Solar hook up
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8154
Printed Date: 23 May 2025 at 6:36pm
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Topic: Solar hook up
Posted By: Danny boy
Subject: Solar hook up
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2016 at 11:34am
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I want to hook up solar to my 2017 R POD 180 and was researching the different panels out there. Is there anyone that has suggestions as far as wattage required and if there is a big difference between panels? The solar kit I was looking at is the ECO WORTHY 100 watt kit on Amazon as the price is really good ($209.00) and comparing it with other companies it looks the same as the $350.00 unit from another company. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, Dan |
Replies:
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2016 at 1:21pm
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Hello and welcome from San Antonio! Well, to get it right the first time depends on all kinds of questions. Like: What does it include? Does it have all the connectors, feedline, charge controller, and stand or mounting hardware, etc...some deals do some deals don't and those parts can add up pretty fast. Also, know that there are currently 3 types of solar cell technology I think the most efficient right now is still the monocrystaline panel, the others have a place as well. Also, will a 100w panel serve your purpose? What are you trying to accomplish with solar? All good solar projects include a power consumption survey for proper solar panel sizing so you don't over buy or under buy. Sometimes a small inverter generator is a better solution.
------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Heartshot
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2016 at 3:46pm
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Hi, I am no solar expert, but I got this one from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts-Monocrystalline-Foldable-Suitcase/dp/B00HR8YNK6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1465674107&sr=8-4&keywords=solar+panel+for+rv&refinements=p_89%3ARenogy) and it has worked very well. Folds up for easy storage, has a good converter and built in stand. Keeps the batteries in my Pod topped up, and I camp almost exclusively off the grid. I'm in CO, so we have lots of sun, as do neighboring states. Did 5 days in Utah this spring on BLM and batteries never fell below full.
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Posted By: Danny boy
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2016 at 1:21pm
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Thanks for the info guys it was helpful. I checked out that solar panel on Amazon and it looks like that one would work great for my needs. Thanks again, Dan |
Posted By: Danny boy
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2016 at 6:41pm
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Since I'm a newbie I need to ask a question that might get a response like "DA" but I will ask it anyway. I was wondering if there is a get together for I POD owners in northern California this summer. My wife and I live in Pioneer, that's in the foothills between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, would anyone know of such a get together someplace near there? Thanks, Dan |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2016 at 11:02am
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All of the get-togethers posted on this forum are here: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=23&title=events-and-campouts - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=23&title=events-and-campouts You can find more on other forums, although depending on the forum it may be brand and/or model-specific. Most (all?) here, aren't. You can also start your own! No such thing as a dumb question here. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Westgl
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2016 at 3:43pm
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I am testing my new to me Renogy 100w solar suitcase panels. I am charging up some car batteries, that I have, that are in good condition. Both batteries are around 12.56 volts before connecting solar panels, and controller went up to 18 volts at 4.2 amps input is what it looks like it is telling me, then backed off somewhat, and the output was at about 14.10 volt,
at 2.8 amps and reducing from there. So overall I am liking this setup.
------------- 2010 RAV4 V6 2017 RPOD 179 Hood River Edition Dual 6 volt Batts Dual propane Tanks Batt Disconnect Bed leg extension Dinette modification Renogy 100w solar Motorcycles several currently |
Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2016 at 8:06pm
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Hey Danny Boy My wife and I have a 179 rpod and we also live in Pioneer, Ca. Between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. Will come to the group. John
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Posted By: Danny boy
Date Posted: 20 Jun 2016 at 7:09pm
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Let's see if we can get a "get together" at Bear River Reservoir at the end of their camping season, which is the last weekend of September. My wife and I camped there last year at that time and it was awesome as there was nobody there. I only counted 4 sites that were filled besides ours. The weather is great that time of year, the lake is in great shape this year (unlike last year when the lake was about 70 feet low from the drought), filled up to the top, and the snow up above is still melting. Hoping for some good fishing this year. We went up there for Father's Day to do a little fishing and a little 4-wheeling. We had a fun day. If this sounds like a fun long weekend to enough fellow R-POD owners, I will do the homework to make it happen. Let me know if it sounds like fun to anyone ~ Dan |