Solar panels vs generator
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Topic: Solar panels vs generator
Posted By: Nowakgolden
Subject: Solar panels vs generator
Date Posted: 23 Oct 2016 at 9:11pm
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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 |
Replies:
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 23 Oct 2016 at 9:56pm
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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 ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 24 Oct 2016 at 12:21pm
| If you're boondocking in the South, you'll want a generator to run the A/C. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 24 Oct 2016 at 6:24pm
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. ------------- |
Posted By: Nowakgolden
Date Posted: 24 Oct 2016 at 8:53pm
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We plan to visit me of the national parks possibly in California. ------------- Sue |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 24 Oct 2016 at 9:17pm
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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 ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Slyder
Date 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. ------------- Steve and Jan 2016 r-pod 179 2015 Audi Q5 TDI |
Posted By: Nowakgolden
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2016 at 10:40pm
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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 |
Posted By: Nowakgolden
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2016 at 10:42pm
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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 |
Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2016 at 4:22pm
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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. |
Posted By: JScottHouse
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2016 at 8:06pm
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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! ------------- 2016 RP-180 2013 Ford Explorer 4WD |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2016 at 9:34am
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. ------------- |
Posted By: JScottHouse
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 9:55am
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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. ------------- 2016 RP-180 2013 Ford Explorer 4WD |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 11:00am
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.. ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 8:06pm
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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 ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 8:08pm
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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 ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: JScottHouse
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 9:18pm
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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. ------------- 2016 RP-180 2013 Ford Explorer 4WD |