Solar vs generator

I went the gen route. Honda 2000W. We mostly dry camp as well. My 5er sits plugged in 24/7 when not camping so my batts are full charged before we leave. I have 4 6V GC batteries, so my user time lasts longer than yours would. What I like about the gen is I can fire it up and run the micro or hairdryer for short duration's and it's not one more thing added to the battery drain list.
I would love to have about 300+ watts of solar in addition to the gen but right now our max dry camping trips aren't more than 3-4 days to a week duration. I just fire up the gen when needed.
The gen is 100% reliable. Solar isn't.

OP is from Ma, and dry camps a lot, if you are going to Maine, Northern NH, or even into Ca, you are likely in very wooded areas. Just remember that when the panels are shaded, even partially, their production goes way down. They are great though in that your batteries can top off if you have the sun available all day, the Genny will boost you up in the morning, but after getting you back to maybe 75% slows way down on charging and becomes very un-economical for charging. The best of both worlds appears to be to fire up the genny for a while in the morning for getting most of the charge back, making coffee, morning news for some and then letting the solar do what its best at, long slow charge to top off.

I agree with SoundGuy. If you can afford it, get both. If you can't, get the gen set first.

$300 bones for a soft start box! :E

SoundGuy wrote:
I currently don't own either but would suggest the best answer is BOTH.

Agree with this IF you will be using it a lot.

If you just go out a few times a year, skip the solar and get a gen.
Much more versatile......but requires a little care when not in use.

How long do you camp? If only short periods at a time, you may get along fine with 2 batteries and modest usage of 12v. I have 4 batteries and get along well with my inverter for several days.

If you will need to use your microwave or air conditioner at all, start with a generator. If you plan to camp at altitude, the 2000 probably won't fire the air con even with a soft start kit. My 3000 watt Yamaha barely got the AC going at 5000 feet, blinking its overload light once the compressor kicked on.

I do agree the best answer assuming you can afford it is both. I'll be having solar installed next year. Besides not having to plug the trailer in every few weeks to top off the batteries, solar will give me a few extra days of electricity while boondocking. If I don't have to use the micro or air con, solar will give me quiet power all weekend.

SoundGuy wrote:

Ivylog wrote:
It's going to take a lot of solar in the NE to get much power.

Even something is better than nothing ... and once installed solar is "free". ;)

A 2000W generator will not run your AC...takes 3000W.

Time to get with the program ;) - install a Micro-Air Easy Start soft starter kit on any 13,500 BTU A/C and testimonials from those who have done this mod confirm an single EU2000i will successfully & repeatedly start a 13,500 BTU A/C, a 3000W genset is no longer a requirement. :B

That said, the OP never mentioned the need to use A/C at all, just that they dry camp a lot, without shore power.

Yup, I just installed one 2 weeks ago and it will start my 13.5K at 1400 ft and 95 degrees with my eu2000i.
I tested it at 120 degrees and the poor little gen really tried but coudnt overcome the 59 locked rotor amps.

Ivylog wrote:
It's going to take a lot of solar in the NE to get much power.

Even something is better than nothing ... and once installed solar is "free". ;)

A 2000W generator will not run your AC...takes 3000W.

Time to get with the program ;) - install a Micro-Air Easy Start soft starter kit on any 13,500 BTU A/C and testimonials from those who have done this mod confirm an single EU2000i will successfully & repeatedly start a 13,500 BTU A/C, a 3000W genset is no longer a requirement. :B

That said, the OP never mentioned the need to use A/C at all, just that they dry camp a lot, without shore power.

It's going to take a lot of solar in the NE to get much power. A 2000W generator will not run your AC...takes 3000W.

I currently don't own either but would suggest the best answer is BOTH. Solar for when the sun is out in full force and they're not shaded by trees, a genset for those times the weather is heavily overcast or your site is in complete shade.

FWIW, I have owned 2 different EU2000i gensets, a great unit, but still way too noisy for me in any organized campground. You gotta fuel it obviously and regardless of what some may claim it does produce exhaust fumes that smell. But it will reliably recharge your batteries regardless of the weather.