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Old 06-05-2016, 08:12 PM   #1
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Idiots Guide to Adding Solar

I'd like to add some solar panels to our 2015 26BH. Main purpose would be 3-5 night stays in camp sites with no electric hookup, but where we'd still like to run the fridge (off propane) and likely use the furnace.

An added bonus would be the ability to charge our phones... An extra extra bonus would be some 120V to charge a laptop, but that might be stretching.

What I'm after to make this happen? Sourcing solar panels is trivial, its the rest I'm not sure about.

Thanks for any pointers!
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Old 06-05-2016, 10:12 PM   #2
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WELCOME TO JOF!!!


Glad to hear you are interested in going SOLAR. There are a few questions that need to be answered before you continue.
- What size battery(s) do you have now (make/Ah rating)?
- Do you have an inverter or do you plan on adding one in the future to power your TV, or microwave or coffee pot...?
- Do you camp in the shade?
- Do you plan on mounting the SOLAR panels on the roof, or keep them portable?

The charging of your laptop, smart phones and tablets should use the 12VDC source.. not the 110VAC power source most laptop mfr make/sell a 12VDC adapter and Amazon has 12volt USB chargers with a voltage display that plugs into the 12volt accessory outlets

Battery selection will be a choice you will need to make. If you are leaning toward 5 days of dry-camping I would recommend 2 deep cycle 6 volt batteries. Like the Trojan T105 or the T145 batteries. I would not recommend going with less than 200 watts of SOLAR panels.

We have an RVing with SOLAR social group that has a lot of member information regarding batteries, solar panels, solar charge controllers and installation information. Scroll to the top of this page and click on Community, then social groups.. and then RVing with SOLAR

Don
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Old 06-08-2016, 07:26 PM   #3
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Rving with solar

Mustang 65 wife and I tried to find your group and couldn't find?
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Old 06-08-2016, 08:19 PM   #4
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Try here Forest
http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/gr...ith+solar.html
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Old 06-09-2016, 09:29 AM   #5
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Please remember you need a charge controller to go with the Panel.. Best bet is to get a package from a reliable source. Once you are familiar with everything you can mix and match
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Old 06-09-2016, 10:21 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Forest View Post
Mustang 65 wife and I tried to find your group and couldn't find?
Click on the Community icon on the top yellow bar, then select social groups.
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Old 06-09-2016, 10:32 AM   #7
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fyi. Just read a post regarding 30% Federal tax credit for RV solar. Maybe state too. Big savings.












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