solar power

[bayleightucker]

we have the slx 184 liteweight. what size solar would we use to keep battery charged. we only use 12 volt lites and water pump. would like to keep the solar unit as small as possible

[rwilley]

I have 1 solar panel It's 48 inches long and 30 inches wide. It puts out 135 watts full power in direct sun light. It keeps up with the lights, water pump, a little bit of tv and what ever other electric the tt needs to run the refer on gas and lite the water heater etc... If its cloudy or shady than I may have to be a little conservative on the power. If its real sunny than I could sell power. My panel is 6 or 7 years old so there is probably smaller and more powerful ones now.

[bayleightucker]

any particular brand names, or a rough estimate of price? thanks

[rwilley]

The brand name of mine is Solarex. I think it was in the $450 range with a regulator when I got it.

[Quahog]

You can get a 100W panel, 10A charge controller with connectors for around $300 from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RDA8MG/...4CF8M3Z2M2QDZ8

Check out Grape Solar at http://www.grapesolar.com/index.php/...rape-solar/cq2. There are some good pictures and explanations.

[SecretCoveDave]

Anyone have a cost benefit analysis on adding more solar panels vs. buying a little genny?

[Rustic Eagle]

Bayleightucker,

The following JOF thread on the same subject may be helpful in your information search as well:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...t=solar&page=2

Bob

[Seann45]

Originally Posted by bayleightucker

we have the slx 184 liteweight. what size solar would we use to keep battery charged. we only use 12 volt lites and water pump. would like to keep the solar unit as small as possible

For great info go to www.thesunworks.com Solar Mike loves to talk solar and is happy to answer your questions... he may not always have the cheapest prices but they are reasonable and he stands behind what he sells and does.. (closed Sun & Mon)
I talked to lots of other solar installers and Mike was the most impressive guy I have ever talked to when it comes to Solar.

From what you posted 1-135 watt panel and a charge controller should work well for you...

[bayleightucker]

thanks all for the info, happy camping

[jal0710]

Not to be funny, but you said you only use lites and water pump. Don't you have a furnace and a fridge? If so, you need electricity to run the furnace and, I would think, to run the fridge as well. Draw might not be much with the fridge, but I have found that the furnace really draws down my battery so I believe you need to really figure out your whole amount of usage before trying out solar panel(s).

[rwilley]

A 100 -135 watt solar panel should be enough charging power. If its cold and you have to use the furnace a lot over night than you may need to think more storage power. (BATTERIES.

[tlhdoc]

Originally Posted by jal0710

If so, you need electricity to run the furnace and, I would think, to run the fridge as well.

Some of the refrigerators do not need battery power. The refrigerator in my 2nd trailer did not need power, just propane.

[drfife]

Originally Posted by tlhdoc

Some of the refrigerators do not need battery power. The refrigerator in my 2nd trailer did not need power, just propane.

What refrigerator did your second trailer have?

[bayleightucker]

fridge and furnace run on propane, no problem there

[drfife]

Originally Posted by bayleightucker

fridge and furnace run on propane, no problem there

My fridge and furnace both run on propane, but they require 12v power to operate the boards.

That's the case for all the RV refrigerators and furnaces I'm familiar with as well.

[rwilley]

Originally Posted by drfife

My fridge and furnace both run on propane, but they require 12v power to operate the boards.

That's the case for all the RV refrigerators and furnaces I'm familiar with as well.

I think they have been putting self igniters on refers, furnaces and hot water heaters in rv's for the last 20 years.

[drfife]

Originally Posted by rwilley

I think they have been putting self igniters on refers, furnaces and hot water heaters in rv's for the last 20 years.

Self ignitors require 12V power.

[rwilley]

Originally Posted by drfife

Self ignitors require 12V power.

Yes. I agree.

[jstme1]

....and something has to power the furnace fan......

[shugrue]

For now petroleum based power production will be cheaper than solar & wind for the little guy. But solar & wind is quiet and doesn't smell.