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Topic ClosedSolar panels vs generator

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JScottHouse View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Solar panels vs generator
    Posted: 26 Oct 2016 at 8:06pm
I have two batteries, one 50w panel. My Rpod is pretty energy efficient. I can go 2-3 days with no sun, and then have the panel pick up the batteries. In six hours of sun, the panel can put 25-30 amps back in the batteries.  For hot days, I use a portable fantastic fan. I also use a small 12v TV. Most of my camping is in national park campgrounds. If needed, I have a #10 charge wire from my tow vehicle. After three nights of camping, I never get home without fully charged batteries!
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Oct 2016 at 9:34am
Originally posted by JScottHouse

I have two batteries, one 50w panel. My Rpod is pretty energy efficient. I can go 2-3 days with no sun, and then have the panel pick up the batteries. In six hours of sun, the panel can put 25-30 amps back in the batteries.  For hot days, I use a portable fantastic fan. I also use a small 12v TV. Most of my camping is in national park campgrounds. If needed, I have a #10 charge wire from my tow vehicle. After three nights of camping, I never get home without fully charged batteries!


Please don't take this wrong, but a 50watt panel can in no way shape or form put that kind of amperage into your batteries. Maximum current on a top end 50watt panel is 3A. In actual use, half of that is probably a good solid figure to work with..

BTW, if using your truck as a back up, and nothing wrong with that at all, get some high quality jumper cables. Your #10 charge wire is only rated for 30A and many trucks don't send that much anyways. BUT jumper cables can send the full output of your alternator if needed.. less run time to charge.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 9:55am
Correction ... I am wrong.  My panel can put out about 2.5A not 5.0A. I got confused because I am considering adding another 50A panel. Still, with 10 hours of direct sunlight, I can get 25A back into the batteries.  Bottom line ... If you don't use much power, you don't need a huge panel.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 11:00am
Originally posted by JScottHouse

Correction ... I am wrong.  My panel can put out about 2.5A not 5.0A. I got confused because I am considering adding another 50A panel. Still, with 10 hours of direct sunlight, I can get 25A back into the batteries.  Bottom line ... If you don't use much power, you don't need a huge panel.



That's the answer there.. the less you use, the less you have to replace.. We have been out a solid week, with no recharge and still 75% SOC. But conditions were perfect.

If adding a second panel, it doesn't have to be the same size.. Your controller may be a 10A controller, go with a 100watt and you will triple your charge. Less time fiddling with getting the panel "just right" and moving it to track the sun.. More time for camping..
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 8:06pm
Figure on getting about 12 amps usable at 12 volts over a good day from a 50 watt panel.

50 watts / 12 volts = 4.16 amps
4.16 amps * 4.5 solar insolation factor (rough US average) = 18.75 amps
18.75 amps * 0.65 (charging losses, line losses, no inverter in use) = 12.1 amps
18.75 amps * 0.5 (all losses including an inverter) = 9.4 amps
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 8:08pm
For Nowakgolden - if you usually will camp in the sun and don't care about A/C and microwave, a 100 watt PV panel will work well.  Any shade at all and the output drops steeply.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 9:18pm
I bought a 50w panel because it was a size I could easily handle and store. Thought about swapping for a 100w, but the 50w tucks neatly in my storage compartment. I have room for two 50's. The charge controller will handle up to 30A.   Every time I think I need a second panel, this little one proves I don't really need it.   I bypassed the Zamp connection at first, and ran my charge controller direct to the battery.  After a week with the sun closer to the Zamp connector, I reversed the polarity on the Zamp battery wires, and connected them to my controller. I had used MC-12 connectors.  Now I can plug the panel into either the front or rear of the camper, or use two panels.  My Renogy panel has a 20' cable to help keep it in the sun.
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