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Got an up date for us about the trials and tribulations of learning to live with solar?

I've been running solely on solar power starting on February 6th. No electric, no generator, NO PROBLEMS Most days have been cloudy, only a couple really sunny days all day. Even on the worst cloudy/rainy/dark days, my solar panels have completely recharged my batteries - just took a little longer - but still by mid-morning. After they've been charged, I've used my little invertor (off the 12 volt) to charge camera batteries, my computer, cell phone, etc. On the sunny days, I go ahead and use the big invertor and do things like vacuum.

So far, it's all working like a charm and I'm wishing I had done this a few years ago. Of course, at that time, I wouldn't have gotten the system I did because I would have been getting in addition to the generator. Now, I'm just thrilled. Will find out how things go when I go to Big Bend NP in a few weeks, as I'm told I have a "partially shady" site - and I'm hoping I'm in enough sun to keep things charged. MIght have to see about moving sites if not. That will be the challenge when at places with no hookups. Where before I often looked for the trees, now I'll be looking for trees to not block the solar panels

bikerchic777 wrote:If I ever have to boondock for an extended period, I would love to go with solar panels! I'm glad to hear they are working so well for you I'm surprised you can even vacuum! I bought an LED TV so it doesn't use as much energy. Does a vacuum use more than your TV?

I don't watch tv when boondocking, although I could - yes it would work and many watch with their invertors. Not important to me. My tv hasn't been uncovered since I left KY the end of Dec Now if I stay longterm anywhere and have cable - yes, I get hooked again - which I'm not sure is such a good thing. Oh, the junk I can get hooked on. Meantime, I watch movies on my computer if I want to watch a movie. Works fine for me - especially since I got the external speakers.

Are there some rv solar systems that you can move around your site to find the sun?
What's the downside to that?
I can't wait to peek at yours, Beth.
Then we can discuss the details over that beer I owe you! (or margarita)

mitch5252 wrote:Are there some rv solar systems that you can move around your site to find the sun?
What's the downside to that?
I can't wait to peek at yours, Beth.
Then we can discuss the details over that beer I owe you! (or margarita)

Yes, there are. The downside is they have to be hooked up every time, un-hooked when you leave and then find a safe place to store them while you're on the road. Not as frustrating as your satelite, tho.
(Now you owe me a maggie, too!!! Peach, please)