Small Solar - Inexpensive

IMgran wrote:
Thinking about solar myself, after seeing solar kits in Harbor Freight flyer for $139.99/45watt & $249.99/55watt in Menard's flyer. (assuming both could be added on to if wanted) Both say complete, but not specific as to what all is included. We sometimes would like to overnight (or 2) in areas where there are no hookups. We've never run out of lights, but always carry generator "just in case". If my husband could live without his TV, I wouldn't worry about it at all (I hate the generator "drone", plus carrying gas for it). After reading through comments, I'm thinking we may just start with one of the kits & see how well it works for us.

Both of those kits are overpriced for what they are. The one mentioned by RJsfishin looks much more interesting, and is in the same ballpark price wise. My only question on that kit is what the specs of the controller are (not specified in the ad).

The fact that you never run out of lights over a weekend doesn't tell much. When the battery voltage drops to the level when it can't support the lights anymore - it will be too low by then, nobody treats his battery like that.

45W is almost nothing. The amount of energy that it will collect on a sunny day, will all go to feed 12V circuit of propane fridge. Or - a small TV set. But not both. So if he wants a TV every day, the battery will still lose the charge slowly. But, if the goal is to stay generator-free for a weekend, by all means, get that 45W. Or, better yet, buy another battery, it will hold more charge that 45W panel will collect in 3 days.

Yes, 45W charger from HF is complete, since is not meant for roof installation. You point it to the South and clamp to the battery. I think they even included the cable with crocodile clamps - it's cheap in auto parts stores. Then you come back to find that it "grew legs" :)...

Thinking about solar myself, after seeing solar kits in Harbor Freight flyer for $139.99/45watt & $249.99/55watt in Menard's flyer. (assuming both could be added on to if wanted) Both say complete, but not specific as to what all is included. We sometimes would like to overnight (or 2) in areas where there are no hookups. We've never run out of lights, but always carry generator "just in case". If my husband could live without his TV, I wouldn't worry about it at all (I hate the generator "drone", plus carrying gas for it). After reading through comments, I'm thinking we may just start with one of the kits & see how well it works for us.

you can buy used, if they are only a few yrs old and 'cheap enough'
i got lucky and covered most of my roof in 'used' uni-solar thin film panels
got them in three seperate purchases found on craigslist during a two yr period

The Ebay 100W kit for $170 comes with free shipping, what do you need "local" supplier for?

You can get same 100W panel and controller locally and/or separately, but I doubt it will come much cheaper. Now, if you want MORE watts, then you can save. Larger panels cost cheaper per watt, and/or you can find local deals like in Salvo link - I like it, btw. 140W is a lot better than 100W. Controller like the one in Ebay kit you can get for $20-40, with the total cost same $170 and more watts. Alright, with 2 panels you will need MC4 cable too.

That Ebay kit only includes the panel, controller, and MC4 cable (which I have no idea what they meant for). MC4 is normally used to connect few panels together, you don't need it with one panel. But you still need a long cable of proper gauge from panel to controller and from controller to battery, and brackets for roof mounting (this is something that you can make). And some switch/fuse/connector between the controller and battery.

Now that you mentioned traveling with your wife, I really doubt that 100W panel will provide enough comfort. Women use hairdriers, and sometimes they want to use vacuum cleaners, no matter if this is in the middle of nowhere, they just want and that's it. And it's not always easy to convince/explain that you can't run the fan and TV set and all the lights at the same time after a cloudy day, for example, with only one battery and meager 100W panel. Don't want to scary you. I traveled with a tent and a handful of flashlight batteries, this is doable, yes, but this is not for everybody. Carrying a solar that is "almost enough", but not quite enough, so you still have to run a generator every morning, - doesn't sound good to me.

Edit- PS: if buying locally, don't buy used. They are aging, 20 years old panel is 20% less efficient.

Check out craigslist Dallas for panels. Get the controller at ebay.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ele/3751322825.html

Sal

kgarrett9999 wrote:

Not sure how long I'm really talking about boondocking at any given stretch, but that's the purpose of the solar to allow it to be indefinite. Most likely 3-5 days though before moving to a new location.

Ah ha!!! Then a solar setup is definitely in the cards. I also think now that a 100W setup with some room to add would work well for you. I'd still change out some most used lights to LEDs. No need to be cold and in the dark on your camping trips.

Thank you for all the useful and non-useful replys.;-)

Not sure how long I'm really talking about boondocking at any given stretch, but that's the purpose of the solar to allow it to be indefinite. Most likely 3-5 days though before moving to a new location.

And yes, what I'm talking about is very much like tent camping. I bought the TT last year, however, I have been tent camping for years. Actually did well without any electricity except for flashlight batteries.

I purchased the travel trailer as a step above tent camping for my wife. She wouldn't ever go camping in a tent. And though I've never had any problems with bears because I always keep a clean camp, the trailer gives me a place to lock up the food a little easier.

For those concerned about the propane heater, yes I am aware of the potential dangers and have no desire to wake up dead. I intend to use it only during waking hours to take the edge off and then with proper ventilation.

I looked at the 100 amp package that an earlier poster recommended. Sounds like this will definitely suit my needs. Price is within my budget and I can always supplement it with the TV or generator or AA batteries in a flashlight and my propane lantern.

Somebody mentioned possible local options. I live in North Texas just west of Fort Worth. Anyplace that I might be able to pick up a similar package in person?

RJsfishin wrote:
Yep, forget the solar ! Get more batteries, Nothing better than having 2 dead batteries instead of one !:S

At least it will take a little longer before they both go dead. :)

kgarrett9999 wrote:
Sounds like the 100 watt panel/controller will serve my needs.

Yes. What you describe is sometimes called "tent style" camping. I done this a lot, now don't feel like it. No furnace, no microwave, no fridge draw. Good sleeping bag. Be careful with those el-cheapo propane heaters, don't leave it on when sleeping if you plan on waking up again. CO poisoning is more common than you think, and there is no treatment, you probably won't die, but won't enjoy it either.

Like others said, you don't have to have a solar in this scenario. You may just get a 5W solar charger panel with built-in diode, cost about $20 on Amazon. Get LED bulbs. If this would still require substantial daily charging and you don't feel like getting a 100-300W solar - then stop using the lights. One LED headlamp, hanging down on the knob over your kitchen counter will do the job, roughly 1 week with a pair of AA on mid-setting. Like I said, this is a tent style camping, almost. More comfortable than tent, though.