A big change for me

[avalen]

wow, thats awesome news

[linann]

This is so interesting. You will be the solar expert.

[Bethers]

This is so interesting. You will be the solar expert.

OMG, an expert, lol. Some others have solar, I know. But I don't think anyone else on the forum is intending to use it quite the way I do. I'm real excited about this. And expanding it to do everything I wanted fell into place when they really didn't think repairing my generator was a smart fiscal move anymore. I have talked about removing it, but that gave me the incentive. One gentleman I know who uses solar a lot already thinks I should get two more batteries - but I don't think I'll need them. I'm not good at spending money - but this time I'm almost happy about it - kind of like when I bought this rig. Funny - she turns 13 this year and is getting a new lease on life.

Tina, yep, when I paid Ford the big bucks back in Oct, I knew something was coming - just had to take the plunge.

[mitch5252]

OMG, an expert, lol.

Hey, we can call you "Bexpert"! I like it!

..

[bikerchic777]

Cool, Beth! Anxious to hear how you do. When I was boondocking in Key West, my next door neighbors had solar panels that he rigged up himself. I remember that they didn't have enough power to run a microwave oven or vacuum cleaner. She said she didn't miss the mw, but they had a hairy dog and she wished she could vacuum. I told her she could use my power whenever she heard my generator, so I kept an extension cord plugged in for her. I had an inverter in that nice Itasca Ellipse, but didn't even use it. I didn't know anything about it then. Realized later that my brother could have used his CPap when he was visiting, if I would have been thinking He found out that it really did help him by not using it. I got used to boondocking. It was good experience.

[Nasoosie]

WOW, Beth! How exciting is this! I have always wanted to use solar panels for at least some power, both at home and here in the trailer. I will be looking to your ventures and expertise in solar power as you learn and progress. I didn't realize that flat-installations could be nearly as good as all that angling, tilting, and moving to follow the sun around. This opens up a new possibility for me----after you take the test runs, that is!

[cpatinjones]

Great news! I am looking forward to reading how well everything falls into place. Keep us updated.

[Sprinter]

That's awesome Bethers! I trust you will get it fine tuned to meet your needs without spending a lot of extra money. You are so good at that!

Love,
Sharon

[bikerchic777]

I see there is a coupon in my email from Harbor Freight for solar panels. The battery and inverter are separate. Wondering if what you got is similar or are they specifically for RV's?

[Bethers]

I see there is a coupon in my email from Harbor Freight for solar panels. The battery and inverter are separate. Wondering if what you got is similar or are they specifically for RV's?

I don't know what Harbor Freight sent you - batteries are always separate - you already have at least one. I'm thinking you meant the inverter and controller are separate. Some rigs already have inverters, too - but if they get solar, might have to get bigger inverters.

No, they aren't specifically for rv's, but you need to know what your rv can do. I had to make sure I could fit two panels on my little roof

2nd panel came today - will be installed next week - then I can really test everything.

[bikerchic777]

Haven't studied it, but it sounds exciting! I have a tiny panel and not sure it even works. Let us know how you like yours!

[Gentleladybear]

Beth since i have been talking to people about solar for mine, did you get this installed, panels and all for 700 to 1000? I know the batteries would be more over this cost, but just trying to get an idea.

Nan

[Bethers]

Beth since i have been talking to people about solar for mine, did you get this installed, panels and all for 700 to 1000? I know the batteries would be more over this cost, but just trying to get an idea.

Nan

OMG, no lol - no one quoted me that kind of price - for the size panels I got. The batteries were more on the inexpensive side - but if you don't have an inverter - just look at the prices of those - and then look at prices of 125 watt solar panels (I have 2), then think about all the connectors, and the control panel, and installation -