Solar ?

[SoCalGalcas]

I've seen a couple of reviews on Solar Blvd getting good reviews. I've been in touch with them via email and they have been very helpful for me. Told me exactly what I would need for my Cosy Camper. lyn

[MaryG]

Mitch, I am doing research on solar panels and thought this portable unit looked nice, esp with the "alarm"!! I wondered if the solar-experienced people could look and give comments, like "too expensive, too big" and recommend portable units that they would prefer.
http://store.offthegridrvsolar.com/prod ... al-series/

[mitch5252]

Mitch, I am doing research on solar panels and thought this portable unit looked nice, esp with the "alarm"!! I wondered if the solar-experienced people could look and give comments, like "too expensive, too big" and recommend portable units that they would prefer.
http://store.offthegridrvsolar.com/prod ... al-series/

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That price, to inexperienced me, seems high, compared to what I paid. But, it's ready to go, and I'm sitting here building stuff right now (but that's something I enjoy.) Sadly enough, this is my kitchen.



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[Yakn1]

Love that picture Mitch! Wish I could get away with having all that stuff on my kitchen table

[MaryG]

I am impressed that you can work on your own electronics, Mitch. You just need a bigger table.

[mitch5252]

I am impressed that you can work on your own electronics, Mitch. You just need a bigger table.

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Don't be too impressed.
Yes, I can work on stuff, however, it doesn't always end up functional, or even put back together.
(oh, how that drove George nuts - I'd take something apart and then couldn't get it back together...he was truly a saint.)

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[Cudedog]

Several mentions on this thread regarding wind power for an RV. . . This one has me scratching my head. I have some small experience with (stationary) wind generators, and I confess that I just can't see how this would work with an RV.

Here are some problems:

1. If the wind is blowing hard enough to turn the blades it is not weather you would generally wanting to be out walking around in
2. The tower supporting the blades needs to be high enough for the blades to get an unobstructed "view" of the wind
3. Wind generator blades turn with some speed. The blades need to be high enough so that someone didn't accidentally walk into them (when they are turning they make very little noise). Anyone who accidentally walked into them would very quickly be. . . dead.
4. The mounting tower needs to be securely anchored or it will just blow over
5. A wind system is not lightweight. It needs to be fairly buff in order to withstand the stresses of constantly moving parts
6. & etc.

All in all, wind power is orders of magnitude more complex than solar power, with a whole lot of hidden dangers.

If I have misunderstood what was meant by "wind power" on this thread, please educate me.



Anne

[JoanE]

If I have misunderstood what was meant by "wind power" on this thread, please educate me.



Anne

Oh, you will be!

[Bethers]

Mitch, I am doing research on solar panels and thought this portable unit looked nice, esp with the "alarm"!! I wondered if the solar-experienced people could look and give comments, like "too expensive, too big" and recommend portable units that they would prefer.
http://store.offthegridrvsolar.com/prod ... al-series/

Mary, what do you need it to do?

It looks like a good system, but you'd still need an inverter. And I'd go look on other sites (check Amazon, for example) for similar systems and see the prices. It does look expensive to me. But if it is just what you need, and all put together and pretty much ready to go (you still have to understand how to hook it up) then go for it.

I do laugh at the site saying that portable is better because you can move it and angle it no matter where you park. Well, um, how long are the hookups to the batteries? You don't want to be too far from them, so there you go thinking about how to park to best set it. On my roof, with a mounted system, I lose almost nothing - and no need to angle anything. I had intended to get a portable system, but the more I talked and priced, the more I preferred the mounted system.

That said, I did end up paying more lol ... but got more than I thought I was going to, also.

[mitch5252]

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Finished wiring the solar panel last night around midnight. Today, it doesn't work. Have no clue why. I have taken apart ALL the connections and will start from scratch, this time NOT wrapping 10,000 feet of electrical tape around each connection. What a PITA THAT was!

Very discouraging.
But I have not thrown in the towel...
I will live to wire another day.
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[Redwahine]

About wind generators. I had one on the stern of my sailboat. It kept the batteries charged while at anchor when we did not run the engine or generator. When I get solar, I'll get it wired to plug one in so I can put it on top of my ladder. It operates in winds as low as 4 mph.

[Cudedog]

I had one on the stern of my sailboat. It kept the batteries charged while at anchor when we did not run the engine or generator

Interesting! Thanks for the info. It must be a LOT smaller than what I am used to. How many watts at 4mph?

Anne

[Cudedog]

Finished wiring the solar panel last night around midnight. Today, it doesn't work. Have no clue why. I have taken apart ALL the connections and will start from scratch, this time NOT wrapping 10,000 feet of electrical tape around each connection. What a PITA THAT was!

Man, I HATE IT when that happens. I like to tinker, but I have yet to take on a solar system. Hats off to you. Once I get my van finished, it is next on my list.

Looking forward to hearing about your progress.

Anne

[Bethers]

Anne, I learned a lot about the wind farms when one was built by guys who stayed at the motel I managed. Too much and too strong winds are not good, either. They just need an area where wind is normal and fairly steady - but doesn't take a lot. At high winds they sometimes have to shut them down. That said, the wind needed for an rv is way less than those big monsters we see generate. And I can see it working well on a boat - as there is normally some wind near the shores.

[avalen]

About wind generators. I had one on the stern of my sailboat. It kept the batteries charged while at anchor when we did not run the engine or generator. When I get solar, I'll get it wired to plug one in so I can put it on top of my ladder. It operates in winds as low as 4 mph.

I'm intrigued by this too, if its mounted on the ladder, do you have to take it down or disable it when your driving down the road?