Solar up and running
Picked up some panels from solar blvd finally installed and working pretty good. 2 160 watt mono panels
Forum Discussion
IMHO, solar power is a source of opportunity, but not something you can always rely on in every situation. Trees, cloudy days, winters with short days and the sun low on the horizon can affect output.
Still, for much of the time we spend boondocking in moderate temperatures, soar has mean quiet, painless power without us monitoring it to see if we need to start or stop the generator. If it's sunny out and the RV is in the sun, we can pretty much ignore the power levels, we're going to be full that day before mid-afternoon.
No, it won't run an A/C all day, or at all, really, without a serious infusion of cash. Even then, hot, muggy cloudy days won't work. So, we try to stay where the temperatures are moderate. If that doesn't work for you, solar might not, either.
I would also say that a good battery meter ( one with a shunt, like Victron, Xantrex or Trimetric ) is a worthwhile investment, particularly if you've got multiple batteries. Voltage is a poor measure of state of charge. Certainly, it's possible to get along without one.
Still, for much of the time we spend boondocking in moderate temperatures, soar has mean quiet, painless power without us monitoring it to see if we need to start or stop the generator. If it's sunny out and the RV is in the sun, we can pretty much ignore the power levels, we're going to be full that day before mid-afternoon.
No, it won't run an A/C all day, or at all, really, without a serious infusion of cash. Even then, hot, muggy cloudy days won't work. So, we try to stay where the temperatures are moderate. If that doesn't work for you, solar might not, either.
I would also say that a good battery meter ( one with a shunt, like Victron, Xantrex or Trimetric ) is a worthwhile investment, particularly if you've got multiple batteries. Voltage is a poor measure of state of charge. Certainly, it's possible to get along without one.
