<FONT size=4>So my setup will be a 3/4 cargo van converted with an extra deep cycle battery. I found this solar panel kit and was looking for input if this was a good deal or not? I can't afford much more than this but how effective would this be charging my house battery? I don't plan on using much electricity, mainly just charging small accessories like an ipod and phone and using a string of led lights for the most part.</FONT><br><br><A href="http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-5004...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313599507&sr=8-1" target=_blank target=_blank target=_blank>http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-5004...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313599507&sr=8-1</A><br>
Adding a small solar setup?
- Thread starter Russell88
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<div><br></div><div>If you don't plan on using much electricity, it would be easier and cheaper to install an isolator and let your alternator charge both the starting and the house batteries. I use so little electricity that I've never gotten around to installing said arrangement in my newest van.</div>Russell88 said:
<P>60 watts for $270.00 plus tax and shipping is more than $ 4.50 a watt. Last year I bought 2 120 watt panels for $ 1.85 per watt ( single panel 120 X 1.85 = $ 222.00) plus tax and shipping a simple solar charge controller is less than $ 50. and a small inverter is also less than $ 30.00. This would give you twice as much power .</P>
<div><br></div><div>Several of those at the first RTR went shopping for household panels when it was announced that they were on sale in Phoenix. Even without a sale, panels for use on buildings are usually cheaper than those sold for use on motorhomes.</div>Russell88 said:
I did a google for solar panel prices. There were several sites that had tables listing source, price per watt min order etc. I choose off of one of them I found several this AM.. Here is a single company that shows good prices. <A href="http://www.sunelec.com/?gclid=CPz4jLCA16oCFRA5gwod7X_j6Q" target=_blank>http://www.sunelec.com/?gclid=CPz4jLCA16oCFRA5gwod7X_j6Q</A> <br><br>Some of the larger capacity panels are 24 volt panels and not useable in an auto base system without some extra equiment and cost. I used the panels on my sailboat this summer for our 6 weeks in the NW San Juan and Gulf Islands. I will transfer them to my 5th wheel when I am on the road with it. During the rest of the year I use them as a ups for my office at home in WA . I had a remote home at 3500 feet in N Cal for 18 years off the grid with 22 panels inverters etc. The cost of panels is volatile and you need to check often.<br>
blars
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<font size="3">The pannels designed for homes tend to be pretty large. Check to see that you have the shade-free space on your roof (or where you are mounting) before buying. Also check to see if using on a vehicle will void the warentee -- not much point in a 25-year warentee that they won't honor.<br><br><br></font>
wheelsoffreedom1776
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You can often get a good deal on solar panels rated for 24V and 48V systems. These CAN be used on a 12 volt system, you just need a MPPT charge controller capable of handling this. Look at the better Midnight Solar, Xantrex and Morningstar units. <br>
