Solar Power

[JulieInOregon]

Hello everyone,
I don't know anything about solar power. Does anyone know of a good book or blog to read about solar power. I'm interested in boondocking so when I get my RV I will have to get some type of solar power. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks, Julie

[Bethers]

Julie, I just added solar to my rig. It all depends on just what you want it to do as to what you need - I probably got more than I needed, but less than others swear I need - but I will NOT be using a generator, so the solar has to work for me to keep the batteries charged, and to be able to do things like vacuum and charge puters, etc. There's so many variables on what you could need. When I was going to get it in conjunction with a generator, I was only going to get 1 125 watt panel (and see if we could find a place for a 2nd battery, as I only have one). But since I got rid of my old, causing trouble generator, I went to 4 batteries and 2 125 watt panels. I can use my microwave for very short periods of time this way, but probably won't. If I wanted to add 2 more batteries, then I could use it without worrying about it. I can go without the microwave.

I read all kinds of things, and mainly they confused me. But I talked to people, and little by little found some who I felt knew what they were talking about, and narrowed down what I wanted. (Most, including those installing, didn't give me warm fuzzies, to put it mildly).

And, if they tell you the panels have to be tilted - no, they do not.

If I can answer any questions, feel free to ask. I really don't know that I'll have the answers, but will help if I can.

[Gentleladybear]

Try looking at WWW.AMsolar.com Seems to have a lot of information.

[JulieInOregon]

Beth thank you very much. I hope to travel generator free also!
Nan thanks for the link as that place is only 4 hours from my house! I will check them out! I have been doing a lot of research online. It does get confusing! J.

[jthistle]

That place is only 20 minutes from me!! Thank you!! My husband is interested in adding solar to our RV.

Jessica

[Bethers]

Just a note - compare prices. Their prices on line were higher than most I looked at. Get the TOTAL price - including everything you need, etc - and compare. They have some good info but even their package prices didn't include most of what I would have needed, etc - maybe going in person, and getting it all quoted, would be better than their website which leaves a lot to be desired.