PeterWilderness
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Re: Opinion on portable/fixed solar panel for our rv?
Almot wrote: NinerBikes wrote: ...when the weekend trip is over, they will still need to top off all the batteries with a full charge to 16.0V, to equalize the cell charges, before putting away in storage. Yes, and this can be easily done on a shore power - assuming they go back to shore power after a weekend. The whole idea of "battery-only" living - not a new idea btw - was in the context of a short stay, few days top. With 4*6V batts one can stay 4-5 days, if they only have low current loads like LED lights, pumps and laptop - like they said. With 2*6V - only 2 days. To the OP - still look into those portable kits from Solar Blvd, around 160-200w. Yes, controller is a cr-p but the kit isn't too expensive even if you use only panels, and they ship for free within 48 states. Panels are a pair, if you take a close look. They are hinged together and some legs are included (I think). The pair weighs over 30 lbs, but you can remove the hinge and use pins to handle them separately if needed. Portable kit of that size is some pain to set up and fold every time, this is why not many people are using them. Another problem is that the whole kit may walk away when you are not there :)... I forgot when I purchased anything locally last time, other than some items from Home Depot. US shipping/receiving outlets are plentiful along the BC/WA border, between Tsawassen and Abbotsford there is probably a dozen. Should be some further East too. They provide you with "residential-looking" address like J. Doe 123 Nowhere Str, Wa - which is the address of their outlet. Works like a charm with Amazon and any online retailer, as long as retailer accepts payment with Canadian-issued credit card. Many accept Paypal too. You pay a small fee when picking up the package, and Canadian customs at the border usually ignore GST/PST on purchases of few hundred bucks. Thanks for all this information Almot. Appreciate the info on the border outlets as well! Peter592Views0likes0CommentsRe: Opinion on portable/fixed solar panel for our rv?
BFL13 wrote: You can get 12v panels for about $2/watt here (AFAIK you can pick up yourself in Vancouver for no shipping) It is still expensive . . . Thanks for this BFL13 . . . I camp in the interior of BC, and often in the Clearwater area. There are a lot of trees there so most of the camping will see the trailer, or parts of it, in the shade. That is why I was thinking of a portable unit. As for having a generator, thanks for the idea, but we are staying clear of any generators. Having more of a battery bank may help. Something worth considering . . . Peter592Views0likes0CommentsRe: Opinion on portable/fixed solar panel for our rv?
Almot wrote: If you have access to any of those private receivers across the border in WA, you can get it for half the price and with free shipping. . . . . Thanks for all the information Almot. I will check it out :) Peter492Views0likes0CommentsRe: Opinion on portable/fixed solar panel for our rv?
pianotuna wrote: Hi Peter, 90 watts is too little to adequately service a 232 amp-hour battery, except while the RV is in storage. In perfect solar conditions 140 watts on an MPPT controller would be barely enough. Kits are often outrageously over priced. The Overland is no exception. Costs for materials are less than $2.00 per watt, lock stock and barrel. Panels can be had for as little as $0.74 cents per watt. Thanks Don. I'm finding installed prices quite high around here (interior of BC). i.e. "a Sharp 250 watt solar panel and 20 amp mppt charge control with advanced remote display. This system installed is $995.00 + 5% gst". Had quotes for an installed 160 Watt, 30 amp controller, at about $900 installed. Guess I'll look at sourcing the raw material myself and do the install as well. Peter440Views0likes0CommentsOpinion on portable/fixed solar panel for our rv?
Hi everyone, Been looking for a solar solution. Choosing between a fixed and portable system. Pros and cons for both. We don't use a lot of appliances. Just lights in the evening (will be getting LED), and charging up small laptop, iPad, and iPhone. Will run a fantastic fan on hot days. And rarely, the furnace. We often camp in provincial campsites so we do get into a lot of sites that have shade. Thinking the portable would be better for the ability to move panels around in sunny spots. Anyway found this site, Overland Solar and looking at their 90 watt unit to charge our 2-6 volt batteries. Anyone here have any experience with Overland Solar, or opinions on 90 watt portables? Ideally? A fixed solar panel that works okay in the shade. But my research online says that is not a realistic expectation. While I'm at it, I'm open to any solution to suit our requirements that would preferably involve a west coast Canadian company to save on shipping, etc. And I'm open to installing the system myself. Just thinking a "good" rv service centre would be better qualified to do the installation. Thanks, Peter6.6KViews0likes34Comments
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