Solar vs generator

Hi,

You are probably better off going to https://www.solarblvd.com/product-category/solar-panels-systems/12-volt-solar-kits/

RPreeb wrote:


I also plan to get a 100w solar suitcase (Renogy) to help minimize generator use even more, and with what I saved by NOT buying a Honda, I can buy the $350 Renogy solar kit and be set up to go both ways.

I still think the best solution is to have both available. Regardless of popular opinion, you don't have to spend $1000 or more for a Honda to get the job done well. My generator is a Powerhorse from Northern Tool, 2000w inverter that runs from 52db (at idle charging battery) to 61db (at full power running microwave). $560, starts first pull. An hour morning and evening keeps my single 85ah battery in good shape, runs the microwave when needed. Clean power (1.5% total harmonic distortion) for charging or running computer electronics.

I also plan to get a 100w solar suitcase (Renogy) to help minimize generator use even more, and with what I saved by NOT buying a Honda, I can buy the $350 Renogy solar kit and be set up to go both ways.

I run 4 UB4D 200AH and 200w renogy solar kit with mppt controler. That carries my furnace at a 50% duty cycle for three days at 300AH draw down. The panels charge the bank between runs. I didn't have a place to mount a generator. Total cost for batteries and solar was about $1300.

rbpru wrote:
We bought a TT for the convenience and creature comforts while traveling. Two or three days on battery power is fine, but for an extended period of time, my old PUP would seem a better option.

Which I'm convinced accurately describes the vast majority of recreational vehicle owners, no doubt to the chagrin of those aficionados in the minority dedicated to dry camping & boondocking. :R Certainly I'd be one - have but a single G27, now no genset (as it spent more time stored in my workshop at home than it did camping) and no solar, though I did install a 1000 watt PSW inverter and a heavy gauge charge line from the truck for load support when needed. For the odd time camping without shore power this scheme works fine for us but if I wanted to improve on that I'd only do so by upgrading to a pair of GC-2s or G31s, with perhaps a bit of solar support from a portable 100 watt suitcase style of folding solar panel I'd connect directly to the batteries. IMO, K.I.S.S. applies to many more of us than forum solar pundits would care to admit. :W

Well I suspect boondocking in a TT is probably not going to happen for us.

We bought a TT for the convenience and creature comforts while traveling. Two or three days on battery power is fine, but for an extended period of time, my old PUP would seem a better option.

Actually, our boondocking experience usually involves a canoe and tent.

So I will leave the off grid stuff to the serious boondockers and leave the generator and solar stuff to them.

12volt solar kits free shipping

- Jeff

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

My microair unit was $319.00 two months ago.

3 weeks ago mine was $299 minus $40 discount code (AIRSTREAM).....$259

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

My microair unit was $319.00 two months ago.

I'll bet mine was as well. I was just trying to remember without checking. I guess when something works, one thinks of it as costing less that it did and worth more than one paid for it.

In any event it solves a big problem.

Hi,

My microair unit was $319.00 two months ago.

aucoot wrote:
Have a new 25 ft. Rockwood Mini-Lite TT with 2 batteries. We dry camp and want to know is solar panels worth a try? Unit is set up for solar but concerned that it will take a lot of time to bring batteries back u, thieft issues also a concern. Alternative is a Honda 2000 gen.

my suggestion is both may be needed. If you are camped in sunlight and don't camp when cloudy, and are carefull with power then solar can work.

But if you camp in the shade, or in cloudy weather, you may find you'll need a generator on occasion.

Our solution is 480W of solar on the roof, 480W of portable solar, and then the honda 2000 as backup. we usually park the trailer in the trees, so it often gets intermittent sun. not enough to keep batteries charged, then we drag out the portable units.

Now, the honda get's used pretty rarely, but there are times it has been needed. with this setup we can usually keep the batteries fully charged or nearly so most places we go. that includes occasional microwave use off the inverter, fans, furnace etc.

Now if you want to run AC, then you will need generator. And you CAN run most 13K BTU AC units off a honda 2000 even at altitude reliably. Been there done that. Solution is the microair easystart. yup, it's around $200, but saves needing either a 3000W generator or two honda 2000's. Will even start the AC when honda 2000 is in eco mode.