R-pod Owners Forum : Solar panels vs generator https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : Solar panels vs generator Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 28 Aug 2026 02:27:14 +0000 Fri, 28 Oct 2016 21:18:00 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=8946 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Solar panels vs generator : I bought a 50w panel because it... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84106#84106 Author: JScottHouse
Subject: 8946
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.]]> Fri, 28 Oct 2016 21:18:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84106#84106 Solar panels vs generator : For Nowakgolden - if you usually... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84098#84098 Author: techntrek
Subject: 8946
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.]]> Fri, 28 Oct 2016 20:08:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84098#84098 Solar panels vs generator : Figure on getting about 12 amps... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84097#84097 Author: techntrek
Subject: 8946
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
]]> Fri, 28 Oct 2016 20:06:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84097#84097 Solar panels vs generator : Originally posted by JScottHouseCorrection... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84079#84079 Author: furpod
Subject: 8946
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..
]]> Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:00:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84079#84079 Solar panels vs generator : Correction ... I am wrong. My... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84076#84076 Author: JScottHouse
Subject: 8946
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.]]> Fri, 28 Oct 2016 09:55:43 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84076#84076 Solar panels vs generator : Originally posted by JScottHouseI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84033#84033 Author: furpod
Subject: 8946
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.
]]> Thu, 27 Oct 2016 09:34:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84033#84033 Solar panels vs generator : I have two batteries, one 50w... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84016#84016 Author: JScottHouse
Subject: 8946
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!]]> Wed, 26 Oct 2016 20:06:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84016#84016 Solar panels vs generator : We have 280 watts of solar... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84004#84004 Author: sailor323
Subject: 8946
Posted: 26 Oct 2016 at 4:22pm

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. 
]]> Wed, 26 Oct 2016 16:22:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=84004#84004 Solar panels vs generator : So you have good luck with the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83988#83988 Author: Nowakgolden
Subject: 8946
Posted: 25 Oct 2016 at 10:42pm

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.]]> Tue, 25 Oct 2016 22:42:07 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83988#83988 Solar panels vs generator : Probably 3-4 nights. I know I... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83987#83987 Author: Nowakgolden
Subject: 8946
Posted: 25 Oct 2016 at 10:40pm

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.]]> Tue, 25 Oct 2016 22:40:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83987#83987 Solar panels vs generator : We use both when the situation... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83973#83973 Author: Slyder
Subject: 8946
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.Smile]]> Tue, 25 Oct 2016 14:53:38 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83973#83973 Solar panels vs generator : To pull together some of the things... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83937#83937 Author: techntrek
Subject: 8946
Posted: 24 Oct 2016 at 9:17pm

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?
]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2016 21:17:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83937#83937 Solar panels vs generator : We plan to visit me of the national... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83934#83934 Author: Nowakgolden
Subject: 8946
Posted: 24 Oct 2016 at 8:53pm

We plan to visit me of the national parks possibly in California.]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2016 20:53:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83934#83934 Solar panels vs generator : Originally posted by NowakgoldenWe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83925#83925 Author: furpod
Subject: 8946
Posted: 24 Oct 2016 at 6:24pm

Originally posted by Nowakgolden

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.


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.
]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2016 18:24:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83925#83925 Solar panels vs generator : If you're boondocking in... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83911#83911 Author: TheBum
Subject: 8946
Posted: 24 Oct 2016 at 12:21pm

If you're boondocking in the South, you'll want a generator to run the A/C.]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2016 12:21:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83911#83911 Solar panels vs generator : A lot depends on what you want... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83894#83894 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 8946
Posted: 23 Oct 2016 at 9:56pm

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

]]> Sun, 23 Oct 2016 21:56:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83894#83894 Solar panels vs generator : We are currently trying to decide... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83892#83892 Author: Nowakgolden
Subject: 8946
Posted: 23 Oct 2016 at 9:11pm

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.]]> Sun, 23 Oct 2016 21:11:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8946&PID=83892#83892