Ready to get my feet wet with Solar power
Thought I would post my idea here and let the experts tell me what I am missing. First off, I own 2ea RV's. 1 is a gooseneck horse trailer with living quarters and the other is a bumper pull prowler....
Forum Discussion
lc, don't worry about the different personalities, here on the Tech Forum. BFL is very knowledgeable and a person that is generous with his time and knowledge. I did mention there are going to be some interesting comments.
If anyone gets bashed, it is Pianotuna, but Don has a thick skin and willing to help anyone get up to speed, especially on Solar. What Don suggested, is that you really need to get a handle on what your demand is going to be. Just SWAG 'n the demand use is not a very accurate way to figure your needs. When I did my own, it was a total surprise. My data shows an average of 150 amp hours a day of usage, over a period of 2 years. But I have the solar, batteries and heating equipment to handle the variables like low winter sun, shorter days and diminished SOC in colder months.
As Don pointed out, and I have twice before and even noted the big debate of DC power between Edison & Tesler, so you should take note. Yes, I am very aware of the short distance DC require as that is why my DC portion is taken care of by a separate solar system on top of my camper, in addition to the Solar System that is on the top of my "rover." But, DC is used in 50' motorhomes with very long runs, but you haven't shared how far you expect your Rover to placed from your RVs.
I still am confused why one poster can't figure out the converter thing. I just wonder where he thinks the Converter gets power from. But then again util someone plugs their Shore Power Plug into their Solar/Battery Bank Inverter, they haven't really a clue. I would suggest he do this for 24 hours and watch what happens to his Battery Bank via his Battery Monitor. I suspect he won't leave his converter on for the entire 24 hours.
I do agree that you are expecting too much out of a Rover plan and to be honest, you will grow tired very quickly in moving loading and assembling this rover. The simpler you make it, the more you are going to use it. The larger the Solar Panels, the more of a hassle you are going to find them to be. Especially when you are inside and a unexpected wind suddenly blows through. Just my opinion, but often I don't really know much of anything.
I do agree with the MPPT and going big, to allow for future expansion. You should shop around, if you want to go the cafeteria plan of selecting your Solar equipment. Like The Solar Store.com has the Morningstar Tristar MPPT 60amp for $499.
Do the work now, before you put things together and you will save a box full of money and time.
Have fun!
b
If anyone gets bashed, it is Pianotuna, but Don has a thick skin and willing to help anyone get up to speed, especially on Solar. What Don suggested, is that you really need to get a handle on what your demand is going to be. Just SWAG 'n the demand use is not a very accurate way to figure your needs. When I did my own, it was a total surprise. My data shows an average of 150 amp hours a day of usage, over a period of 2 years. But I have the solar, batteries and heating equipment to handle the variables like low winter sun, shorter days and diminished SOC in colder months.
As Don pointed out, and I have twice before and even noted the big debate of DC power between Edison & Tesler, so you should take note. Yes, I am very aware of the short distance DC require as that is why my DC portion is taken care of by a separate solar system on top of my camper, in addition to the Solar System that is on the top of my "rover." But, DC is used in 50' motorhomes with very long runs, but you haven't shared how far you expect your Rover to placed from your RVs.
I still am confused why one poster can't figure out the converter thing. I just wonder where he thinks the Converter gets power from. But then again util someone plugs their Shore Power Plug into their Solar/Battery Bank Inverter, they haven't really a clue. I would suggest he do this for 24 hours and watch what happens to his Battery Bank via his Battery Monitor. I suspect he won't leave his converter on for the entire 24 hours.
I do agree that you are expecting too much out of a Rover plan and to be honest, you will grow tired very quickly in moving loading and assembling this rover. The simpler you make it, the more you are going to use it. The larger the Solar Panels, the more of a hassle you are going to find them to be. Especially when you are inside and a unexpected wind suddenly blows through. Just my opinion, but often I don't really know much of anything.
I do agree with the MPPT and going big, to allow for future expansion. You should shop around, if you want to go the cafeteria plan of selecting your Solar equipment. Like The Solar Store.com has the Morningstar Tristar MPPT 60amp for $499.
Do the work now, before you put things together and you will save a box full of money and time.
Have fun!
b
