Where to start with solar power?

[bobkatmsu]

Assume I know nothing about solar power in a RV. Yea, that's pretty close. I have a 2007 Gas Safari Simba, 38'. I am 11 months from retiring, while we won't be full timers, at least not yet, we plan on being on the road 7-8 months of the year. We enjoy boondocking in remote areas. Where do I start? What can solar do for me? What are the positives and negatives? I've got a year to get ready, can someone point me in the right direction?

[2oldman]

Mrsmoos wrote:
Hoping to get any info/advice so that we can use this frige and also maybe some other stuff without having to run the generator or being plugged in!

I think you should start your own thread. There are plenty of posts on residential refrigerators.. search 'residential'

[Mrsmoos]

We are trying to figure out how many watts of solar panels are on top of our new to us 92 Southwind. They are apx 12" x 48" We also have discovered we have a Magnatek 900 series model 950 50 amp Coverter/Charger. We also have found another inverter in an outdoor compartment where an icemaker used to be installed. It is a Whistler 2000 watt peak, 1000 watt continuous, 115VAC, 60 hz. Our goal is to replace our broken Dometic 2804 refrigerator with a 7.4 cf non-frost free residential unit that will just fit in the openin we think. Its this>>> http://www.homedepot.com/p/Avanti-7-4-cu-ft-Mini-Refrigerator-in-Black-RA7316PST/205609694
Hoping to get any info/advice so that we can use this frige and also maybe some other stuff without having to run the generator or being plugged in!

[2oldman]

dpepper7390 wrote:
I know it won't run the AC in the summer, but the rest of the year it would run everything else. .

Solar doesn't "run" things. Solar is a battery charger. The batteries (and an inverter) do the running - especially at night.

[pianotuna]

Highway robbery pricing.

Have a look here:

https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_272&products_id=3081 = $698.00

dpepper7390 wrote:
They quoted me $5,300 for a 320w installed system.

[catkins]

The mentioned energy audit is so important - know how much you need to run the basics and then add for TV and other wished for functions. The biggest issue is battery capacity matched by solar panels/controller. We boondock 4-5 months in AZ and can do most things we want to - no AC or microwave. We do have a generator for those rare cloudy days or when we simply want to spoil ourselves a bit with AC.

Solar is great but understand what it can and cannot do you. READ lots before you jump in. Come back and ask more . These guys are a great resource. Good luck!

[bobkatmsu]

Thank you all so much for all the great info. Looks like I've got a lot of reading to do before I make a decision. I'll probably be back with some more specific questions as I work my way through it. Thanks again.

[dpepper7390]

My husband is very mechanical, he could probably do it. I think I'll try to look on YouTube for some videos to help.

[JFNM]

In my opinion, that is a ridiculous price. PV panels can be found for about $1 per watt. A very good MPPT charge controller is around $500. Cables and miscellaneous may be $100. $4300 for installation seems excessive to me. Solar installation is not a difficult if you are into DIY projects. My 650 watt system cost me about $1300 installed (by me). That said, the initial learning curve can be a bit steep if not into electronics.

I suppose I should add... If including a new battery bank, inverter, and/or elevated structure of PV mounting... that $4300 may start to make more sense.

[dpepper7390]

We're also looking at going solar.
I checked at a local place yesterday. They quoted me $5,300 for a 320w installed system. That seems high to me, but that's the only one I've checked.

We boondock for about 10 days at a time in Arizona/California area. I know it won't run the AC in the summer, but the rest of the year it would run everything else. Love to hear suggestions. We have a 2006 CC Inspire 40ft diesel.

[JFNM]

Howdy Bob! It sounds like your timing is right! Solar for boondockers is a really fantastic thing (IMHO)! I've put a bunch of solar information on my blog and I agree with the others, an energy audit will tell you exactly how much power you typically consume which will give you a target for your solar system. If on a tight budget, solar allows you to add capacity as you are able but this generally requires having the target in mind so you can size components (cables, charge controller, etc.) correctly.

[mrkoje]

rcjunkie wrote:
I'd avoid anything by "gone with the wynns" and find more credible online sources.

Solar can do almost anything you want it to except run your a/c.

Only drawback is cost and install can be a pain in the ass.

If you're going to say avoid anything by "Gone With The Wynns" then at least follow that up with a reason or two as to why. Who knows it could be helpful.

I've personally enjoyed reading about their adventures and watching their videos. Matter of fact - one of the first videos I watched regarding solar setups on RVs was on their website. Their videos are not filmed as how to videos or step by step instructions and they're not meant to be.

Anyways - I'm just going to leave this here:

http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/off-the-grid-how-rv-solar-works

MK

[rcjunkie]

I'd avoid anything by "gone with the wynns" and find more credible online sources.

Solar can do almost anything you want it to except run your a/c.

Only drawback is cost and install can be a pain in the ass.

[wallynm]

READ THIS

bobkatmsu wrote:
Assume I know nothing about solar power in a RV. Yea, that's pretty close. I have a 2007 Gas Safari Simba, 38'. I am 11 months from retiring, while we won't be full timers, at least not yet, we plan on being on the road 7-8 months of the year. We enjoy boondocking in remote areas. Where do I start? What can solar do for me? What are the positives and negatives? I've got a year to get ready, can someone point me in the right direction?

[PastorCharlie]

I have 500 AMP battery group with 2,000 WATT Magnum Inverter with 3 stage charging and 2 130 WATT solar panels with 30 AMP booster.

I have used the system for 10 years and it does a great job as most of our use is boondocking. Operates everything except W/D and heat pumps.

On extended rainy days may have to use generator to help with charge.