when you don't require air conditioning.
I did fear installation until I looked into the fridge vent. It is not like a chimney pipe; rather a huge opening with plenty of room for the exhaust pipe from the little propane flame, air flow from the warm parts of the cooling mechanism and any solar panel wires.
Securing the panel frame to the roof was concerning because in our MH only a part of the roof below it had heavy plywood - I had to locate a crosspiece joist to be sure it was safe. I did the stud finder thing, then narrowed it down via nail into the ceiling inside a cupboard. No big problem.
I'm sure you will love solar, especially if you understand it through installing yourself.
Don't fear installation. All I did was run a pair of wires down to ground and the positive (through the controller) to the terminal on the battery monitor where engine and converter current are connected. I know the horizontal panel is much less efficient but it does deliver those 5 amps when driving, too. I expected to need a second panel and will get one if we ever "need" a TV or can't manage without a microwave or electric coffee pot. I might well choose portable for the second one but I'm very glad the first one is fixed. Solar is magic when you don't require air conditioning.
I did fear installation until I looked into the fridge vent. It is not like a chimney pipe; rather a huge opening with plenty of room for the exhaust pipe from the little propane flame, air flow from the warm parts of the cooling mechanism and any solar panel wires.
Securing the panel frame to the roof was concerning because in our MH only a part of the roof below it had heavy plywood - I had to locate a crosspiece joist to be sure it was safe. I did the stud finder thing, then narrowed it down via nail into the ceiling inside a cupboard. No big problem.
I'm sure you will love solar, especially if you understand it through installing yourself.
