Using a residential PV panel on RV

mexicanfooddude wrote:
Much thanks to everyone, very helpful. I can get the 245 watt panel for $350... which I know is more than a lot of similar output panels designed for RV systems, but I was considering it as it is made in the US and manufactured by a very reputable company.

It seems though that I will spending a lot more to make it compatible with my system. I'm getting deterred from going this route...

As I said, my load it pretty minimal - led lights, water pump, and possibly a 12-volt refrigerator (i'm trying to decide between building my own chest-type 12 volt refrigerator or buying a propane refrigerator). I think I can easily get by with 100-150 watt panel. I like the Morningstar PWM controllers as they are time tested, and decently priced, but I haven't spent a whole lot of time looking at other options.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a lower voltage panel/controller combo in the 100-150 watt range to charge my dual 6v battery system?

Thanks

The 245w for $350 is vastly overpriced in today's market, as you have stated. IMO you are right to forget that plan!

Also BTW, if you did get a properly priced 245w panel, you do indeed need an MPPT controller to run it. But you can get one that is good quality for more like $102 (Eco-worthy 20amper) You don't need to spend three times that just to be patriotic. ("Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel" )

I don't know what your solar conditions would be like, but here is one example of what you can do with a single 130w panel: Note the part where two of those lying flat beats one of them "tracking" if you don't want to play with this and just strap on some solar and get on with your life:

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26065604.cfm