by Bethers » Sun Mar 04, 2012 1:52 pm
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.
Beth
“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~
"He who treasures the small things in life has found the path to true happiness"