Solar Panels
We have decided to buy a TT as we spend quite a bit on hotels, but we've also figured it would be a good way to reduce our costs for awhile so as to focus on paying down debt and saving $$$ for a home...
Forum Discussion
Your solar panels will charge the batteries. The batteries will power up your outlets, fridge etc. I have two 100 watt panels on the roof. I used to have one 100 panel, but my DC powered cooler draws a whopping 4amps, so I am in need of much power. If you do not have such a power-hungry appliance, then one 100 watt solar panel might be enough.
If it rains every day or you are in the shade, then go with 200 watts.
With one 100 watt solar panel and two deep cycle batteries and while in sunny CA I can park 3 days and run my 4 amp cooler and other minimal draw lights/pumps/outlets before I need to get a recharge from the tow vehicle or a generator.
Without the 4 amp cooler, then the panel is more than enough to recharge my batteries during the day, runs the minimal appliances and have enough to make it to the next day with power left over.
With the two 100 watt panels now, and in CT and it raining and the days shorter and still using my 4amp cooler this is not enough. I need sun, or to get rid of the cooler to boondock in the north in the clouds.
Chose one or two 100 watt panels and get a good quality solar charge controller so your batteries are at max efficiency. Your needs dictate your purchase.
If you only camp overnight, and not days on end, then the charge you arrive with (powered by your tow vehicles alternator charging system) will be enough.
I strongly recommend having two batteries. I use two 6-volt golf cart batteries run in series to provide my 12 volts. There is a reason for this, and is better than two 12 volt batteries run parallel.
Amazon.com for solar panels, Cost about $1 per watt.
If it rains every day or you are in the shade, then go with 200 watts.
With one 100 watt solar panel and two deep cycle batteries and while in sunny CA I can park 3 days and run my 4 amp cooler and other minimal draw lights/pumps/outlets before I need to get a recharge from the tow vehicle or a generator.
Without the 4 amp cooler, then the panel is more than enough to recharge my batteries during the day, runs the minimal appliances and have enough to make it to the next day with power left over.
With the two 100 watt panels now, and in CT and it raining and the days shorter and still using my 4amp cooler this is not enough. I need sun, or to get rid of the cooler to boondock in the north in the clouds.
Chose one or two 100 watt panels and get a good quality solar charge controller so your batteries are at max efficiency. Your needs dictate your purchase.
If you only camp overnight, and not days on end, then the charge you arrive with (powered by your tow vehicles alternator charging system) will be enough.
I strongly recommend having two batteries. I use two 6-volt golf cart batteries run in series to provide my 12 volts. There is a reason for this, and is better than two 12 volt batteries run parallel.
Amazon.com for solar panels, Cost about $1 per watt.
