solar question
How many of you who have solar panels have found that it's not a necessity. I'm in the market for a new unit and since I'll be boon docking spending a lot of time in the shade, Im on the fence about wether to get it.
Forum Discussion
36 Replies
- Can't imagine camping without solar.
- I can't live without it.
6 campers and 6 solar installs.
I can probably go a day and a night without it then drive and recharge batteries, but otherwise I wont have enough battery.
A lot depends on how much power you use. With normal use and boondocking you really can't go without a way to recharge the batteries.
Solar will work in the shade parked under a thick canopy of east coast mountain trees, though the charge will take longer, I still get all the charge I need during the day... - 10 years ago I'd have said you need to trade off the cost vs. benefit for your chosen mission. But solar is so inexpensive now, I can think of no good argument to leave it off. About one tank of fuel per 100 watts is the cost, and it is about as maintenance free as anything on an RV.
- Solar panels produce in the shade, just not as much. Anything I can do to cut down or eliminate generator use…noise, maintenance, lugging in and out of the truck bed etc…I’ve done and would do it again.
- I put solar on 3 campers would not go without it. Even in shade you get some power.
- It really depends on your personal use and expectations.
For us, solar is necessary to facilitate our desired lifestyle. If you're just using your rig on weekends, and have minimal electrical requirements, then you may not need it.
Our solar panels are on a raised rack that shades our entire roof and our awnings shade our sides.
