solar panels

DWeikert wrote:
I put 400w worth of these panels ( Renogy 100W ) on my Northstar. Considering it's only a 7' wide camper and doesn't have the extended cabover, I'd be surprised if you can't get 500W on a Bigfoot. You may find it easier to use several smaller panels instead of finding the space for larger panels.

Can you give us an update on how the Renogy panels are doing. Could you also tell us what brand of charge controller and inverter you went with and how that has been doing for you so far? Much appreciated! Really want to go solar but I'm confused by the disparity in price between different brands.

DWeikert wrote:

work2much wrote:

On a sunny day there is no reason in my mind not to use solar energy to keep the icebox cold.

As long as you're aware just how little propane an absorption fridge actually uses. What you're investing to run the fridge during the day would buy enough propane to run the fridge for decades. If you were aware, go for it.

Yes, but there are other benefits as mentioned above being able to run any number of higher draw appliances including cooking appliances that saves more on propane. It all adds up especially when full timing.

It certainly won't take decades to pay for 3 additional solar panels, but I really didn't put the solar system together to save money, more to have a renewable clean source of power.

Anywho, Merry X-Mas everyone. :)

work2much wrote:

On a sunny day there is no reason in my mind not to use solar energy to keep the icebox cold.

As long as you're aware just how little propane an absorption fridge actually uses. What you're investing to run the fridge during the day would buy enough propane to run the fridge for decades. If you were aware, go for it.

ticki2 wrote:

DWeikert wrote:

deltabravo wrote:

HMS Beagle wrote:
I'm also curious as to why you would need 500. 200W seems to keep the batteries charged if there is sun, if no sun 500W won't either.

Ditto.

I have 300 watts on my AF, and it's overkill.

Amusing how some seem to think their personal example is typical for everyone.

If I didn't have a DC compressor fridge and a TV/satellite dish I would probably be fine with 100 watts worth of solar. But I do so I'm better with 400 watts. And yes, I get a charge from those panels even when it's cloudy. But I do get a lot more in full sun.

Apparently the OP is trying to run his 3 way fridge on 12v if he is drawing 15a just for the fridge , very inefficient .

I think you confused the OP with me.

Ammonia absorption refrigerators are very inefficient using ac or dc power. They do have the advantage though of being able to run on 3 different sources. In terms of running the fridge on solar/dc the practical inefficiency ends with the added cash outlay for the system that will do it. I don't like finding gas stations and filling propane tanks. Part of my efficiency equation involves my time as well as the cost of buying the fuel.

On a sunny day there is no reason in my mind not to use solar energy to keep the icebox cold. At night or dark days I can switch to propane if the panels can't keep up. When I started researching solar energy for my RV I was surprised how cheap it is. The added cost to invest in a MPPT charger that could handle series as well as parallel wiring and more panels appealed to me. With our setup we can do/upgrade to do limited cooking with microwave, crock pot, run the fridge while it's sunny, run power tools for on the road projects.

For us and our needs/wants 400watts is a jumping point but I have no hesitation to add more if we need them.

To each their own!

DWeikert wrote:

deltabravo wrote:

HMS Beagle wrote:
I'm also curious as to why you would need 500. 200W seems to keep the batteries charged if there is sun, if no sun 500W won't either.

Ditto.

I have 300 watts on my AF, and it's overkill.

Amusing how some seem to think their personal example is typical for everyone.

If I didn't have a DC compressor fridge and a TV/satellite dish I would probably be fine with 100 watts worth of solar. But I do so I'm better with 400 watts. And yes, I get a charge from those panels even when it's cloudy. But I do get a lot more in full sun.

Apparently the OP is trying to run his 3 way fridge on 12v if he is drawing 15a just for the fridge , very inefficient .

Z-Peller wrote:
Ok, so by the same token were is it written that " this stuff is totally inacurate" ?....by who's authority is that?.....I happen to use the rule of thumb of 100w per 6v battery for my solar setup and it provides all the power I need...everyones needs are different as most people know....whats with the "authorative" statement that this is wrong?

You have just answered your own question... Thanks for making the point.
Your habits have nothing to do whatsoever with your neighbor who might have exactly the same setup and a completely different lifestyle. Are you going to go over and beat on the door when he has exceeded what you feel is excessive drain on the battery for the night because he followed your solar model and should have sized the system for his needs?

DWeikert wrote:


If I didn't have a DC compressor fridge and a TV/satellite dish I would probably be fine with 100 watts worth of solar. But I do so I'm better with 400 watts. And yes, I get a charge from those panels even when it's cloudy. But I do get a lot more in full sun.

Utilizing dc power for the fridge (during the day and travel) is one of my goals in adding solar. Our 3 way RV fridge draws almost 15 amps. That's 3 panels in direct sun all by itself. My 400 watt 20 amp system may be enough but I have a feeling I will be adding 2 more 100 watt panels in the future.

deltabravo wrote:

HMS Beagle wrote:
I'm also curious as to why you would need 500. 200W seems to keep the batteries charged if there is sun, if no sun 500W won't either.

Ditto.

I have 300 watts on my AF, and it's overkill.

Amusing how some seem to think their personal example is typical for everyone.

If I didn't have a DC compressor fridge and a TV/satellite dish I would probably be fine with 100 watts worth of solar. But I do so I'm better with 400 watts. And yes, I get a charge from those panels even when it's cloudy. But I do get a lot more in full sun.

My main reason for solar was to keep the camper charged while sitting in driveway (with refrigerator running on propane). 200w on the Wolf Creek did that just find with my two 27 series 90ah AGM's last year.

But new rig has different shaped roof with I think will allow for the bigger panels. (and I moved my AGM's from WC to new camper)

Plus this year we plan on doing some boon docking in national parks. At least until AC season starts up full swing.

Where I live is overcast most of the year. I budgeted that the panels will only output about half their rating during daylight. If you camp in rainy areas or like to camp in shade, you need to over build.