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OK, I went and did it - made a big change. That's my latest blog post. Then, if you just want to see my normal type posts - go back to the two prior ones - have done 3 blog posts today.

http://ontheroadwithbeth.com/blog/2012/01/29/solar/

Wow, Beth, that is a big step. I'll bet you won't miss that old generator at all. I am anxious to see how this all works out for you - hoping to do the same myself one day. Good luck! Susan

As I know next to nothing about solar panels ect., mind if I ask if you have to periodically get up on the roof and clean them?

AlmostThere wrote:As I know next to nothing about solar panels ect., mind if I ask if you have to periodically get up on the roof and clean them?

I go on my roof once a month anyway - at that time, I'll either hose them down or clean them with window cleaner. If I'm in really dusty/dirty areas, I might go up in between occasionally and dust them off.

I hope they do a great job and you are totally happy with using them.

I'll bet that you will enjoy them..and probably you could get by with just the panels we couldn't not enough batteries and not willing to give up the tv time
that said one thing we have seen out here in the desert that totally makes sense is the panels are facing different directions instead of all in the same direction which is the normal that way you catch more of the suns rays sooner and later... if we were to add to ours that is what we would do and we would seriously check into a wind charger...but that is mote at this time just something to consider
sheila

snowball wrote:I'll bet that you will enjoy them..and probably you could get by with just the panels we couldn't not enough batteries and not willing to give up the tv time
that said one thing we have seen out here in the desert that totally makes sense is the panels are facing different directions instead of all in the same direction which is the normal that way you catch more of the suns rays sooner and later... if we were to add to ours that is what we would do and we would seriously check into a wind charger...but that is mote at this time just something to consider
sheila

I went with flat panels - no needing to angle them, etc - and they are supposed to do 90-95% as good as angling without having to move around. was told not to waste my time with angling by the guy who was originally going to do this for me in Yuma. So that's the way I researched. No way I intend to do that kind of work every time I setup/breakdown. Least amount of work is my motto.

I saw my first rig with a wind charger just a couple weeks ago - so neat.

I don't care about tv, but could watch mine with this - just would have to be careful. I can't go without my computer - and that's not a problem at all. Even if I use it on battery overnight, and charge it when the sun's out. But wouldn't be a problem running it off either the inverter or the 12 volt if I don't want to use the battery power.

Options I love options. And, I'm saying all this - but need to be doing - then I'll really know just what I can do.

I am anxious to hear how that ends up working for you. Sounds like a good plan. You will have to park in sunny spots tho!

Good for you,Beth. Now you're all ready for Baja.

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Man, from the title, I thought you were getting married, or that you were pregnant.
But solar panels are better. I can't wait to hear how they work out.
Congratulations.

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Great leap froward....now I know you're keeping that rig for a few more miles down the road....

You shouldn't need the gennie at all with that setup unless you run into several overcast days. Enjoy.

Should work out well for you. I'm still addicted to my genny for the microwave and such, but I don't have a gas oven, just the convection. I do use the inverter to run the micro to heat up coffee or leftovers or even make a pot of coffee. I have two panels, 90 watt each, and they do a pretty good job of keeping my 4 batteries charged when I'm boondocking.

You should change the name of your blog .... Off the Grid with Beth.

I'm so happy you are "going solar." Every time I have thought about it my head hurt. So you are my hero.