I have always thought that solar would be a nice mod to make and there seems to be a wealth of knowledge here about solar. However, I'd like to hear your thought processes before you did this mod. Is there some basic requirements before going to solar? How many days do you camp in a row before you need solar power. If you camp in NF's CG's most of the time how do you get sun? Those that have made this mod do most of you camp out west? Are most of you full time? 90% of the camping I do is dry camping but I always run out of water before I run out of battery power.

I had thought about going solar but was unable to justify the cost based upon the number of days that we typically boondock. Normally when we boondock we are only in one spot for 5 days at the most. Between batteries and inverters plus a 1000watt portable generator we can get by for the 5 days.During the day, I will start the generator about 10am and let it run until it runs out of gas, about 9 hours, this keeps the batteries charged. I have the inverter in the 5th wheel switched on and it uses 4 deep cycle batteries for power. We can run the microwave, TVs Sat receiver or DVD player, laptop and lights at will for the 5 days.If we need to use the air conditioning then I have two Honda 2000i generators with the parallel kit to use. We rarely need the AC so these generators usually are left at home & I just bring the 1000 watt.I also use the two 2000 watt Hondas for projects to run power tools or provide power at home if the electric goes out. I like the flexibilty of these two units. If we spent more time in one spot boondocking, I might consider going solar.

the bear II wrote:During the day, I will start the generator about 10am and let it run until it runs out of gas, about 9 hoursHoly crap! Really? Everyday? You are a PRIME candidate for solar my friend! DW and I only camp 3-4 days max when boondocking and we're going to get a solar setup too. Surely you've already paid for it in fuel costs by now. Since you're in SoCal, you can take advantage of the cheap prices that Solarblvd in Norco offers.

Gjac wrote:90% of the camping I do is dry camping but I always run out of water before I run out of battery power.I would focus on the water supply and conservation first. The three of us can go a week with our 50 gal on board supply.For me the excess solar gives DW comfort that we don't have to plug in so much.So it is different for everyone.

Here is a simple flow chart.Budget-->Energy Audit-->Battery bank size-->number of watts-->PWM or MPPT. What ever type of controller is chosen, make sure it has adjustable set points and a temperature probe that is on the battery.One rule of thumb is between 60 and 150 watts of panels per 100 amp-hours of storage. The smaller the battery bank the higher the wattage needed (per 100 amp-hours). Here is a link to the rather special spreadsheet which includes an energy audit, that N8GS has created to help size solar battery charging systems!Solar Spread Sheet N8GSFor a nice explanation of solar, try this link:Golden rules of solarI designed my system when I was only part time in the RV. Next year I'll be beefing up to 1250 watts (I hope).

Gjac wrote:Is there some basic requirements before going to solar?For me it was not liking campgrounds. If you are fortunate enough to be in one with a tent area, you can camp there, well away from all the other rigs who must have power.It's not about cost, it's about comfort.

Practical use of solar | Good Sam Community

45 Replies

dahkota
Explorer
Jun 27, 2014
You don't have to be remote to camp off-grid. We spent 3 weeks of June dry camping in state and federal parks. It was great to have solar keeping our batteries charged. We finally went to a commercial campground for a night to do laundry. Power went out for five hours in the town, including the campground. No problem for us.
ken_white
Explorer
Jun 27, 2014
You don't need solar if you never camp off-grid, but for those of us that like remote and quiet camping, solar is a necessity.

Adding a small inverter generator to supply power when the site or weather limit solar production is a plus too.

