Solar panels in the wind - R-pod Owners Forum

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johnmaci

Senior Member

Joined: 17 Jun 2014
Location: MD
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 202

Topic: Solar panels in the wind
Posted: 08 Feb 2015 at 6:08pm

A very informative video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFlkBMIKTCg

Skyward

Newbie

Joined: 10 Mar 2014
Location: Pahrump NV
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 16

Posted: 08 Feb 2015 at 5:21pm

Thanks for all the advice. We are trying out the 100v panels this week-will let you know!

Skyward
2014 179 R Pod
2004 Ford Explorer XLT

johnmaci

Senior Member

Joined: 17 Jun 2014
Location: MD
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 202

Posted: 08 Feb 2015 at 5:11pm

I find the 100W panel to be more than sufficient for boondocking. Keeps the battery topped off during the day while we run the water pump, radio, 12v usb phone charger, etc.
And we replaced the group 24 for a larger group 27 battery.
I also have a new generator, but have never used it since I try to just use the fans for ventilation and cook outside. I'd rather leave the power hungry appliances for when fully hooked up.

fwunder

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Joined: 04 Oct 2013
Location: New Jersey
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Posts: 1676

Posted: 08 Feb 2015 at 9:50am

Just use your 30/15 adapter and plug it in.

Lots of folks run their AC off the Yammy 2400. Starts and runs fine. No mods. Just don't plan on using your hair dryer at the same time.

fred

2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6
Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!

Podster

Senior Member

Joined: 16 Sep 2014
Location: San Antonio
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Posts: 1108

Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 7:14pm

Originally posted by fwunder

Originally posted by Podster

Will your generator run the POD A/C...no problem?

Yep! I'm glad I have it. It's great for DW's hair dryer. She's happy, we're all happy! ;)

fred

Fred, how do you connect it, I don't see a 30amp plug? and...does it strain with the A/C? Is it maxed out or is there plenty of headroom? Did you do the cap startup mod on the A/C?

Thanks...

Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)

Podster

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Joined: 16 Sep 2014
Location: San Antonio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1108

Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 7:10pm

Originally posted by Podster

Originally posted by johnmaci

I have the Renolgy Portable Solar Suitcase (100w) with Go Power extension cord and 7 pin trailer adapter:
http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Foldable-Suitcase-Battery-Charger/dp/B00HR8YNK6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1423326946&sr=8-3&keywords=renology

Wow, this looks good...I like it. Nicely packaged, everything you need except maybe the charge line extensions.

How is the 100w panel holding up for you as far are recharge capacity?

The flexible stuff is to expensive, you can by a high end generator for that kink of money.

Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)

fwunder

Senior Member

Joined: 04 Oct 2013
Location: New Jersey
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1676

Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 4:27pm

Originally posted by Podster

Will your generator run the POD A/C...no problem?

Yep! I'm glad I have it. It's great for DW's hair dryer. She's happy, we're all happy! ;)

fred

2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6
Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!

Podster

Senior Member

Joined: 16 Sep 2014
Location: San Antonio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1108

Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 3:33pm

Wow, this looks good...I like it. Nicely packaged, everything you need except maybe the charge line extensions.

How it the 100w holding up for you as far are recharge capacity?

The flexible stuff is to expensive, you can by a high end generator for that kink of money.

Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)

Podster

Senior Member

Joined: 16 Sep 2014
Location: San Antonio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1108

Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 3:26pm

Originally posted by fwunder

From my limited experience...my dual EGC2 group 230 batteries, a yamaha 2400 iSCH, LED's and a little conservation has mitigated any need for additional power.

Will your generator run the POD A/C...no problem?

Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)

johnmaci

Senior Member

Joined: 17 Jun 2014
Location: MD
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 202

Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 12:26pm

I have the Renolgy Portable Solar Suitcase (100w) with Go Power extension cord and 7 pin trailer adapter:
http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Foldable-Suitcase-Battery-Charger/dp/B00HR8YNK6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1423326946&sr=8-3&keywords=renology

for a couple of reasons;
- The panel in the photo shows it to be permanently mounted.
If you are in a shady spot under trees forget getting any real charge. It additionally cannot be pointed "Solar Noon" or depending on your location to the appropriate degree (south for me in MD) to take full advantage of solar benefits:
http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/grad/solcalc/sunrise.html
http://solarpaneltilt.com/
- Additionally, the extension cable allows me to move it up to 25' where there is no shade from trees and the 7 pin trailer adapter allows me to leave the battery covered:
http://gpelectric.com/products/portable-solar-kits-lineup

I manufactured a 25' stainless steel cable with swejd <sp> loops and a nice lock at home depot to keep the honest people honest during the day:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/EarthCo-Shade-Sails-4-ft-Stainless-Steel-Cable-Kit-017/100676000?keyword=stainless+steel+cable+and+lock
I still fold it and place it in the back of the TV for safekeeping at night

Does this sound a bit overzealous? Yes, and you will appreciate every last bit when boondocking :)