Solar or generator for older camper?

bka0721, no need to apologize to me, I take no exception to anything you posted. In jest, I made the comment in your confusing us with facts. I wish members would be more forward in challenging some of those that habitually post misinformation. It is so disappointing some people have the need to do that. I understand we post our opinions, but when we make statements as to what something cost, why can we not back up the statement with links to support our claim? It really gets tiring after a while. You would think many people would start their post with "Once upon a time ..."

Wayne

Wayne, please accept my deepest appologies in regards to my earlier postings. Sometimes, or is it often?, I wish to see things in accurate and informed strategies. Often times I am disappointed and for some reason am compelled to state as such. For this, well, lets say I live in a reality filled world and my checkbook is now in my freezer, cooling off from it's recent battery spending spree.

Don't worry Reddog1, I'll get over this lack of understanding in how social groups interact and share information. Or, I won't! :B

b

bka0721, you are confusing is with facts. :R It makes us feel all knowing when we post one liners. They do not have to be true, just sound good.

I really have a hard time understanding why some people repeatedly make untrue statements. My first thought is they are guessing, or repeating what they have read. But if they cannot provide details, you would think they would discontinue making false statements. If they make the statements to get attention, they get the attention at the cost of their credibility.

There is so much misinformation, it really discourages folks from participating on the Forums.

Wayne

pcoplin wrote:
In the late fall I'll have it for 7 day stretches for elk hunting, which can be overcast if not snowing.

Generator.

pianotuna wrote:
I agree solar is not for everyone, but the costs for All materials needed are under $2 per watt. Once you have solar the cost of ownership is zero.

Don, you are the last person I would have expected to have made such an incorrect statement. Every time I hear/read someone making the statement of; "Pay for it once and you no longer have any costs." Is like Finger Nails on a Chalk Board. (Of course everyone uses Wipe Boards now).

Now if your rebuttal is to state you are talking about the Solar Panels, then that is untrue too, or a bit naive. But since you threw in the fuel and other costs to run the generator then every other part of harvesting and using solar is valid in the fact there are continuing costs.

The minute someone purchases Solar, and all the parts, it is a ticking clock until one needs to replace items. Some last for decades and other things last only a few years.

Lets take batteries. I just swapped out (March 10th 2015) my No. 2 battery bank after 5 years of continuous use. The breakdown for these, for my daily costs, were; .83 cents a day. If they had been for AGM, it would have been about $2.42 a day. For that 5 year period.

Solar is not cheap. So there are costs. As is changing out hardware, cables and Solar Panels over time. But when one begins to share that there is no further costs, after the initial investment, well better to believe in the Tooth Fairy too, as her costs have skyrocketed as well.

b


edit; Add additional narrative on Battery Bank No. 1.

It should be noted my original AGM Batteries lasted 6 years of continous use. At the time they failed, it was noted 3 months prior that my data showed lack of holding a charge, (just as my Bank 2 did recently). This Bank 1 was replaced this last October 17th. Bank 1 suffered greatly, as they were the batteries I used while using a generator everyday, until I installed my first solar panels. So they performed admirably. But nothing lasts forever, and according to Pianotuna, they won't cost anything to replace. Because once you pay for everything once, the cost is zero.

So, in the span of 5 months I have replaced all my batteries (not the 2 starting my truck) in both my battery banks. A total of 12 batteries and they were not paid for, 6 years ago when I installed the first set of batteries. Like all batteries, they were used, used well, long and eventually left for the big Battery Pile in the Sky."

pianotuna wrote:
Generators are fine. Except they continue to cost money. Oil Changes when you least want them, and gas, and more gas. Much cheaper to go to a free or inexpensive campground.

I agree solar is not for everyone, but the costs for All materials needed are under $2 per watt. Once you have solar the cost of ownership is zero.

If I had spent the same amount on solar as I did for a Yamaha 3000 sIEB I would have enough solar to run my roof air conditioner.

Free/Inexpensive campground that provides electrical power went away a long time ago...or at least is quite rare.

We don't have the amount of roof space to install that much solar on our fairly small roof's and if we had the roof space, most of us wouldn't have the battery capacity. (except for Bka0721) I love my 160 watt solar panel, it keeps me out of the generator running business 99% of the time.

pianotuna, I have both, and have had since 2005. My experience has been very different than yours. I get so disappointed at your claims, which I see as untrue. You repeatedly say "All materials needed are under $2 per watt." Please provide a list, including links to a source supporting your claims.

I have yet to see a 130 watt system, with everything included for $260, much less less than that. Show us the source?

Wayne

Generators are fine. Except they continue to cost money. Oil Changes when you least want them, and gas, and more gas. Much cheaper to go to a free or inexpensive campground.

I agree solar is not for everyone, but the costs for All materials needed are under $2 per watt. Once you have solar the cost of ownership is zero.

If I had spent the same amount on solar as I did for a Yamaha 3000 sIEB I would have enough solar to run my roof air conditioner.

Just a note about the above Champion generator.

I had one and it wouldn't run my A/C. My Honda 2000 runs it easily. I had no other problems with it.

Moral of the story, not all 2000w ratings are equal.

scottz wrote:
One more vote for a portable generator.

Here is a low cost high quality and quiet solution. This is what I would opt for if I were in your shoes.

X2 - This is what I have and it performs magnificently and is also super quiet.