RE: Solar Power

[JohnT]

 
We are planning a trip to Yellowstone this fall and are considering purchasing portable solar panels to recharge one battery while we use a backup.  Unfortunately, I know nothing about solar panels, what I would need, the price of such panels, etc.  If anyone can provide some suggestions as to which brands are sufficient for that purpose, etc., or pass some helpful web links in my direction, I would certainly appreciate it.
 
 Thanks!
 
 John
 2002 Coleman Niagara
 jtanko@excite.com

[SactoCampers]

 JohnT
General rule of thumb is that you need at least a 45-watt system to adequately replenish relatively conservative battery usage. Will run around $300. Go to Costco.com. They have an ICP system that appears to be a good value. I would go with more (75-100 watts) if you can. Of course that will cost more.
 
 I just installed a 2.5 KW solar array on my home and the output is somewhat less than the ratings. But then again that s DC to AC whereas a portable RV solar system is DC to DC.
 
 You may be okay with a 45-watt system, but calculate your energy consumption to be sure. It can get cold in Yellowstone and you may be using your heater more than you think.

[Jo Ann]

 JohnT
maybe you should check into getting true deep cycle batteries instead....for a two battery system, you would need 4 6 volts and parallel 2 sets of 2 together to get 2 12 volt equivalents...then you would not need to worry about solar panels.

[tlhdoc]

 Jo Ann

 

ORIGINAL:  Jo Ann
 
 maybe you should check into getting true deep cycle batteries instead....for a two battery system, you would need 4 6 volts and parallel 2 sets of 2 together to get 2 12 volt equivalents...then you would not need to worry about solar panels.
 

 You don t have to use 6 volt batteries to get true deep cycle batteries.  I have 12 volt true deep cycle batteries.  Depending on how much power is used (a furnace uses a lot) even 2 batteries may not be enough.  The ability to recharge your battery during the trip could be very useful.  
 
 ForestCreature uses solar power.  You might want to send her an email.

[ForestCreature]

 JohnT
We have the 45 watt system that Costco sells.  It repleishes the battery to full after a night of running the furnace turned down to 58-60,and conservative light use. If you hit a real cloudy day it may lag some and charge but not fully. The Photovalatic cells perform better in low light conditions such as cloudy days. In the 3 years we have  used Solar we have not had a dead battery while using the panels. Our longest outing on Solar has been 3 weeks.

[JohnT]

 JohnT
Thanks to all of you for your help.  I will be looking into that 45 watt ICP system.  It sounds like that might be exactly what I need.
 
 John

[ForestCreature]

 JohnT
Here is a link to the ICP websight, you may find some useful info there.
 [link]http://www.icpglobal.com/[/link]
 
 We fabricated a frame that folds accordian like to make the 3 panels store and transport easier. They are kind of heavy in the frame, but the panels can be placed in the sun while you are set up in the shade if they are not mounted directly to the camper.

[Goldbender]

 JohnT
I have been using a panel for 2 years and its great, and best of all, its quiet.  Heres the deal.  Get the US64 ( 64 watts)  for $289 (rated at 4 amps, meaning it will charge at 4 amps per hour in good sun) , a controller $85, and the wire, $35 from www.solarelectric.com in San Diego.  I stow mine right on top of the bunk while transporting.  It is unbreakable. ( my wife ran over it last week with her car while I was driying it in the street. )  No Glass !!!   The system works awesome !!  We have run fans all day and lights/ heater all night and charged my 2 deep cycles right up to the float setting (14.0 volts )  the next day before 2 pm everytime.
 I would not leave home without it.   We often opt for the non full hookup sites that are more remount when we are in the RV resorts and never have missed all the nosiy, gas smelling generators.   Solar is the way to go.   Have fun and keep the lights on.