Using solar kit to keep batteries charged at home?

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   We had an electrician out today doing some other work on our house, and I asked him about installing an outlet closer to where we park our RP-180 so we could keep the battery charged without running an extension cord from the garage and across the driveway.
He suggested that, rather than paying him to install an outlet, we simply get a cheap trickle charger to keep the batteries topped off, and only plug in (to the existing outlet across the driveway) on those rare occasions when we want to use the A/C or television while parked at home. 

Got me thinking--since I'm considering a suitcase solar kit for boondocking anyway, is there any reason I can't use a larger solar kit "full-time" while parked at home instead of a trickle charger?

We live in Santa Fe, NM and get 300 days of sunshine per year, so I'm not worried about having enough sun. Just thinking I'd rather not buy two separate solar systems--even if intended for different purposes--if one will work for both.

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TylerK9 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 20 Jun 2016 Location: Santa Fe, NM Online Status: Offline Posts: 35	Topic: Using solar kit to keep batteries charged at home? Posted: 02 Jun 2017 at 3:41pm
	We had an electrician out today doing some other work on our house, and I asked him about installing an outlet closer to where we park our RP-180 so we could keep the battery charged without running an extension cord from the garage and across the driveway. He suggested that, rather than paying him to install an outlet, we simply get a cheap trickle charger to keep the batteries topped off, and only plug in (to the existing outlet across the driveway) on those rare occasions when we want to use the A/C or television while parked at home. Got me thinking--since I'm considering a suitcase solar kit for boondocking anyway, is there any reason I can't use a larger solar kit "full-time" while parked at home instead of a trickle charger? We live in Santa Fe, NM and get 300 days of sunshine per year, so I'm not worried about having enough sun. Just thinking I'd rather not buy two separate solar systems--even if intended for different purposes--if one will work for both.

mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Posted: 02 Jun 2017 at 4:30pm
	Tylerk9, I had a 30 amp RV compatible box mounted to my building. The cost was minimal. You need a box, wiring and a panel. Much less than solar at the house. I keep my Pod plugged in 24/7/365 and can run everything. I don't think you can run your AC on an extension cord (110). Not sure what you situation is or availability of power, solar will provide a battery charge. End of the day, what are your plans for solar out of driveway? Boondock a lot, you may recoup cost of solar. Happy Trails.
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

TylerK9 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 20 Jun 2016 Location: Santa Fe, NM Online Status: Offline Posts: 35	Posted: 02 Jun 2017 at 4:57pm
	Thanks, Mike. Definitely planning to do more boondocking, which is why I was hoping the same solar system I buy for camping could also replace a trickle-charger while at home. But your suggestion about putting in an RV-specific 30A post is a good one, too. We tested the AC on a 110 extension cord and it worked, but we didn't run it for more than a minute or 2.

mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Posted: 02 Jun 2017 at 5:07pm
	Good, I didn't think that would happen, Happy. Personally I would look for a 30 amp hookup at house.
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

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: 6288	Posted: 02 Jun 2017 at 10:25pm
	I had an estimate by an electrician for installing a 30A RV outlet. It was around $400. I will shop around more before spending that much. I could do it myself, but the town where I live is picky about licensed electricians doing things like this.
	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: 1446	Posted: 02 Jun 2017 at 11:05pm
	You may be able to do it yourself, but subject to a proper inspection. TT
	2010 176 FJ Cruiser

mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Posted: 03 Jun 2017 at 8:12am
	That sounds steep, but with ordinances comes inspections and permits. In TN you can purchase your own permit but you have to do the work. Not difficult, box, wiring, electric panel with CB. I had mine done because they were already in building adding outlets and new fluorescent lights. The labor, lights, outlets and 30 amp parts were all included $375. I live in the county, no permits or inspections as it is an existing structure.
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

john in idaho Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 04 Nov 2014 Location: Eagle Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 611	Posted: 03 Jun 2017 at 4:24pm
	theft could be a problem in the city or anywhere, actually. I am trying to figure out how to attach a cable or something to my Zamp panels.

JayTizzoe Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 02 Aug 2016 Location: Grand Haven Online Status: Offline Posts: 12	Posted: 08 Jun 2017 at 12:14pm
	Is that a bad thing when you run the AC on 110 on an extension from the house on the RPOD's?
	John and Kari T. 2017 RPOD 179 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Posted: 08 Jun 2017 at 4:10pm
	No, it's not bad. I you want to exercise your AC or charge your Pod. If it works, it's cool. No pun intended. One thing I would add, is if you are charging your battery, check the water in the battery on a regular basis. They do consume water. I added pretty close to a cup this year.
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."