This is for a truck camper, no a/c. This would be to keep batteries charged. I was putting together a solar kit (on paper, for purchase at a later date) and started thinking about a generator and whether that is a more efficient/effective solution.I live in the PNW and some of the solar mfg./retailers state there is less sunlight, so the solar panels will be less efficient than in other parts of the country. I was going to put together a 200watt system, probably roof mounted.Then I got to thinking that a 2kw generator would cost (maybe) less than the solar panel set up and put out probably close to 1500 watts, 12 amps. So, will the generator recharge my batteries (two deep cycle) in an hour where the solar would take a full day of full sun (realizing the amps used per day is unknown, just wondering about the efficiency between the two)?When boondocking, especially when no one else is around, I don't mind running a quiet generator for an hour or two.Solar panel specs:Max System Voltage (IEC/UL): 600VVoltage at Maximum Power Point: 18.0VMaximum Power: 100 W (0%, +6%)Current at Maximum Power Point: 5.56 ASeems to me with the panels in full sun I could get 3-5 amps (per 100 watt panel). With the generator I'm guessing 12-15 amps (1.5-2 times what the solar would give me, assuming two 100 watt panels). Does that seem right?Thanks.

First questionSOL OSOMBRABull Ring terminologySunorShade???

No one in their right mind attempts to fully charge a battery bank from a genny. Solar is the best option. A 100 watt panel system may be 1/4 the cost of a good generator. The only reason to go genny is if you wish to run the roof air conditioner.

While a generator is certainly more effective, I don't know how to address efficiency. A lot of us have solar simply for the no-gas, no-hassle, no-noise, no-setup aspects. Plus, when trundling down the road, we're charging. They both have their good and bad points, and having both makes for more comfortable boondocking. If you spend all your time in the PNW, you will need a generator. The sun just doesn't shine as much as in the desert SW.

We are from Oregon, address is still Oregon. We have both. There ARE rainy times when a generator is needed and times when solar is just fine. :) So go for both. Seriously, we were in AZ and had 3 days of rain....would have not had any battery life if we were depended only on panels. BUT, I DO love the panels...:) :)

Over the 40 years I've had an RV and been boondocking, I have always used a generator.In the beginning it was a 1000 watt honda just to keep the batteries topped off each day. I ran it for up to 8 hours on 1/2 gallon of gas.Currently I have 2 Honda 2000i with the parallel kit. I carry one if no air conditioning will be needed and both if we will need air conditioning.These keep my 4 12V batteries charged up and ready for each night of lights, microwave, sat receiver, TV and two laptops plus cellphones. We can run off of the batteries for a couple of days before having to charge.The advantage of the generators...if power goes out at my home, I can use them. If I need power at a remote location for tools I can use the generator(s). Solar panels aren't as portable.

Solar or Generator for Boondocking | Good Sam Community

MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Aug 20, 2015
First question

SOL

O

SOMBRA

Bull Ring terminology

Sun

or

Shade

???
pianotuna
Nomad III
Aug 20, 2015
No one in their right mind attempts to fully charge a battery bank from a genny. Solar is the best option. A 100 watt panel system may be 1/4 the cost of a good generator. The only reason to go genny is if you wish to run the roof air conditioner.
2oldman
Explorer II
Aug 20, 2015
While a generator is certainly more effective, I don't know how to address efficiency.

A lot of us have solar simply for the no-gas, no-hassle, no-noise, no-setup aspects. Plus, when trundling down the road, we're charging.

They both have their good and bad points, and having both makes for more comfortable boondocking. If you spend all your time in the PNW, you will need a generator. The sun just doesn't shine as much as in the desert SW.
amandasgramma
Explorer
Aug 20, 2015
We are from Oregon, address is still Oregon. We have both. There ARE rainy times when a generator is needed and times when solar is just fine. :) So go for both. Seriously, we were in AZ and had 3 days of rain....would have not had any battery life if we were depended only on panels. BUT, I DO love the panels...:) :)
the_bear_II
Explorer
Aug 20, 2015
Over the 40 years I've had an RV and been boondocking, I have always used a generator.

In the beginning it was a 1000 watt honda just to keep the batteries topped off each day. I ran it for up to 8 hours on 1/2 gallon of gas.

Currently I have 2 Honda 2000i with the parallel kit. I carry one if no air conditioning will be needed and both if we will need air conditioning.

These keep my 4 12V batteries charged up and ready for each night of lights, microwave, sat receiver, TV and two laptops plus cellphones. We can run off of the batteries for a couple of days before having to charge.

The advantage of the generators...if power goes out at my home, I can use them. If I need power at a remote location for tools I can use the generator(s). Solar panels aren't as portable.
Ace_
Explorer
Aug 20, 2015
pianotuna wrote:
No one in their right mind attempts to fully charge a battery bank from a genny. Solar is the best option. A 100 watt panel system may be 1/4 the cost of a good generator. The only reason to go genny is if you wish to run the roof air conditioner.

But wouldn't most people need more than a 100 watt panel system?
2oldman
Explorer II
Aug 20, 2015
Ace! wrote:
But wouldn't most people need more than a 100 watt panel system?
Yes. 360 is about minimum for 'comfortable' electric use.
MrWizard
Moderator
Aug 20, 2015
BOTH
the sun doesn't shine all the time
cloudy weather, rain overcast, parked in the woods
all cut the solar energy harvest way down
Wet_Coast
Explorer
Aug 20, 2015
Just went through all this! Up here on Vancouver Island we get close the same weather you will.

We run two CPAP machines, the water pump, a Dometic 2620 fridge and few LED lamps when out. Never with hookups..

230 watt panel will top up the 4 240 AH batts on good "sunny" days. Two days of rain and that goes out the window. 2000w Honda and a Progerssive Dynmics 60amp controller charger and the batts are back up in a couple of hours. I can top the batts back up and be good for another 2-3 days when overcast.

Now, your choice of controller/charger will depend on what you decide by reading through the various threads that have come up in the past few days. Lots of good info has flown by! Whatever you get for a charger, make sure the output of the gennie will be enough to run it.

My PNW mileage and experience, yours may vary!
Ace_
Explorer
Aug 20, 2015
Thanks all. Very informative.

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