Charging the batts__Less noise to get the job done.

[Old___Slow]

Without solar;

Lots of 1000i/2000i inverters on the market. If I am correct, they output about 400w on econo (low noise). How much 12v charging can be accomplished with just 400w ?

[crcr]

HiTech wrote:
You can roll up a Unisolar into a similar packed-up volume and do the same kind of thing for less money and more watts. That's how they ship them.

Jim

Thanks for that info, Jim. But aren't those flexible panels peel and stick? For portable RV use, how would you suggest one use them?

Plus, I see the company has gone out of business, so there would be no warranty on these.

[HiTech]

You can roll up a Unisolar into a similar packed-up volume and do the same kind of thing for less money and more watts. That's how they ship them.

Jim

[pnichols]

Carl,

Thanks for posting the photos of your portable solar panel!

That's what I had in mind as the 3rd power creation leg of a great fully self-contained-anytime RV setup, although what I would really like myself is two or three of these fold-up panels you can merely throw in a drawer or small closet:

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&as_epq=F15-3600&as_oq=&as_eq=&num=100&lr=&as_filetype=&...

They're awfully expensive so most RV folks would not go that route, but for the ultimate in convenience they sure look attractive.

[crcr]

pnichols wrote:

crcr wrote:
I seen those EX650 gens come up on ebay from time to time. Do you know what year they quit producing them? What do they weigh? What is it, 650 watts output? Thanks.

You probably missed my 2nd post earlier where I provided a link to a chart comparing the specifications on a lot of the older small Honda constant speed generators. As you've found out, many of these good old 3600 RPM Hondas can be had for a song with plenty of good camping years still left in them.

Here's the link again:

http://www.tappedin.com/hop/html/litegen.htm

I'm not sure when they stopped producing the EX650 - around the late 1990's, or 2000, I think. I also was recently given a Honda EX1000 in like new condition and I'll use it outside around our residence instead of in the RV because of it's 64 dB noise level - too high for battery charging when camping. I'll keep the little EX650 (it's at least 25 years old) in the RV for it's ultra-quiet sound level of 54dB.

I have nothing against solar, but I think it should only be part of the total power mix for a well-equipped self-contained RV. Here's what I think are two very flexible setups for RV power generation in all conditions (in addition to a large battery bank and an inverter or two):

A) The next best setup - portable solar panels (not on the roof), small quiet generator for battery charging when the sun can't do it, large quiet-as-you-can-afford generator for hot weather/high humidity air conditioning.

B) The best setup - portable solar panels (not on the roof), fuel cells for battery charging when the sun can't do it, large quiet-as-you-can-afford generator for hot weather/high humidity air conditioning.

The reason I'm a fan of portable solar panels is that you can move them into the sun if you're fortunate enough to be able to park the RV in the shade and/or if you're paranoid (like me) about not having any more holes in the roof than what you already have. I also don't care for how roof mounted solar panels restrict access on the roof ... I want to be able to crawl all around up there to wax it, make modifications, and repair/inspect stuff.

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Thanks for the info and link on the EX650. Interesting unit.

Here's some pics of my 120 watt folding panel, and the custom padded suitcase I made to protect it when traveling. This panel is very sturdy, has a HD aluminum frame and built in handle, that I use to padlock it to a HD cable so it doesn't find a new neighborhood. It hits 7 amps production at higher elevations of about 7000 ft. I also have no roof panels, as I park in the shade as much as possible, so I use this. I have considered adding a panel or two to the roof, but am undecided about that.

I also have a Honda eu2000i genset, and am considering buying another so I could parallel them to run the AC. I pick these up used locally for $600-650 by waiting and watching and being the first to respond on craigslist local.

[pnichols]

Notice from the chart in my link above that the EM650 is very quiet at 56dB. This probably means that the EM500 is very quiet too - maybe less than the EM650's 56dB.

[westend]

I repaired this little Honda for a buddy. I haven't had time to test the output but it's a quiet little unit.

Honda EM500:

[pnichols]

crcr wrote:
I seen those EX650 gens come up on ebay from time to time. Do you know what year they quit producing them? What do they weigh? What is it, 650 watts output? Thanks.

You probably missed my 2nd post earlier where I provided a link to a chart comparing the specifications on a lot of the older small Honda constant speed generators. As you've found out, many of these good old 3600 RPM Hondas can be had for a song with plenty of good camping years still left in them.

