Solar strategy in the east
I'm from Illinois. Camping out in the AZ desert at the moment, I can see that solar is easy out here. Do the math, install it right, and you are golden. Camping in the eastern 2/3rds of the US, i...
Forum Discussion
I guess a guy has to define how much solar he needs/wants and what it does for him. If you're trying to eliminate use of a generator (admirable goal, IME) and have rather standard use requirements, 200W is even on the short end. Add in shade covering and the no-gen goal isn't going to be met.
If the goal is to have a battery charging adjunct and just limit use of the genny, then 100w in sun may meet the task. In shade, may not be worth the effort to even roll them out.
If it was me, I'd use all four of the panels and mount two of them on the roof. Your rig is not going to be in complete shade 100% of the time (unless you drive on shaded streets) and the two panels will be working for you rather than, like in my case, waiting to get damaged while in storage.;)
I would think you're going to have to do some experimenting with your portable setup at different campsites to see how well everything turns out. I was actually pleasantly surprised about the output of my poly panel in limited light conditions. There is elegance in even milliamps, sometimes. :B
If the goal is to have a battery charging adjunct and just limit use of the genny, then 100w in sun may meet the task. In shade, may not be worth the effort to even roll them out.
If it was me, I'd use all four of the panels and mount two of them on the roof. Your rig is not going to be in complete shade 100% of the time (unless you drive on shaded streets) and the two panels will be working for you rather than, like in my case, waiting to get damaged while in storage.;)
I would think you're going to have to do some experimenting with your portable setup at different campsites to see how well everything turns out. I was actually pleasantly surprised about the output of my poly panel in limited light conditions. There is elegance in even milliamps, sometimes. :B
