Power Generation When Boondocking
I've been giving a lot of thought to upgrading my electrical system lately. For the last couple of years I've been relying on my Honda generator, the stock Progressive Dynamics battery charging circuit, and a pair of (mismatched) 12V Marine/RV batteries.
Recently I upgraded the DC wiring between the battery bank and the PD power controller, and bought myself a good quick-charging smart battery charger that I can plug into my genny for faster, more complete charges to my batts.
Two new Trojan T-105 batteries are going to be the next step.
I don't think I use a huge amount of electricity. The only light I use full time in the night and evening is the small one in the range hood. I might use some of the other bulbs no more than hour a day. The furnace is the largest draw. I'd say it runs 2 hours a day, more or less. TV uses only 40 watts, so a few hours of that. Bath exhaust fan is just a few watts, and it probably runs 12 hours a day. Fridge, water pump, CO detector, antennae boost, stove exhaust are pretty small loads, but add up. I have a 400 watt inverter I use for the TV, and sometimes for charging my laptop and/or phone. I don't have the exact usage number, but I don't think it's huge.
Now, for alternative electrical generation...
I've been mainly considering going solar for some of my energy needs, but might also go with a solar/wind combination generation system. Home Depot sells 250 watt solar panels, and also sells Coleman/Sunforce 600 watt wind turbines. I could get one of each for about $1100 dollars. I know I'll need the appropriate charge controller(s) and wiring, so the cost will be a bit more.
Sunlight hours in the winter are limited. The wind seems to blow most of the time.
With my genny and battery charger I could occasionally give the batteries a full charge whenever the wind and sun aren't cooperating.
See any problems with my wind/solar plan? Anyone have any experience with using wind generation?
Bill
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Bill
2011 Dodge Ram 1500 HEMI Quad Cab
2011 Jay Flight 26BH
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