Solar or generator for older camper?
I have an 89 Lance camper and plan on dry camping with my wife and toddler daughter. I'd like to know people's opinions on adding solar versus plopping the dough on a Honda Generator. I'd ultimate...
Forum Discussion
Gosh - I get a kick out of this forum.
It took me a whole whooping 10 seconds to find a viable < $2 a watt solar solution for a truck camper:
Amazon-Free Shipping
Then again define "adding solar".
I've seen the 5-10W "solar chargers" on discount for < $2 a watt.
(sorry no current links available) While it would be of little or no use in helping a TC owner dry camping, it IS "adding solar".
So, then we might say that it has to provide some "reasonable amount" of charge current?
40W with Diode
Yes, the above can work however we think "adding solar" really requires a charge controller eh?
I may never consider it but it is a controller.
But... but... but... its not really "added" unless it is mounted on the roof with a installation warranty executed by the local RV dealership?
(sigh)
In 2002 when I added 100W to my Elkhorn camper I paid ~$600 for the panel (which was a DEAL as solar was ~$7.50-10.00 a watt back then) and ~$100 for a 25A PWM charge controller. A buddy liked my install so much he paid the local RV shop ~$1600.00 for them to put 100W of solar on his roof. (he would always claim that his was better as he had a "1yr installation warranty")
As the panels themselves are approaching $1-Watt, (if you are quick and have a good eye for a discount) a "do it yourselfer" with an extra $100 burning a hole in their pocket might be able to add 40-50W to their TC for ~2$ a watt fairly easily.
It took me a whole whooping 10 seconds to find a viable < $2 a watt solar solution for a truck camper:
Amazon-Free Shipping
Then again define "adding solar".
I've seen the 5-10W "solar chargers" on discount for < $2 a watt.
(sorry no current links available) While it would be of little or no use in helping a TC owner dry camping, it IS "adding solar".
So, then we might say that it has to provide some "reasonable amount" of charge current?
40W with Diode
Yes, the above can work however we think "adding solar" really requires a charge controller eh?
I may never consider it but it is a controller.
But... but... but... its not really "added" unless it is mounted on the roof with a installation warranty executed by the local RV dealership?
(sigh)
In 2002 when I added 100W to my Elkhorn camper I paid ~$600 for the panel (which was a DEAL as solar was ~$7.50-10.00 a watt back then) and ~$100 for a 25A PWM charge controller. A buddy liked my install so much he paid the local RV shop ~$1600.00 for them to put 100W of solar on his roof. (he would always claim that his was better as he had a "1yr installation warranty")
As the panels themselves are approaching $1-Watt, (if you are quick and have a good eye for a discount) a "do it yourselfer" with an extra $100 burning a hole in their pocket might be able to add 40-50W to their TC for ~2$ a watt fairly easily.
