TCS with Solar - Rooftop or Portable
Hi folks, I'm still exploring Solar power for my new TC. In another thread I shared a rooftop system I was considering and several people suggested I go portable instead. I had not considered portable...
Forum Discussion
I would also just go with solar on the roof. It is fit-and-forget, no hassle, low chance of damage (being backed over, wires being damaged, etc., low chance of being stolen, allows you to have short thick wire runs so you aren't loosing loads of your power over a long run of cable, and if it rains you aren't having to clean and stow panels that have now got splashed with mud.
I get the argument for wanting to park in the shade and collect solar power in the sun, and if you spend most of your time camped for days on end this way without moving the camper (and therefore needing to re-stow your panels and wiring) then maybe this is still the solution for you, but if not then consider how many times will you arrive somewhere and only be there for a few hours, or arrive at a campground in the rain or after dark and not want to set-up the solar. As was mentioned above a fixed solar system is working while driving, while parked at the supermarket, in the morning when you are still in bed after arriving late the night before.
I checked my ammeter the other day when camping. It was 6am, misty and I was shaded by trees too. I was getting 0.5 amps from the roof mounted solar in those conditions.
Steve.
I get the argument for wanting to park in the shade and collect solar power in the sun, and if you spend most of your time camped for days on end this way without moving the camper (and therefore needing to re-stow your panels and wiring) then maybe this is still the solution for you, but if not then consider how many times will you arrive somewhere and only be there for a few hours, or arrive at a campground in the rain or after dark and not want to set-up the solar. As was mentioned above a fixed solar system is working while driving, while parked at the supermarket, in the morning when you are still in bed after arriving late the night before.
I checked my ammeter the other day when camping. It was 6am, misty and I was shaded by trees too. I was getting 0.5 amps from the roof mounted solar in those conditions.
Steve.