Here's the link again:

http://www.tappedin.com/hop/html/litegen.htm

I'm not sure when they stopped producing the EX650 - around the late 1990's, or 2000, I think. I also was recently given a Honda EX1000 in like new condition and I'll use it outside around our residence instead of in the RV because of it's 64 dB noise level - too high for battery charging when camping. I'll keep the little EX650 (it's at least 25 years old) in the RV for it's ultra-quiet sound level of 54dB.

I have nothing against solar, but I think it should only be part of the total power mix for a well-equipped self-contained RV. Here's what I think are two very flexible setups for RV power generation in all conditions (in addition to a large battery bank and an inverter or two):

A) The next best setup - portable solar panels (not on the roof), small quiet generator for battery charging when the sun can't do it, large quiet-as-you-can-afford generator for hot weather/high humidity air conditioning.

B) The best setup - portable solar panels (not on the roof), fuel cells for battery charging when the sun can't do it, large quiet-as-you-can-afford generator for hot weather/high humidity air conditioning.

The reason I'm a fan of portable solar panels is that you can move them into the sun if you're fortunate enough to be able to park the RV in the shade and/or if you're paranoid (like me) about not having any more holes in the roof than what you already have. I also don't care for how roof mounted solar panels restrict access on the roof ... I want to be able to crawl all around up there to wax it, make modifications, and repair/inspect stuff.

[mena661]

smkettner wrote:
I can't wait to see a pic of that solar scooter :B

Club car will be next year 😉

X2!!

[BFL13]

Scroll down to photo gallery for solar scooter.

http://www.windturbine.ca/sun_panels.html

[crcr]

pnichols wrote:
The Honda EU2000i runs at a 53dB sound level when delivering about 400 watts (1/4 of it's 1600 watt continuous rating).

My Honda EX650 runs at a 54dB sound level when delivering 550 watts (all of it's 550 watts continuous rating).

Since my RV's battery bank usually charges initially at no higher than around 30-35 amps anyway, I'll probably stick with our little EX650 as long as I can keep it running. Our EX650 is around 25 years old and still starts right up even after leaving it setting around with ethanol blend gas left in it's tank, fuel line, and carburetor. It's engine is four-cycle, so no mixing.

I know most folks seem to love to buy brand new, but FWIW, one can still find the Honda EX650 used in the $200-$300 range.

I seen those EX650 gens come up on ebay from time to time. Do you know what year they quit producing them? What do they weigh? What is it, 650 watts output? Thanks.

[HiTech]

That will work REALLY well. It's important to know about the batteries in the scooter. They sound like maybe gel batteries so getting the charging right on them is important so that they do not charge at too high a voltage and cook. That panel should give them a nice boost, just need to be sure it does not take them over voltage (a function of the controller).

The LandStar that BFL and I both have would act as an inexpensive 24V PWM controller. But the batteries would have to be happy with the built in settings. For gel they are: Equalize disabled, Boost 14.2v, float 13.8v. But x2 for 24v batteries.

Jim

[pianotuna]

Hi,

I'm so glad you have become a solar convert! It is the ultimate in quiet charging, and a one time cost.

Here is a simple flow chart.

Budget-->Energy Audit-->Battery bank size-->number of watts-->PWM or MPPT.

Here is a link to the rather special spreadsheet that N8GS has created to help size solar battery charging systems!

Solar spreadsheet by N8GS

[time2roll]

I can't wait to see a pic of that solar scooter :B

Club car will be next year 😉

[Old___Slow]

Well, on the way to the forum, I ran into the big bad boy Mena on another thread. One never knows when you through the line out, who or what you may catch.

I see all the threads on solar and have been happy just to be just a lurker not a lunker clunker. Sooo, having my e/scooter and needed a sun shade like the Club Car, here is the rest of the story so far. In the middle of the night the thought came to me, why not kill two birds with one stone. Use a solar panel for the sun shade. Yesterday I ordered my first 24v solar panel from 'solarBlvd'. Guess you might say, I got hooked.

So sorry guys, must put the Club Car's awesome batt bank on the back burner. It's all 'mena's' fault.

O&S

[HiTech]

It's your best battery bank, has the most sunny roof area, and you can drive it into the sun to charge. Rolling battery bank, solar charger and AC supply.

Jim