R-pod Owners Forum : Solar Panels for boondocking https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : Solar Panels for boondocking Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 28 Aug 2026 01:55:14 +0000 Wed, 04 Jan 2017 23:12:13 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7540 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Solar Panels for boondocking : Pod People, great info, and a... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=86489#86489 Author: bigcat
Subject: 7540
Posted: 04 Jan 2017 at 11:12pm

Pod People, great info, and a cool mod!

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8194&KW=Renogy&PN=1&title=installing-a-renogy-100-watt-suitcase-solar-panel

There was a comment on your post about how to use the installed Zamp solar port that comes installed on newer pods. I'd love to utilize this port.

Thank you!]]> Wed, 04 Jan 2017 23:12:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=86489#86489 Solar Panels for boondocking : We also have the Renogy 100 watt... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=86488#86488 Author: Pod People
Subject: 7540
Posted: 04 Jan 2017 at 9:20pm

We also have the Renogy 100 watt suitcase system.  We love it! It is simple, effective and they work. we were out for 3 months and it kept our batteries fully charged .  The only suggestion I have is if you leave in the morning to set the panels so that the sun will be directly shining on them mid day to get maximum solar input.  Otherwise, if you are still in camp, during the day you can move/adjust their angle every few hours to maximize solar gain.  I also suggest that you attach a short rope to the panels and tie it to a strong tent stake so that it will not turn over.   I saw one panel that had been blown over by the wind--they are glass and they will break.

Renogy has a very good customer support group-lots of answers to my questions. I had a warranty issue with the controller and Renogy sent a new one out immediately.  

I would recommend them without reservation. there is a post of my installation somewhere in the archives that probably could be found by searching.
Vann
]]> Wed, 04 Jan 2017 21:20:43 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=86488#86488 Solar Panels for boondocking : Howdy, we are brand new owners... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=86482#86482 Author: Rick Nic
Subject: 7540
Posted: 04 Jan 2017 at 4:34pm

Howdy, we are brand new owners and members and appreciate this forum a lot!  Camping World sold us on a Nature Power 18 Watt panel and control box, and we are going to try it.  We'll be 3-4 days each site...Southern California.  The solar plug on the 2017 R-pod exterior now says "Solar on the Side" instead of Zamp.  Is the polarity still reversed so that we'd need the adapter?  I'd prefer not to do anything more complicate do than that.  Thanks to anyone who knows!]]> Wed, 04 Jan 2017 16:34:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=86482#86482 Solar Panels for boondocking : Thanks CharlieM. My two battery's... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=86438#86438 Author: bigcat
Subject: 7540
Posted: 02 Jan 2017 at 8:44pm

Thanks CharlieM. My two battery's are 12v in parallel. Thanks for the info!]]> Mon, 02 Jan 2017 20:44:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=86438#86438 Solar Panels for boondocking : Originally posted by bigcatHi... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=86433#86433 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7540
Posted: 02 Jan 2017 at 6:03pm

Originally posted by bigcat

Hi all, .......................towards a Renogy 100w panel. ............................
Ty 

You cannot connect a 100W panel directly to the battery. You must use a controller or you risk overcharging the battery. That said, Renogy offers a solar kit that includes a controller.

If your batteries are two 12V batteries in parallel you just connect to one or the other. If you batteries are two 6V batteries in series you connect to one terminal of one battery and one terminal of the other battery.
]]> Mon, 02 Jan 2017 18:03:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=86433#86433 Solar Panels for boondocking : Hi all, we bought our 179 last... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=86428#86428 Author: bigcat
Subject: 7540
Posted: 02 Jan 2017 at 5:30pm

