Forum Discussion

markjschuttler_'s avatar
Sep 12, 2015

Understanding Solar

Okay, will target those with 5th wheels and using solar to help with off Grid camping. I have looked at the Renogy Portable suit case and that is a 100 watt system. I was thinking of getting 200 watts and was wondering how that would work for us. I don't know how much of a solar system is needed to be able to run one AC unit, or maybe you can't run an AC unit at all.? Or just normal electrical stuff in your RV. I Don't want to spend a couple Grand to get just a little help with solar, and just to let you know, we would have a 5.5KW LP Generator. I just don't want to run the Generator as much, if I can use my Solar. Please explain as simple as you can on what type of solar system to get. I don't want to just jump into some big solar panels to mount on top of the 5er, and spend that kind of money. That is why I am saying I would like to take small steps and try it out with a 100 or 200watt Renogy Portable suit case to help us out on Charging up our Batteries and or 5er. I understand very little of what it does for energy and using electrical stuff in the RV.
Also I heard you should get solar batteries instead of regular Deep cycle batteries??? Do most 5ers come with 1 or 2 Batteries. Do you think it is a good idea to get an extra battery if you have the space. Not to sure what space I will have when getting the Generator put in. Again this is a 2016 5th Wheel we are going to get. Thank you for any Info on this topic and I do hope someone out there will be able to help me understand solar a little better than I do now. I soon to be, Happy Camper and Boondocker... Mark and Jodi...

13 Replies

  • Recommended. Switch hot water to GAS. Switch refrigerator to GAS. Maintain only BASIC loads. No heaters. Make believe you're camping.

    Buy an electrical cord adapter and a KILL-A-WATT meter. Plug the meter into a FIFTEEN AMP circuit at home This will keep you honest and protect the meter from overload.

    Pretend camp in the rig over the weekend. Friday 1800 hours to Sunday 1800 hours.

    Note the TOTAL kWh as registeted on the Kill-A-Watt meter. Write it down.

    Then come back to this forum for a discussion, after posting your total kWh that you wrote down.

    This isn't pure guesswork. It gives a fundamental rough idea of how much power YOU use not someine else.

    Just don't try and outsmart yourself and severely disrupt the way YOU think YOU will be camping. Toying with lifestyles is a sure recipe for error. Pretend you are camping :) :) :)

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