Solar options for a Fun Finder/TT
Hello All, I'm new here. I've used the search function and can not really find the answer to this question. I did find one close answer, but it was more of a "look what I did" and not "here's what ...
Forum Discussion
dr_trousers,
Solar can be as complicated, or as simple, as you want it to be.
Unless you only plan on a low power system used solely to maintain battery charge while the unit is in storage, it is a bit more than just buying a panel and hooking it to the battery.
If you don't like fussing around, learning about wire sizes and voltage drop, controllers, panels, etc., etc., then I suggest you find a good installer and trust them to make these decisions for you. There are folks who specialize in RV solar installations.
If, on the other hand, you don't mind spending hours studying and learning a fascinating topic, then read and ask lots of questions. There are folks on this forum who have lots of experience in this topic and they can help you a lot if you desire.
No matter who does the work, before you start any solar (or similar) remodel, I suggest you first determine how much energy you need. (Your conservation efforts are a part of this.) Once you know what your usage is, then you can look at having adequate storage (battery capacity) to provide for that usage when the sun isn't shinning or when you don't want to run a generator. After you have answered the first two questions (usage and storage capacity) then you can look at means to generate this power, be it solar, wind, or just a simple generator. If you don't want to go through this effort, then again, just ask and you will get lots of "this is what I did" responses that you can follow if you wish. Just remember, these responses are only what has worked for others, with different usage requirements and locations (i.e.; "latitude" which effects solar efficiency)
I hope this helps ...... some,
Steve
Solar can be as complicated, or as simple, as you want it to be.
Unless you only plan on a low power system used solely to maintain battery charge while the unit is in storage, it is a bit more than just buying a panel and hooking it to the battery.
If you don't like fussing around, learning about wire sizes and voltage drop, controllers, panels, etc., etc., then I suggest you find a good installer and trust them to make these decisions for you. There are folks who specialize in RV solar installations.
If, on the other hand, you don't mind spending hours studying and learning a fascinating topic, then read and ask lots of questions. There are folks on this forum who have lots of experience in this topic and they can help you a lot if you desire.
No matter who does the work, before you start any solar (or similar) remodel, I suggest you first determine how much energy you need. (Your conservation efforts are a part of this.) Once you know what your usage is, then you can look at having adequate storage (battery capacity) to provide for that usage when the sun isn't shinning or when you don't want to run a generator. After you have answered the first two questions (usage and storage capacity) then you can look at means to generate this power, be it solar, wind, or just a simple generator. If you don't want to go through this effort, then again, just ask and you will get lots of "this is what I did" responses that you can follow if you wish. Just remember, these responses are only what has worked for others, with different usage requirements and locations (i.e.; "latitude" which effects solar efficiency)
I hope this helps ...... some,
Steve
