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Joined: 22 Sep 2011
Location: Chapel Hill,NC
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Posts: 1081 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: SOLAR PANEL
    Posted: 12 Aug 2017 at 11:29pm
We have a Renogy 100 watt suitcase system. It keeps our two  six volt golf cart 220 ah batteries charged. We are out for several months at a time . We left home on July 15 and have been on the road for almost a month now. Between driving with the tv recharging and the solar  system, we have no need to hook into the power grid.
We use solar interior lights, led lights in the pod and the propane stove and refrigerator. We use the 12 volt water pump but do not use the water hea.
After a nights usaage, our batteries may drop to 12.4, but they are recharged to 12.9 or 13.0 by noon on solar or within about 3 hours if we are driving.
Vann

Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
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DaleH View Drop Down
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Joined: 18 Jul 2017
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Posts: 16 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Aug 2017 at 11:43am
A workable solar power system to do what you need it to do has to have adequate storage (battery) capacity and adequate generating (solar panels/charge controller) capacity. It really is a matter of being aware of just how much power you are using each day and whether you can replace that efficiently. The problem is that the sun doesn't always cooperate, so excess capacity is always good. 

I just bought a Go Power! 120 watt suitcase solar kit. I'm very impressed with it so far, nice heavy (efficient) cables, numerous connection options including a plug and play connector for the trailer's solar ready connector. Our new R-Pod came with a single 90 Ah battery and it's not enough for us to go off the grid with. I'll be replacing it with a couple of 6 volt golf cart batteries to boost our storage to 220 Ah or so. 

As Leo mentioned, unless you have a 12 volt TV, you'll need an inverter which adds another layer of complexity and power consumption.

I'm sure others will be along to add to this.
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Leo B View Drop Down
podders Helping podders - pHp
podders Helping podders - pHp
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Joined: 13 Jan 2012
Location: Lyndonville, VT
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Posts: 4517 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Aug 2017 at 11:05am
Do you have a 12v tv? 
Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
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2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171
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henryv View Drop Down
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Joined: 09 Feb 2017
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Posts: 259 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Aug 2017 at 10:48am
I have a 2016 171 R-pod. I need to know what is the smallest and minimum solar panel I need. I understand it is for trickle charging the battery when boon docking. Is that right? So if I am traveling, lets say and I spend a night in a Wal Mart or somewhere then I can safely use the lights, tv, and fan for let's say one night safely then the next day the tow vehicle will charge the battery back up. But if I'm sitting for a couple nights or more without shore power, solar will keep the battery up as long as I don't use other than what I mentioned. Please tell me if that is correct, or explain the error in my understanding. Thanks yall
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