Solar vs generator

Hi,

What could be more KISS than a permanent flat solar install on the roof? It has just been there and worked since it was installed.

Without the system I'd be forced into expensive campgrounds one night out of every four to recharge the battery bank. Call it $25 (or $2281 per year).

SoundGuy wrote:
IMO, K.I.S.S. applies to many more of us than forum solar pundits would care to admit. :W

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.