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11-06-2018, 07:01 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: winter springs
Posts: 83
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Solar Panels worth it
I camp at sites with power 99% of the time and have a generator, so having a hard time justifying solar panels. Any feedback on if they are worth the $$$?
Thanks
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11-06-2018, 07:18 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Odessa
Posts: 409
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Solar
They are worth every penny if you use them but you sound like you would not use them so with your camping style I would not think about solar - we like the freedom to not have to have hookups if the price or availability doesn’t seem desirable that day - we rarely make reservations so if I don’t like what is available there is always a parking area available nearby Les
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Les & Sandy
2016 Seneca HJ - Scangauge D - Truma Comfort
560 watts solar - Blue Sky 3024iL -IPN ProRemote - Trojan T-105RE
Good Sam Life Member - FMCA Member - Passport America
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11-06-2018, 08:36 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Rock Island
Posts: 1,073
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I love my 100w solar panel, probably going to add a second one. It doesn’t always get us charged up due to clouds or trees but especially for storage, it keeps the batteries topped off. New good deep cycle batteries are expensive and the panel limits damage to them due to running too low. My solar panel cost less that a good battery and the panel doesn’t need to be replaced every few years.
In sunny summer spots boon-docking without using the furnace, the panel gives me plenty of charging power for lights, radio, fridge etc.
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2017 Eagle 291RSTS
2017 Chevy Silverado Duramax 2500
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11-06-2018, 09:43 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 11,281
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wayne70
I camp at sites with power 99% of the time and have a generator, so having a hard time justifying solar panels. Any feedback on if they are worth the $$$?
Thanks
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So you only plan on using the solar panels 1% of the time or even less than that if you were in the shade or it was overcast? If I had to make the decision for you,
I'd say 'fogetaboutit'. Move along. Nothing of interest here.
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Sherm & Terry w/rescue Eydie (min Schnauzer) & Charley (std Poodle)
SOLD:2015 Jay Flight 27RLS, GY Endurance (E), Days: 102 '15, 90 '16, 80 '17, 161 '18, 365+ '20
SOLD: 2006 Ford F350 PSD, 4WD, CC, LB, SRW, Camper pkg., 375,000mi
Full timing: Some will think you're crazy, some will be envious, just enjoy the freedom!
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11-06-2018, 11:14 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Green Bay
Posts: 398
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We have panels and generator both and glad we do
135 watt panel kit is primary and works well but use Yamaha 2000 for cloudy, shady, or rainy spells.we like the peace and quiet of solar in the boondocks. Also some campgrounds charge extra for electric hook up so out comes the panel kit.
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11-07-2018, 06:24 AM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Clearwater, FL area
Posts: 5,196
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wayne70
I camp at sites with power 99% of the time and have a generator, so having a hard time justifying solar panels. Any feedback on if they are worth the $$$?
Thanks
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Do you have an electrical hookup while in storage or in between outings? There are 2 reasons for SOLAR, for dry camping or to keep your batteries topped off in between outings. Both are valid reasons! Both have different SOLAR/BATTERY requirements.
Don
My Registry
RVing with SOLAR
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11-08-2018, 01:34 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 109
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My plan is to invest in BIG lithium batteries right off the bat, 300 amphours, a hybrid convertor charger/inverter, (prolly about 2000 watts) and then down the line add solar. Lithium excell in every category except initial cost. Plus I’m a bit of a techie, and playing around with that sort of thing is what I like to do. I have to think a 300 a/h battery will last three or four days before needing to fire up the generator for a fill up.
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11-08-2018, 01:48 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: South Texas
Posts: 7,216
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My usage profile is very similar to yours, and I'm thinking about installing a panel up top. It would be nice to have the peace of mind that my batteries will stay charged in storage.
With my trailer, I simply removed the battery and put it on a float charger in my garage. It was too easy, and it's only one battery.
With the MH, it's more difficult to remove the coach battery, and I also have the chassis battery to worry about. I think one panel would be enough to keep a float/maintenance charge on both batteries while in storage. I can't really use a portable setup because I'm pretty sure it would grow legs. Plus I would have option to not use power more often.
We sometimes boondock on the beach. We are usually running the generator because the AC units are running. It would be nice, when the weather cooperates, NOT to have to run the genny.
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-2018 Greyhawk 29MV
-2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (JLU) (Primary Toad)
-1994 Jeep Wrangler YJ (Secondary Toad)
-2014 Jay Flight 28BHBE & Ram 2500 6.4L CC 4x4 (sold)
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