Solar Panels 55Watt

[MikeH]

I am new to the camper world, and am wondering if anyone has or is using this setup for RVing? Coleman 55Watt Solar Panels Setup. I have a Small TT Jayco JayFlight 154 BH and am looking to do some off the grid camping (Boon Docking). Any Pros and Cons would be helpful please. Thanks

[Jmooney]

The wattage is important, as is the quality of the controller.

55 watts will generate close to 4 amps per hour charge back to your battery array assuming that you have good sunlight

Portability is a good thing as it can allow you move the panel to the sunlight, but you should also be careful that they don't grow legs.

Make sure the controller is " smart" and will adjust charging based on battery condition.
For comparison sake, check out " Renogy" as a good starter kit that can expand out to 300 watts if you get real serious about being off grid.

Consider your DC power consumption in Amps as you consider the size and expectation of a solar array ( fridge, lights, heat, inverter for TV, pumps, etc.) for example, if you can normally get 2 days out of your battery, and it's a 120amp hour battery, then at 50%, you have consumed 60 amps. It will take 15 hours of solid sunlight to offset the 60 amps used.

[Jmooney]

The Coleman 55 watt may be the perfect size based on your camping style and power needs, but it could also limit what you do in the future should you decide to expand your DC power needs

[MikeH]

Thanks for the tips, i plan to do a little more research on it before i decide

[rodro123]

I would go a little larger I'm putting a link to a 120 system from Go-power. In the 2016 jayco's they will all be pre wired from Go-Power for solar.
http://www.amazon.com/Go-Power-GP-PS...SIN=B009MIPH4K

[Jmooney]

also consider replacing your incandescent bulks with LEDs to reduce power consumption.

[Mustang65]

As Jim mentioned in one of the earlier posts, you are really limiting yourself should you decide that SOLAR is the way you want to go in the future. A 55 watt system will not do much more than keep your fully charged battery(s) at a full charge. Most individuals that purchase SOLAR believe that they get all the power that the mfr says they are good for, all the time the sun is shining. Unfortunately, unless you are sitting there moving your panels so that they are ALWAYS pointing directly at the sun, you are not going to get that much power. That is why you add a SOLAR panel or 2 to compensate for the lack of FULL sunlight.

One of the members Jmooney, has a 100 watt system that has room for expansion. You may want to contact him and ask how he likes his setup. I looked at a picture of your 154BH and it looks like you have plenty of room to mount a panel or 2 on the roof of your TT (100 watt panels not the 55 watt panels).

We have a "RVing with SOLAR" social group that I keep updating with SOLAR information that may be helpful. Which reminds me, I have a few new items for the community.... ALSO, click on "SEARCH" above enter the word SOLAR, and you will be surprised at all the SOLAR information you will find. If you still want more information read "HandyBob's" solar blog... pour yourself a COLD ONE first.

Just my thoughts,

Don

[Jmooney]

"..... If you still want more information read "HandyBob's" solar blog... pour yourself a COLD ONE first....."


I agree - you should read Handy Bobs info on Solar - it really drove a lot of my design for my entire power system


PS. - I have ordered the next expansion 100w panel for my Renogy Solar system. My generator is also for sale!

[MikeH]

I am up for any and all research, thanks for the links and advice on this. it is nice to get others opinions and expertise.

[Seann45]

Mike that is a good learning system. When I had my tent camper it extended my stay from overnight to 3 days.. The things to watch out for since it is sitting on the ground so it can grow legs and disappear. Also the wind can blow it over and damage it so stake it down and lock it down.