Solar panel - R-pod Owners Forum

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StephenH

podders Helping podders - pHp

Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6326

Topic: Solar panel
Posted: 31 May 2017 at 10:19pm

One or two weeks would make solar more attractive.

StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Tars Tarkas View Drop Down

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Joined: 14 Jan 2013
Location: Near Nashville
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Posts: 1447

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

2010 176
FJ Cruiser

computerfixitguy View Drop Down

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Joined: 04 Jun 2016
Location: Littleton, CO
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Posts: 91

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

Kim & Derek
2016.5 176t
2015 Jeep Rubicon JKU (trips west)
2008 Town and Country (trips east)
2 kids, 2 dogs

sailor323

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Joined: 11 Jun 2015
Location: S Central KY
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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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StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6326	Topic: Solar panel Posted: 31 May 2017 at 10:19pm
	One or two weeks would make solar more attractive.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Tars Tarkas Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Location: Near Nashville Online Status: Offline Posts: 1447	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
	2010 176 FJ Cruiser

computerfixitguy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 04 Jun 2016 Location: Littleton, CO Online Status: Offline Posts: 91	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
	Kim & Derek 2016.5 176t 2015 Jeep Rubicon JKU (trips west) 2008 Town and Country (trips east) 2 kids, 2 dogs

sailor323 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 11 Jun 2015 Location: S Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 281	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