Solar can be added in stages, but design your system for what you would like to have and then scale the number of panels or batteries back and upgrade as needed. Make sure the controller and cabling can handle the upgrades though.
KJINTF
Explorer
Jun 27, 2014
Believe it's snowing in Jellystone again today
Glacier's "Going to the Sun Road" will not open until mid July this year snowing there as well - big time floods be prepared for mosquitoes

Cost Justify Solar as Mena said earlier is kind of like cost justifying your RV
Darn few folks if any can do that, it's a decision from the heart not the head

Love my 550watts of PV solar and plan on adding more in the near future
Guess there might be a limit however for now the more solar the better
NinerBikes
Explorer
Jun 27, 2014
Snowed in Yellowstone about a week ago, Tuesday and Wednesday. Just got back... fly fishing was mighty fine.
Gjac
Explorer III
May 24, 2014
smkettner wrote:
Gjac wrote:
smkettner wrote:
Gjac wrote:
90% of the camping I do is dry camping but I always run out of water before I run out of battery power.
I would focus on the water supply and conservation first. The three of us can go a week with our 50 gal on board supply.

For me the excess solar gives DW comfort that we don't have to plug in so much.
So it is different for everyone.
I have 60 gals of FW and It lasts about a week if there is no other water sources around. After a week my 2 Sam's Club batteries will be around 50 % SOC. I don't need the genset to recharge the batteries for the week. I was just wondering how many days in a row do you dry camp before you decided you needed solar power? From some replies it sounds like some decided because needing/wanting 120v conveniences like TV,etc.
In one location about a week max. Yes we use lights (LED), tv, microwave (inverter), furnace etc as we like. The battery will about go indefinitely. Although we have camped in the trees where we get maybe 2 hours of sun so the extra power helps.

Previous to solar the battery was getting depleted and I was loathe to run the generator among the tent campers. Also had issues with the dreaded WFCO not charging as expected. I have left the generator at home for the past 3 years. Have not needed it. If I need air I am looking for hookups.

Planning 3 week trip this summer with about 10 days in Yellowstone. Will be happy to have no battery issues. En route will be hot so we will be plugged in.

What ever makes it fun for you... go for it.
I hope to take my grand son to Yellowstone this summer if every thing works out.
NinerBikes
Explorer
May 23, 2014
My idea of saving water is taking a shower to get all the grime and circus mud off of me just before going to bed, to help keep the sheets clean. Wash cloth and hot water on face, hair, neck and the upper smelly parts in the morning with a dash of soap. Whole enchilada just before bed time.
westend
Explorer
May 23, 2014
Clothes washing? If you have solar, hook up to a motor snd/or a pump and make your own machine. Heck, putting clothes in a capped bucket with soapy water will get a lot of cleaning done while underway. I use my "wife-option" for my clothes.

If I was "baching" it, a pair of Marine drill shorts, some T-shirts and a pair of tennis shoes would be the uniform of the day, and was for many years.
mena661
Explorer
May 23, 2014
Almot wrote:
Washboard.
Used those before. Clothes don't last long. At least not my definition of last long (10 years minimum). Unless you're into minimalist living, I don't see the point in that. Besides, like Gjac mentioned, there is clothing better suited to minimalist lifestyles.
Gjac
Explorer III
May 23, 2014
NinerBikes wrote:
Gjac wrote:
pianotuna wrote:
Hi Gjac,

Longevity of the battery bank. (provided the solar is properly sized).
This and BFL13's make the most sense to me. My current routine is a week at one place at most. No need for generator, but out of water and need to dump and fill anyways. Need to wash clothes and bed sheets so go to a campground with washer, dryer and electric to charge batteries with 40 amp B&D charger over night. Can't think of a practical way to get around laundry and water after a week. How do you guys get around this(that your wife agrees to)?

In my case, wife was optional, I decided to forgo that option.
After 46 years I don't have your option, but being a backpacker when younger I have "universal shorts" that I hike,bike,fish,and occasionally run in(after 500mg of Ibuprofen). After a swim/bath I hang them out to dry. I got by with 3 pairs of shorts and 5 tee shirts on my 3 mo trip to Alaska but no so with my wife. Cool Max and nylon dry quickly.
JiminDenver
Explorer II
May 23, 2014
Awww heck, just go to a nude resort and don't worry. Be happy. :)