Utilizing Solar with FHU
I most often park with Full Hookups. I am trying to figure out how to use solar energy to reduce my electric bill and of course be available when I do occasionally park off the grid. I enjoy my air ...
Forum Discussion
Hi TomG2,
Yes the solar is usable, but the benefits are small.
200 watts of solar will be just fine to replenish the battery bank, if you have switched to led lighting. Simply turn off the converter. Do monitor the DC voltage once a day (say just before bed) to make sure the battery bank is not deep cycling. The microwave uses NO 12 volt power, and the air conditioner "sips" 12 volt power. The main 12 volt user other than lighting is the gas valve on the fridge. If you are using the fridge on 120 volt then that too is an extremely small load.
Yes the solar is usable, but the benefits are small.
200 watts of solar will be just fine to replenish the battery bank, if you have switched to led lighting. Simply turn off the converter. Do monitor the DC voltage once a day (say just before bed) to make sure the battery bank is not deep cycling. The microwave uses NO 12 volt power, and the air conditioner "sips" 12 volt power. The main 12 volt user other than lighting is the gas valve on the fridge. If you are using the fridge on 120 volt then that too is an extremely small load.
TomG2 wrote:
I asked if my investment in solar might be useable while I am in a park hooked to shore power. Not going to be wiring in transfer switches, etc. I will probably just flip the main 120 volt breaker off in the converter then monitor my batteries and power usage. I can always flip it back on for microwave and air conditioner. Sort of "dry camping" in place.
