I'm trying to do some more research on investing in portable solar panels. From prior discussion I've come to basic feeling that maybe 200 watts sitting in the sun for the day would suffice to offset the average usage night. That said, I've found a couple kits on Amazon I "thought" looked like a good start but I need the input from some of you solar genius boondocking pros. One is a lot more money than the other. Obviously I'd like to spend less if possible. Here's the kits:http://www.amazon.com/Grape-Solar-GS-200-KIT-200-Watt-Off-Grid/dp/B009ANH7FO/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1386822997&sr=8-11&keywords=200+watt+portable+solar+panelhttp://www.amazon.com/Basic-Kit-200W-Mono-Controller/dp/B00B8L8MD2/ref=pd_sim_sbs_lg_5

I would get these Solar Cynergy modules and a name brand controller rather than the Amazon offerings. That would be based on a very specific target output of 200w. If you get real lucky, you may able to mount hinges (if necessary) into the modules' existing through holes. I chose to use one 235w/24v module and used the module savings difference to buy an MPPT controller with more flexibility and better charge efficiency. FWIW, I spent $360 for MX-Solar 235w module and Morningstar SS MPPT-15 WO/shipping. I also bought the temp compensation cable and the RS-232 interface cable for an additional $60, IIRC. The temp comp interface allows for battery specific charging thresholds, automatically and the RS-232 lets me measure output, log data, and change charge settings through a laptop. This is a larger module that weighs 40lb., not something I would like to lug in and out more than a couple of times. In fact, I wouldn't like to be lugging any modules around but that's just me, more than anything. Good luck with the solar, it is one of the more enjoyable modifications and is very reliable. It also seems great for battery health.

The first one has an MSW inverter which I would not personally find suitable.

Hi Katoom, You haven't given us much info about your RV, the space available for mounting a solar panel(s), your battery(ies), or power needs, etc… If you can share some details we may be able to offer an even better solution.With regard to the two kits from Amazon: - The Grape Solar panels and the Xantrex c35 controller is a very nice combo. IMO, it's a bit too expensive ($/W) for what you get. Do you need an inverter? If so, is a 450W MSW inverter sufficient??- The Renogy kit is priced right, but includes a cheap non-programable charge controller.If it were me, and 200W met my needs, then I'd consider a single 24V, ~200W panel. Solar Blvd. has panes available for as los as 67¢/Watt. Combine that panel with a SunSaver MPPT-15 and you would have a very nice system for ~$400.Cheers-Mark

That kit for 347 is similar to what I bought, you will love it.There is no proof that hi $ name brand. overpriced stuff is any better.You do not need a programmable controller, unless you are obsessed w/ battery control. And if you do ever want a programmable controller, I bought one for 12 bucks that works perfect, except I din't understand 1/2 of what it does. I dumped it in trade for a $10 non programmable that works just perfect.And let me add, DON"T let anyone talk you into a big heavy 200 watt panel for portable use !!!!

Thanks guys.For clarification.....what I have is a fairly big TH with a couple G27 batteries. I dont remember the RC at the moment but they're the typical marine/deep cell. I plan on adding or changing the battery capacity but thats latter on the list. I'd rather have a solar system in place first which I can build battery capacity from and not the other way around. I have no plans on mounting the panels to the roof either as I want to make them portable so I can park more in the shade and have the panels sitting 50' or so away in the sun light.I'm still in learning phase of all this but in saying that, I also have no desire to become a proficient professional battery/solar tech either. I just want a simply easy basic setup which works without gobs or modifications and tons of money invested. I'm OK with spending $300-$400 for something like said, and I'd even consider spending up to $500 but much more than that and I feel the cost justification isnt there for what I need.I've already added a Wave heater to keep any furnace usage at bay, and have even toyed with adding an interior LP lantern too just to lessen battery usage even more. My goal is so my family can spend about a week out in the woods without worrying about the batteries going out. Through the minimal research I've done on this so far I've heard that 100 watts would be OK but 200 watts would really be best and anything over that is kinda an overkill unless I have quite a few batteries and plan on using an inverter often.Does that help or change anything?

School me on these solar packages | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

msiminoff
Explorer II
Dec 14, 2013
Hi Katoom,
You haven't given us much info about your RV, the space available for mounting a solar panel(s), your battery(ies), or power needs, etc… If you can share some details we may be able to offer an even better solution.

With regard to the two kits from Amazon:
- The Grape Solar panels and the Xantrex c35 controller is a very nice combo. IMO, it's a bit too expensive ($/W) for what you get. Do you need an inverter? If so, is a 450W MSW inverter sufficient??
- The Renogy kit is priced right, but includes a cheap non-programable charge controller.

If it were me, and 200W met my needs, then I'd consider a single 24V, ~200W panel. Solar Blvd. has panes available for as los as 67¢/Watt. Combine that panel with a SunSaver MPPT-15 and you would have a very nice system for ~$400.

Cheers
-Mark
2oldman
Explorer II
Dec 14, 2013
The first one has an MSW inverter which I would not personally find suitable.
westend
Explorer
Dec 14, 2013
I would get these Solar Cynergy modules and a name brand controller rather than the Amazon offerings. That would be based on a very specific target output of 200w. If you get real lucky, you may able to mount hinges (if necessary) into the modules' existing through holes.

I chose to use one 235w/24v module and used the module savings difference to buy an MPPT controller with more flexibility and better charge efficiency. FWIW, I spent $360 for MX-Solar 235w module and Morningstar SS MPPT-15 WO/shipping. I also bought the temp compensation cable and the RS-232 interface cable for an additional $60, IIRC. The temp comp interface allows for battery specific charging thresholds, automatically and the RS-232 lets me measure output, log data, and change charge settings through a laptop. This is a larger module that weighs 40lb., not something I would like to lug in and out more than a couple of times. In fact, I wouldn't like to be lugging any modules around but that's just me, more than anything.

Good luck with the solar, it is one of the more enjoyable modifications and is very reliable. It also seems great for battery health.

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School me on these solar packages

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