Hi all, we bought our 179 last fall and have only used it once. We are looking forward to a full season of mostly boondocking, and solar is the way I want to go. Our Pod has the Zamp connector installed, but I'm leaning towards a Renogy 100w panel. I like the idea of using the prewired Zamp connector and have research ways to use other brand panels with the connector. If I were to connect the panel directly to the battery, would you all recommend clamps, or is there another connection type? I have two batteries so I'm guessing I will need to connect the panel to each one, right? Or will I only have to connect the panel to one battery and the juice will flow between the two? 
Thanks in advance for any advice. 
Ty 
]]> Mon, 02 Jan 2017 17:30:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=86428#86428 Solar Panels for boondocking : I'm mechanically challenged... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=73483#73483 Author: IdahoBoy
Subject: 7540
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 at 8:30pm

I'm mechanically challenged so the plug and play is attractive. It will come down to the health of the old checkbook. Thanks for the great information.]]> Mon, 18 Apr 2016 20:30:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=73483#73483 Solar Panels for boondocking : Hi there. I'm a backpacker... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=73393#73393 Author: Baypod
Subject: 7540
Posted: 17 Apr 2016 at 9:27pm

Hi there. I'm a backpacker too, but now that we're retired we've been camping in an RPOD 178.. We bought a RENOGY portable panel (suitcase style) for our old popup and now we use it for the POD. WE found it on Amazon about 3 years ago and paid about 80 bucks. It comes with a controller, 2 mono crystalline panels and I think we bought the 50 (or thereabouts) watt version. It recharges our battery pretty quick. A half day of full sun brings us up to 12.6Volts (we have a battery monitor too...well worth the few bucks). WE did the southwest parks last summer...North Rim of Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, Zion, Arches, Mesa Verde. We were on the road for a month and the panel served us very well. Mind you, it will not run your AC or any other big electricity users, but for bringing your 12 volt system back to full charge in a pretty short time-span, whether you have two batteries or 1, that system works fine. It folds up into a suitcase that is about 3 inches deep and about 3 feet square. The controller is attached to the back of the panel and the stands/cables and connection are all included. 

I still like the solitude of backpacking or bike packing and I do not take much with me when I go, but I also like the company of my wife and dogs and fellow campers every now and then. The POD is great for that.   I believe Amazon still carries the RENOGY Panels. They make several wattages. Since we're not big gadget users, the 50 or 60 works fine. 
]]> Sun, 17 Apr 2016 21:27:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=73393#73393 Solar Panels for boondocking : I have a Renogy 100w suitcase... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=73296#73296 Author: johnmaci
Subject: 7540
Posted: 16 Apr 2016 at 9:50am

I have a Renogy 100w suitcase and it served me well while I had my OEM group 24 battery that came with my TT (going to post on Craigslist in the DC/MD/NOVA area real soon).
That said, I am 100 % off the grid when out, and have replaced my single 24 with two 6v golf cart batteries. I purchased two 100w panels on sale, MC4 cables and connectors, and a controller hoping this will keep my batteries nicely charged.
I was planning on installing on the roof, but I think I will mount on a tripod and make it portable instead. Ill post my pictures as soon as I assemble it all.
]]> Sat, 16 Apr 2016 09:50:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=73296#73296 Solar Panels for boondocking : Originally posted by IdahoBoyZamp... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=73239#73239 Author: sailor323
Subject: 7540
Posted: 14 Apr 2016 at 11:10pm

Originally posted by IdahoBoy

Zamp panels are pricey. What brands are good but affordable?



It depends on how much you want to do yourself.  Zamp and Renogy are plug and play.  Both are relatively expensive compared to build it yourself systems.  I have 2 140 watt panels (each about $230) plus a charge controller ($90 and up depending on type and amperage, but some as low as $40).  If you want a portable unit, it is possible to find smaller panels that you can join together with hinges.  A 100 watt panel would cost about $120.  Add the cost of a controller, a bit of wiring and hardware.  You could put together a 200 watt "suitcase" for less than $400.  Of course, you'd have to do all the work.  It's not hard but it's not plug and play.
]]> Thu, 14 Apr 2016 23:10:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=73239#73239 Solar Panels for boondocking : I bought the Renogy 100 watt solar... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=73229#73229 Author: GLBCamper
Subject: 7540
Posted: 14 Apr 2016 at 8:02pm

I bought the Renogy 100 watt solar suitcase. Complete kit for $265 on Amazon. Haven't tried it yet, though.]]> Thu, 14 Apr 2016 20:02:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=73229#73229 Solar Panels for boondocking : Zamp panels are pricey. What brands... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=73228#73228 Author: IdahoBoy
Subject: 7540
Posted: 14 Apr 2016 at 7:39pm

Zamp panels are pricey. What brands are good but affordable?

