Practical use of solar
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 ...
Forum Discussion
smkettner wrote:I hope to take my grand son to Yellowstone this summer if every thing works out.Gjac wrote: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.smkettner wrote: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.Gjac wrote: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.
90% of the camping I do is dry camping but I always run out of water before I run out of battery power.
For me the excess solar gives DW comfort that we don't have to plug in so much.
So it is different for everyone.
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.
