Solar ?

[mitch5252]

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I am looking into adding a 100W (maybe 200W) solar panel to my little trailer.
I won't put it on the roof - I will make it portable to follow the sun.
My sole purpose (at this time) is to lessen generator usage in Mexico.

Anyone here use solar? Thoughts and comments, including from Beth and Liz (who both use solar).

I can't believe how much there is to read and digest about using solar.
YIKES! My brain is filling up fast. I hope I leave enough room to come up with insults to The Pest...

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[avalen]

I've been doing research on that solar thing for a couple of years now, and yes, its mind boggling but feel its very necessary.
I haven't made any decisions though on what I'm going to get.

[Bethers]

200 watts would be way overkill for one battery, and you've told me you don't intend to add a battery. 100 would be way more than enough. Especially for portable. Mine is stationary on my roof - and about 250 watts for charging 4 batteries. My 4 batteries are usually fully charged a couple hours after the sun rises ... a little longer on cloudy days.

Won't say more, as you know we've already been emailing about this!

(And don't you think this should be in Maintenance/Tech???)

[mitch5252]

(And don't you think this should be in Maintenance/Tech???)

Why, yes, it should. I'll try to move it.

[chalet05]

Love my solar, Mitch! 100 watt on the roof and plenty to do anything I want. TV, DVR, computer, charge phone, etc. I have two batteries and could add another panel if I wanted.

I run the generator for the coffeemaker and microwave so for very short times. Previously was a couple hours a day.

I had the panel mounted flat with the option of putting brackets to raise it later, but I don't see a need. I don't think you would have an issue with it being on the roof, but that's just my 2 cents.

[mitch5252]

Won't say more, as you know we've already been emailing about this!

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I feel that I should not be the only beneficiary of your solar experience, and that of other solar users.

Before I posted this thread, I searched "solar" on the Forum, and it looks like there are a few ladies looking into it or already have it.

Solar Class is open...

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[Bethers]

Love my solar, Mitch! 100 watt on the roof and plenty to do anything I want. TV, DVR, computer, charge phone, etc. I have two batteries and could add another panel if I wanted.

I run the generator for the coffeemaker and microwave so for very short times. Previously was a couple hours a day.

I had the panel mounted flat with the option of putting brackets to raise it later, but I don't see a need. I don't think you would have an issue with it being on the roof, but that's just my 2 cents.

And I think that's exactly what she needed to hear - because your setup is closer to what she has and wants to do. I do like permanent installation best, oh, and according to today's solar people, having the panels raised only gives maybe a 2% gain, and that's only if you move each day to follow the sun ... not at all worth it to me.

[grammynmaggie]

I am interested in hearing anything and everything that you ladies have about this subject
I want to have solar in my future so I'm very interested and what you ladies have to say and have learned glad you started this thread Mitch..

[cnq50b]

And I was starting to research it myself this past weekend....
Will soak up every posting on this link.

[mitch5252]

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I bit the bullet and posted on rv dot net, hoping to not start a testosterone war.
So far, so good.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27138864.cfm

There's some food for thought over there...

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[Acadianmom]

There's an article in the July Trailer Life magazine about selecting and installing a solar system. I don't know if you can read it online. I get emails from them but that's probably because I subscribe.

Martha

[cnq50b]

Mitch... read your post & the ensuing thread on rv.net... guys are guys, aren't they....
Funny things is I put the exact same unit you're looking at in my cart on amazon yesterday - as a starting point for further research.
Must be a sign....

[mitch5252]

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Catherine, if yours is Renogy brand, here's their website.
I have been having MAJOR delivery trouble with Amazon lately and am trying to not use them anymore.
Amazon's partnership with FedEx (FedEx SmartPost) has resulted in, for me and many others, delivery nightmares.

http://www.renogy-store.com/

This site also has good information, too.

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[JoanE]

Mitch, I will be waiting to hear how your system works for you. I've toyed with solar idea but haven't felt that the price made it economically feasible. Your system is way less expensive. Please keep us updated.

Joan

[Bethers]

I completely replaced my generator with solar - other posts on here about it - and it was considerably less expensive than getting a new generator - including all the extras I got. Not at all cost prohibitive when looking at it that way. And no cost to running it at all. It all depends on what you want it to do. I do recommend if anyone gets solar they make sure they get some type of inverter to go with it - so that you can USE it. Because I replaced the generator, I had it directly wired so that when I turn my inverter on, ALL my electric outlets work. Now, I don't want to run the fridge from it, so turn it to gas only when using the inverter, and I turn off the fuse to the microwave - which I can use, in small doses, but don't want pulling electric otherwise.

It all depends on what you want it to do. Most inverters only work to some outlets - or you can get one that works off a 12 volt - which I have also. Already had that, would have gotten a better one had I known I'd be wanting to use it for this purpose (pure sinewave, for example, which isn't what I have).

As to Amazon deliveries - they use the USPS most often for shipments to me - get things to me faster in AK than anyone else ... so I still like ordering from them.