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sailor323 View Drop Down
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Joined: 11 Jun 2015
Location: S Central KY
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Posts: 281 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Solar panel
    Posted: 02 Jun 2017 at 6:10pm
The size of your solar array depends entirely on hw much power you need.  Lights, water pump, brains for the fridge, fantastic fan, can all be handled for long periods of time with only 100 watts provided your solar exposure is good.  Biggest limitation is storage capacity, especially when cloudy for a day or two. However, since the solar installation probably won't work at highest efficiency, a little over kill wouldn't hurt.  I'd recommend 200 watts and 2 group 27 batteries (2 6v GC batteries even better) if you think you'll use a lot of electricity--120v appliances, television, computer, they all add up 
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computerfixitguy View Drop Down
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Posts: 91 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2017 at 11:09pm
Had I read a thread like this I would not have bought a bulky 200w panel from Zamp.  However, on the facebook RPod Owners forum, those of us with 200+ watts and an inverter can run a hair dryer.  Its big, but my wife loves her hair dryer.  But a smaller 100w would be almost better.

That also being said.  I do have 2 generators for using the AC when I go to into Utah or someplace hotter.  I don't like to ruffle the neighboring campers precious ears so I don't like to use them. Since my kids have so much electric stuff and I have my laptop.  I can actually run and charge my goodies with the panel.  

Derek
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Tars Tarkas View Drop Down
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Posts: 1447 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2017 at 10:59pm
Solar might get you by for a week or two, or even forever, as long as you get plenty of sun and no rain or shade.  It also depends on much use you try to squeeze out of your battery. 

TT
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6326 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2017 at 10:19pm
One or two weeks would make solar more attractive.
StephenH
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ouR escaPOD mods
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jato View Drop Down
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Posts: 3257 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2017 at 6:48pm
In cold weather (highs in 50's lows in upper 30's to low 40's) we expect 3 days out of our 12v deep cycle marine batteries, group size 24).  Since we have 2 of them we easily get 6 days and these batteries are now entering their 7th year of service.  During summer time, we would probably go much longer but I don't have figures on that since I still work and we only go for a couple days at a time every other weekend.  After 2 days the board shows my battery is still 2/3 fully charged but once I drive a couple or few hours by the time I get home it is at 100% again.
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SDTrialer View Drop Down
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Posts: 29 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2017 at 5:25pm
With an 80w portable, plug in (mine is Go Power) I can go 10-14 days.  Maybe more - haven't tried more yet. 20 lb Propane lasted the same.  
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henryv View Drop Down
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Posts: 259 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2017 at 4:36pm
Thanks Stephen...let's change what I said from one or two nights to one or two weeks. What then?
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Posts: 6326 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2017 at 2:02pm
Originally posted by henryv

As far as what I want to use it for, not being solar savy, I guess just to charge the one battery I already have. I don't plan on doing long boondocking, maybe a night or two while on the road. Some of the replies are hard to understand. Keep it simple

In that case, why bother with solar (or a generator)? It sounds like you would be spending a lot of money on something which won't give you much use. If all you plan on is an occasional night or two on the road (presuming you will be traveling and the battery/batteries will be charging), you won't need to worry about charging it/them. The only conceivable need would be for a generator large enough to run the AC. Solar is not suitable for that purpose.

At home or a campground, you would be plugged in to shore power. That will also power your 'Pod and will charge your battery/batteries. If you install a cut-off switch for your battery/batteries for use while it is in storage, you will be okay as that will prevent the parasitic drains on the system.
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
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henryv View Drop Down
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Posts: 259 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2017 at 9:46am
As far as what I want to use it for, not being solar savy, I guess just to charge the one battery I already have. I don't plan on doing long boondocking, maybe a night or two while on the road. Some of the replies are hard to understand. Keep it simple
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2654 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 May 2017 at 8:07pm
When buying solar panels, shoot for about $0.75 (yes 75 cents) per watt. Any more than that, and you are paying excess for "marketing" or something.
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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