Quick solar question

Never had a big critter get to them but I do have to watch that the dog doesn't lift his leg. ;)

I prefer the portable systems. Most all of our camping is in the Northwest and boondocking so there are always trees. The spots you can park are limited but not where you can set up some portable solar panels. I don't think there is much chance of an animal damaging panels. the truck does charge your battery when traveling. 4-5 minutes for setup is accurate and for me a good trade off to get the extra sun. Theft is always a concern. My system uses flexible panels, from Renogy, mounted on aluminum frames. Very lightweight, no glass. Also I can take them along when not using the camper and charge trolling motor batteries, etc. And no possibility of a roof leak. When I change campers they panels will easily go with me.

You all are giving me a lot to think about. With the cost of a solar system, I want to make the best choice I can. I had not even considered the panels being used to charge the batteries while driving as I thought the truck does that.

I had thought about the theft possibilities, but let me ask one more thing:
We have camped in many areas with large animals roaming freely, from white tail deer up to elk and bison. Has anyone had a large animal or even a person/vehicle damage their portable panels?

Please keep commenting and I will keep learning.

Thanks (going out tomorrow on the Natchez Trace - It's free!!)
Del

I use two 100W panels that are portable. The benefits of flat are mentioned above. But arguments against it are:

- I remove my batteries while in storage, so continuous charging is not an issue.
- I already have power going to the unit while under-way from the alternator.
- They mention theft. They can be stolen from the roof while in storage. I can lock mine up or take them home. And, I always attach a chain and padlock when they are being used.
- Some of the folks like the convenience of not having to set them up each time you camp. I'd have to agree with this one. It takes me about 4-5 minutes to get the panels out, position them, plug them in and lock them up.

I really prefer to set up camp with some tree shade most of the day so that the FW stays cooler. Having a portable array allows me to move the panels when needed to take advantage of the sun. My connecting cables are 40 feet.

Jim

I've run a portable set up for three seasons/ Everything they say is true, they are a pain to store, there is no charging in storage or on the road, they could grow legs and it does take a few minutes to set them up and seconds to adjust them.

This year I have been testing what will be my mounted system portable and I have kept them flat like they will be mounted to get use to the output. My, my, my, I just never knew how addictive that early morning sun is. My smallest portable, a 230w panel tracking the early sun can kick my 750w system flat for hours before the sun gets high enough for the flat system to really get going. The same is true for the late afternoon sun while you are trying to replace the power used for dinner.

Having the big system flat cost me about 10a at peak as flat mounted is never really lined up.

So for us, the answer is both a mounted system and a light weight portable.

pianotuna wrote:
Charging while traveling is another.

I forgot about this aspect, which is very important too in regards to how I use my truck and camper.

Sometimes I will switch my fridge to AC power (from inverter) while driving. Solar provides more 12 power than the truck alternator prior to when I upgraded the truck charging line.

Ditto on what DB and Pianotuna both said. Go with the fixed mount. Do it and be done with it.

Automated charging when the RV is in storage is another vote for a fixed install.

Charging while traveling is another.

Easy of use--nothing to set up or strike.

Battery longevity may be improved.

delosholly wrote:

2. Why shouldn't I go with portable over mounted?

Possible theft while unattended is one reason

Lack of space in a truck camper to store them is another.