Solar System Purchase for Weekend Boondocking
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Dec-14-2013 06:25 AM
Here is the 100W Solar Panel we've decided on. $169 & free shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/RENOGY-Monocrystalline-Photovoltaic-Battery-Charging/dp/B009Z6CW7O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387034158&sr=8-1&keywords=100w+solar+panel
The Converter in our travel trailer does not work. So rather than replacing it we are going solar. We almost never hook onto Shore Power (dedicated boondockers). So, when we install our little solar system, what will we lose by not having the converter? and will there be wiring problems created by the not-working converter/charger?
Charge Controller: We'll get the best PWM w LCD that we can afford. MPPT is just too expensive:
http://www.amazon.com/Amp-PWM-Charge-Controller-Display/dp/B00FB3OPKM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1387034226&sr=8-2&keywords=30a+charge+controller+with+lcd
We currently have a typical cheapo 35 Amp Hour battery. Could this setup handle:
1. A second battery?
2. A second panel?
3. A real battery with 70-80 Amp Hours?
When finances allow, we would like to expand our system. So overall, would this be a worthy start? How would you expand later? Maybe different start up purchases?? Maybe sell all this and start again with a real MPPT charge controller???
We are soon to take the leap into this little PV solar system setup for $270-$300 and use last years battery. Then a new battery ... then 2 batteries ... and then... and then... EEEK!
And finally, will this small system require a FUSE and/or a KILL switch? Each time you cut and connect wire, you lose some valuable power. But what level of saftey is neccessary?
THANKS !!!
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Dec-24-2013 07:03 AM
We always carried a spare, fully charged, optima battery. We used that spare just a few times but were glad we had it.
2007 Dodge RAM 3500 Long Bed / Single Rear Wheel
Traveling full-time in an RV and sailboat since 2007
Our full-time blog: http://roadslesstraveled.us
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Dec-18-2013 05:01 AM
We use to be ultra low power users and a single grp 27 could last us quite a while if furnace isn't needed. Then as West said, we got solar and started camping like pigs power wise. Lights,fans, furnace, etc. etc. etc. If it has a switch, we are not worried about using it.
I was never a fan of the kits as I could pick up the parts separately and do better while getting better gear. Lately the kits have been so inexpensive that they are hard to ignore. Their weak point is the no name controller but for very little you could buy a tested reliable and change it out in the event of a failure.
As far as battery goes, we have been using a single grp 27 with our solar and as long as we don't get 3 days of clouds in a row, it keeps up even with furnace usage. Should you expect bad weather you may want more battery or a alternate means of charging. That could be a generator and stand alone charger or even a simple pair of heavy jumper cables to the truck.
2003 Ford Expedition with 435w tilting portable/ TS-MPPT-45
750w solar , TS-MPPT-60 on the trailer
675 Ah bank, Trip-lite 1250fc inverter
Sportsman 2200w inverter generator
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Dec-15-2013 04:02 AM
2013 Thor Chateau 31L
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Dec-15-2013 02:48 AM
I think you are low balling your usage.
Here is a simple flow chart.
Budget-->Energy Audit-->Battery bank size-->number of watts-->PWM or MPPT.
One rule of thumb is between 60 and 150 watts of panels per 100 amp-hours of storage. The smaller the battery bank the high the wattage needed (per 100 amp-hours). Here is a link to the rather special spreadsheet which includes an energy audit, that N8GS has created to help size solar battery charging systems!
Solar Spread Sheet N8GS
For a nice explanation of solar, try this link: Golden rules of solar
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.
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Dec-14-2013 10:52 AM
2012 Ram 1500 SXT Crew Cab w/5.7L HEMI, 4x4 3.55 Gears
250w Conergy 250P 24v solar with tristar 45amp mppt charge controller
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Dec-14-2013 09:14 AM
I have a group 24 battery, and last spring I added a 75W panel and a Morningstar SG-4 pwm controller, all for about $125. I wired my controller to my panel with a chopped extension cord; that way I can plug in more extension cords as desired to extend the panel to unshaded areas. I camped without hookups for a week in Yosemite and never ran short of power.
The panel you like should work fine for you. Lights on the controller could be nice, but you can just as easily check your battery with a voltage meter. Add some alligator clips or something to connect to your battery terminals, and you're set.
Liberty is meaningless where the right to utter one's thoughts and opinions has ceased to exist. That, of all rights, is the dread of tyrants. --Frederick Douglass
photo: Yosemite Valley view from Taft Point
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Dec-14-2013 09:09 AM
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Dec-14-2013 09:08 AM
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Dec-14-2013 08:49 AM
westend wrote:You may have missed how little power he uses and how short his trips are.
I guess if his converter isn't working, he needs some manner of charging the battery or did I miss something?
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Dec-14-2013 08:36 AM
Here's what I'd suggest: Upgrade your batteries, I didn't know a 35 AH battery is even made. Your usage is lowballed, but I would plan ahead to installing 200AH, at a minimum. Current prices on modules for your anticipated use indicate it would be centered around 100-130w modules. Buy a name brand charge controller, the few dollars saved by buying a cheap controller is a false economy. Install everything with wire size larger than just adequate. Carry, at a minimum, a battery charger to recharge your batteries in exceptional situations and to equalize them at intervals. A good three/four stage converter is a better choice, IMO. Solar will do a great job with your batteries but you need the Plan B of a charger to be safe and secure.
One thing not mentioned is the eventual increased use of power once you have solar. I think you'll find that you will be powering other devices that were prohibitive with your old system.
Look around for deals or sales on the bits and pieces of your new solar system. I have had good luck with Solar Blvd..
'71 Starcraft Wanderstar -- The Cowboy/Hilton
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Dec-14-2013 07:44 AM
Oasisbob wrote:Me neither. Perhaps carry another charged battery along.
Based on your estimated duration and power consumption I really do not see a need.
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Dec-14-2013 06:55 AM
With that said, I think it's a great idea to have the solar to help out some. Especially in Arizona.
2013 Thor Chateau 31L
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Dec-14-2013 06:36 AM
Wonderful wife 3 of 4 kids at home. 1 proudly serving in USAF
2018 Ford Explorer
2001 Bantam Trail Lite B-19
HAPPY TRAILS:)