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jdtrotter
Newbie
Joined: 01 Jun 2016
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Posts: 5
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Topic: Size of Solar Panels Posted: 03 Aug 2016 at 11:40pm |
Hi, We think we have decided to buy a 180 and have a question about solar panels. We definitely want a solar panel because we had one with our truck camper and loved it because we do a lot of dry camping. It was mounted on the roof and the controller was inside the camper. Here is the question. The parts department at the dealer suggested that we have 2- 6volt batteries instead of the 12 volt. We think we agree with that. But then he showed us a rather large two panel 120 amp portable solar panel that has its own controller. It seems like maybe overkill? And it was about $800.00 retail. I know we will get it cheaper, but that sounds really expensive? Also, since it will be used to keep the batteries powered up, do we really need one with its own controller?
We really know very little about electricity and appreciate your feedback.
John and Diane
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JandL
Senior Member
Joined: 29 Mar 2014
Location: California
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 364
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Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 12:11am |
I posted pictures on my removable roof mounted solar panel. I have only one panel but there is enough room to get 2 up there. Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks - List Your Mods - Posted: 02 Aug 2015 (Page 39)
Here is the link to my mounting a second panel
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8043
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JandL
2013 Honda Ridgeline
2012 177
2 Paynes in a Pod
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Podster
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Sep 2014
Location: San Antonio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1108
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Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 7:27am |
Yes, a charge controller is always required on all solar applications. It's job is to regulate the power generated by the panels, and to optimize and protect your batteries. Solar panels are basically low power battery chargers. The high quality sets that are easy to use, plug and play, cost more $$$.
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Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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john in idaho
Senior Member
Joined: 04 Nov 2014
Location: Eagle Idaho
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 611
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Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 10:46am |
If you go to the Zamp website, they have a chart for sizing the panel. Probably 120.
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Don Halas
Senior Member
Joined: 01 Jul 2015
Location: Connecticut
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Posts: 190
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Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 11:53am |
Not to cross hairs, but I believe you meant 'two panel 120 watt', not amps.
You say you do a lot of dry camping. Bear in mind that the solar panel will charge the battery, but also supply power to your power demands during the day, which means less (no) draw on the battery when the sun is able meet your daytime demands. That of course means your battery has more charge than it would going into the night time when it's the only source of power.
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Pod People
Senior Member
Joined: 22 Sep 2011
Location: Chapel Hill,NC
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1078
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Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 3:28pm |
We use a Renogy 100watt suitcase panel and it keeps our batteries charged. The overall system seems to be well made. We mounted the charge controller inside the pod because it is not weather proof. I would recommend this system.
Vann
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Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
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WillThrill
Senior Member
Joined: 04 Jul 2014
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 298
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Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 3:43pm |
A single 100 watt panel is sufficient for most folks unless you're watching a lot of TV. If you needed a bit more power than that, I would recommend just charging up your batteries using your tow vehicle, something that is easy to do but seldom recommended.
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"Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien
2014 Hood River 177
2005 GMC Envoy XL
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jdtrotter
Newbie
Joined: 01 Jun 2016
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5
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Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 10:06pm |
Originally posted by Don Halas
Not to cross hairs, but I believe you meant 'two panel 120 watt', not amps.
.......
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Opps, that shows how much I know about electricity --- amp vs watts, etc. I sure appreciate the feedback. We made the decision and signed the papers today for a 2017 180. While we know it will not take us some places, we are excited for new and different adventures. We hope it will do okay on gravel and dirt as we think we will head back to the Yukon and Northwest Territories. After traveling in our pop up slide in camper, the space in the R-Pod seems HUGE to us. :-) After checking out some suggestions here and a conversation with a friend who is in the solar business, we decided to go with two 6 volt batteries and the Zamp 120 that the dealer had. The price of the solar kit was a couple hundred dollars more than on Amazon, but we feel good about the final price of the entire package and it all will be financed. Excited. Thank you
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