Connecting Portable Solar Panels

pianotuna wrote:

obiwancanoli wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
you will soon tire of deploying portable panels.

That may be, but if it's the only way to charge the batteries, best to be able to tap into the sun

I dislike generators, but relying 100% on solar may not be wise.

If you are in a class C or class A with a v-10, it can safely be idled to recharge the batteries. Equip it with a dc to DC voltage boost device, and limit current to 1/4 of maximum alternator output.

If not equipped with a V-10, then a small generator may be a good back up source.

I do get six amps of charging at solar noon in leafy shade.

I do get three amps of charging at solar noon in the rain.

My solar farm is tiny at 256 watts, in comparison to your rather magnificent system, but now that I'm back to part time, it will be more than adequate when I upgrade to 600 amp-hours of SiO2 jars. My OEM system had ~437 amp-hours usable. (875 Amp-hours, total). I had no generator at all for 5 years. I never had to idle the v-10 in those 5 years. I ran out of fresh water before I ran out of power--and I cooked 100% electrically.

You seem to have deep pockets--so why not max out the solar panels on the roof--they are the cheapest part of the system, in terms of cost per watt. My cost per watt was $5.50 in 2005, for the panels.

Then, if you find you need them--buy some portable panels.

I'm in a Class A diesel, and a DC to DC makes sense. I do have a portable generator, though can't imagine needing it, given the upgrades occurring as I write... It's not that I have deep pockets, but as a newly retired financial planner, I've prepared well for my afterlife, and have always been of the opinion that if I want the best built house on the street, it starts, in part, with the best tools. And if I can afford the house, I can certainly afford the tools, albeit not all at the same time... cash flow... still, I'm patient, and as I continue to learn, from you and other generous contributors, I may even want to do things I haven't yet considered. One thing I HAVE considered is adding more solar. Maybe another 400W, but after all the other upgrades are done, I'll monitor for a while, and determine how much to add...

For the moment, I'm good. I do want to avoid using my generator, though occasional exercise will be practiced, to keep the wheels greased, as it were... but you've followed my posts and responded often enough that I'm sure my current setup is not unknown to you. I noted it in my initial post.

And thanks for the magnificence compliment! I actually never came close to thinking that, being the 2017 rookie that I am - how about merely impressive?

Thanks!
Michael