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Topic ClosedSolar panels vs generator

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Nowakgolden View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Solar panels vs generator
    Posted: 23 Oct 2016 at 9:11pm
We are currently trying to decide between buying a solar panel or a generator. I would like to hear some feedback on what others have experienced.
Sue
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Tars Tarkas View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Oct 2016 at 9:56pm
A lot depends on what you want and where you camp.  Solar needs sun.  If you camp in woods it won't work very well at all, and it won't let you run the air con or the microwave. With enough sun and the right system it will keep your battery topped off.  On the other hand it's quiet, which is very important to some people.  The right generator will top of your battery, let you run your air con and microwave, but they all make a good bit of noise, which can be annoying to you and probably more so to your neighbors.  Also, depending on where you camp, generators can have restrictions on permitted hours of use.  Most of these considerations are matters of personal attitudes and philosophies.

A generator will work just about anywhere, anytime (except quiet hours).  We use a Yamaha 2400ishc, which is about as small as you can go and still run the air con.  You pay a premium for the name, reliability, and quietness for Hondas or Yamahas.  At least the low noise level is worth a lot.

TT

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Oct 2016 at 12:21pm
If you're boondocking in the South, you'll want a generator to run the A/C.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Oct 2016 at 6:24pm
Originally posted by Nowakgolden

We are currently trying to decide between buying a solar panel or a generator. I would like to hear some feedback on what others have experienced.


Tell us where, and how you camp.. Like many things.. not one correct answer, but a "better" answer can be given if we know your needs and expectations.
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Nowakgolden View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Oct 2016 at 8:53pm
We plan to visit me of the national parks possibly in California.
Sue
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Oct 2016 at 9:17pm
To pull together some of the things discussed above:

1.  How long will you camp w/o hookups on each trip?
2.  How many trips off-grid?
3.  Do you need to run the A/C or microwave?
4.  Do you want to back up things at home during a power outage?
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Slyder View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Oct 2016 at 2:53pm
We use both when the situation warrants. We have a 160 watt solar panel and a Honda 2000 generator. All depends on sun availability and posted quiet hours.Smile
Steve and Jan
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Nowakgolden View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Oct 2016 at 10:40pm
Probably 3-4 nights.

I know I won't be able to use the AC or micro with the solar. My husband is still getting used to the idea that he won't be able to use his kurig.

Not sure how many trips. We plan to take off this is winter and travel til we want to go home.

Never really thought about using the generator at home but that's a good thought.
Sue
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Nowakgolden View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Oct 2016 at 10:42pm
So you have good luck with the solar option when there is sun? We plan to do some traveling out west so the sun shouldn't be a problem.
Sue
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sailor323 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Oct 2016 at 4:22pm
We have 280 watts of solar power.  We figure we can camp indefinitely without hook-up.  Storage capacity is important.  Water and waste disposal are the biggest limiting factors.  We love solar, so simple, so quiet. 
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