]]> Thu, 14 Apr 2016 19:39:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=73228#73228 Solar Panels for boondocking : Originally posted by P and... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=71531#71531 Author: Hayduke
Subject: 7540
Posted: 20 Mar 2016 at 6:29pm

Originally posted by P and D Podders

Picked up the 179 today and can't wait to get on the road. First trip will be GA to Colorado to the Dakotas to Michigan and home. Most of the time in National Parks or off grid. We will only be spending at the most 2 nights and 1 day before traveling on. I had the dealer set me up with 2 6v batteries so I will be able to see how they last. I have been looking into Zamp panels and they recommend a 160 watt set up. If we go into the SW it will probably be mid spring or fall to avoid the worst heat and hopefully will not need AC. I plan to install a 12 volt outlet soon and use a converter for small appliances.

ZAMP products are extremely overpriced for what you get, in my opinion.
]]> Sun, 20 Mar 2016 18:29:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=71531#71531 Solar Panels for boondocking : Picked up the 179 today and can't... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=71396#71396 Author: P and D Podders
Subject: 7540
Posted: 17 Mar 2016 at 11:07pm

Picked up the 179 today and can't wait to get on the road. First trip will be GA to Colorado to the Dakotas to Michigan and home. Most of the time in National Parks or off grid. We will only be spending at the most 2 nights and 1 day before traveling on. I had the dealer set me up with 2 6v batteries so I will be able to see how they last. I have been looking into Zamp panels and they recommend a 160 watt set up. If we go into the SW it will probably be mid spring or fall to avoid the worst heat and hopefully will not need AC. I plan to install a 12 volt outlet soon and use a converter for small appliances.
]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2016 23:07:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=71396#71396 Solar Panels for boondocking : I am a great fan of solar power.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=70917#70917 Author: sailor323
Subject: 7540
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 4:58pm

I am a great fan of solar power.  Go to the files section of this group to see a detailed description of our solar installation.  I think it is titled "Panel Instal.doc"  You can't produce or store enough power to run the A/C, but we don't use it so that is not a problem.  We run lights, fan, a freezer and assorted electronics on DC and use a small inverter for small appliances like a coffee grinder.  e have 2 140 watt panels and charge 2 6V golf cart batteries.]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 16:58:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=70917#70917 Solar Panels for boondocking : You're likely going to want... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=70914#70914 Author: TheBum
Subject: 7540
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 4:36pm

You're likely going to want AC in the SW and solar panels will not cut it. If you'll be off the grid most of the time, you may want to invest in a generator instead. Yes, they're noisier than solar, but you can get enough power to run the AC or anything else you could run on grid power, as well as charge the battery. Fortunately, nights in the SW aren't bad, so you could probably shut off the generator at night.]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 16:36:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=70914#70914 Solar Panels for boondocking : Welcome. How long will you be... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=70905#70905 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7540
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 1:40pm

Welcome. How long will you be off-grid for each trip? How many of those trips each year will you take. Will you be camping on-grid more often? Will you require the use of your A/C? The answers will dictate the answers to your questions.]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 13:40:35 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=70905#70905 Solar Panels for boondocking : I am about to by my first R Pod... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=70901#70901 Author: P and D Podders
Subject: 7540
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 1:13pm

I am about to by my first R Pod 179. We are new to RVing, have always been tent and backpack campers. One of our first trips will be to the Southwest and not having elec hookups is concerning. I am looking to use solar panels. How big a panel will I need? How long will it take to charge the batteries? Will I be able to operate items in the rv while it is charging? Should I add another battery?
A lot of questions I know but I haven't even started yet.

P and D]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 13:13:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7540&PID=70901#70901