Solar power while camping

[ScottC]

I've decided that for now a generator is not worth the expense, considering how infrequently we would be using it. Pretty much every place we camp has electrical, with the exception of the two weeks we spend at the beach every summer. If I add a second battery, what solar charging system would you recommend that would enable us to run on battery power the entire time? Our TT is a 24RKS. Thanks!

[David472]

If you're "off the grid" for an extended period, it's a good idea to work out a power budget. The number of watts you consume each day will need to be matched by the number of watts your solar panel will deliver. The battery is the buffer which will carry your needs when the sun is not shining. So, I would start by adding up the power you may require to run those electrical items.

[ScottC]

Yes, I've been doing some more research since I first posted my question, and I see that I'll need to do some more homework to figure out exactly what I need. I'm certainly learning more about batteries than I ever thought I'd need to know

[Denise]

Scott, when our tt was new, Don experimented with using a solar system. We also have two batteries. We used the set-up for boondocking two nights. We haven't used it since (but we rarely boondock unless it's one night at a WM while long distance traveling). I'll have him read this thread and let ya know how it worked out

[IronmanMLR]

I just recently purchased my RV and had a solar panel installed. It's a charging kit from the following website:

http://www.solarforrv.com/Default.aspx

They have a power calculator you can use to determine what you need.

So far I haven't really got to test mine out yet. I only have one battery and it was bad from the moment I brought it home. I recently replaced it, but have been too busy to see how long it will last.

Mike

[Seann45]

I RV off grid for about 5.5 months a year PLUS my summer camping... for me I have 515 watts of solar on the roof and a 2000 watt (4000 watt surge) inverter feeding 660 amp hours of batteries. this allows me to watch TV run the microwave etc... but unless you are very serious about boondocking then this is way too expensive.. my system cost about $5000.00 but has paid for itself already.

[IronmanMLR]

Originally Posted by Seann45

I RV off grid for about 5.5 months a year PLUS my summer camping... for me I have 515 watts of solar on the roof and a 2000 watt (4000 watt surge) inverter feeding 660 amp hours of batteries. this allows me to watch TV run the microwave etc... but unless you are very serious about boondocking then this is way too expensive.. my system cost about $5000.00 but has paid for itself already.

My solar panel produces 125 watts at 7 amps and cost about 1600 dollars and an additional 300 dollars to install. I am thinking on adding a second panel next year. Even at that it will still be mostly for charging the batteries, although I can run anything that is 12 volt and pulls less than 7 amps.