Boondocking: solar vs generator

[urbanhermit70]

Does anyone boondock without solar panel and just use a generator? i do not know what i want   just solar,just generator . My main concern is being able to watch cable TV and dvds,go online with my laptop,  make sure I can run AC when hot,hot water and fridge. My issue with splar price and  trying to figure out how many watts i need.

 

[29chico]

If you want to be realistic about having A/C you are going to need an adequately sized generator.  Yes, it is possible to power A/C with solar but it takes a whole lot of solar power to do so.  Are you thinking of a small window style A/C or a roof unit?  

That being said, there a a lot of good reasons to have at least one 250-280 watt solar panel, a decent MPPT controller and a couple of 6v golf cart batteries along with a generator.

Figure out out your loads, and if they are going to happen in the day or night, then determine how many total watt hours you need and when.  That is the conventional first step when considering off grid power.  Then the other side of the fence counters with the fact that solar is so cheap now that one should just put up as much solar panel wattage as the space and budget will allow.  I fall into the latter camp.  



Back in '94 I bought my first solar panel: a Seimens M55 55 watt panel.  With tax and shipping it cost me around $350.  I can now buy a 285w solar panel for under $300 tax included.

The below linked thread is a great starting point in off grid power:

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Putting-together-system

Lots of savvy folks have helped a young man come up to speed on many solar power issues in the above thread.  Highly recommended!

 

[jimindenver]

I have camped with just battery, with a generator and with solar. I haven't needed the generator in years but it is still part of a balanced system in my mind.

I would start out with a generator big enough to run your largest load and add solar afterwards. Using the generator for charging will give you a good idea of your usage and how much solar you need.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

If you are hooked up to cable TV (not available boondocking) you should also have access to shore power.

AC requires lots of amps; can be done with solar, but requires a large solar array and lots of battery.

Water is more efficiently heated with propane unless you are hooked to the grid.

Generators make noise.  Can be heard for more than a mile under the right conditions.  Make sure you are not bothering other boondockers.

A good first approximation of watts used is to add up all the wattage ratings of each appliance you use, multiplied by number of hours of use.  Add all appliances together to get a good first approximation.  Better is to get a Kill-a-Watt meter and measure your usage.

-- Spiff

 

[GotSmart]

:huh:   What is a generator?  :huh:



I never had AC until I was 16, and bought a new car. 

Two 100 W panels will run my needs, including the freezer.

 

[Txjaybird]

^
hey...glad to see your post re: 200 watt solar power,  iv'e already crossed one eye reading all i can about solar for a traveler & the other is starting to turn inward at a high rate of speed!!  i want to figure a simple solar set up to start with for short trips... small frig for insulin and a little food, laptop and a fan.  looks like the frig is going to cost more than the solar set up so ice chests are o.k. for a few weeks at a time.  my question is would a 100 watt solar support a laptop, fan, & maybe a dvd player?  all will be used sporadically, i'll figure a way to mount to the roof of my ext cab ranger, it has a good size roof.   any help is appreciated & you can P.M. if you choose.         happy trails,     Texas Jaybird

 

[highdesertranger]

boondocking with cable tv? that's one long cable, lol. don't know what type of vehicle but you will need a lot of solar to do AC. heating anything with electricity is very inefficient, no matter what you are in. highdesertranger

 

[GotSmart]

hey...glad to see your post re: 200 watt solar power,  iv'e already crossed one eye reading all i can about solar for a traveler & the other is starting to turn inward at a high rate of speed!!  i want to figure a simple solar set up to start with for short trips... small frig for insulin and a little food, laptop and a fan.  looks like the frig is going to cost more than the solar set up so ice chests are o.k. for a few weeks at a time.  my question is would a 100 watt solar support a laptop, fan, & maybe a dvd player?  all will be used sporadically, i'll figure a way to mount to the roof of my ext cab ranger, it has a good size roof.   any help is appreciated & you can P.M. if you choose.         happy trails,     Texas Jaybird

Batteries.  A quality battery set up (Fresh and matched) is essential.  220 AH, more is better.  

I run my fan all the time.  C~PAP 7 hours, laptop, about 4, lights, road pro oven.  That was on 1 panel.  With a second, the freezer.  

I will respond better in a PM.

 

[mockturtle]

I do fine with solar but I don't need A/C or TV. My water is heated with propane. Charging my electronics is never a problem. To run all the things you want, you will need shore power or a generator.

 

[akrvbob]

I used to carry a Honda 2000 generator but my 580 watts of solar meets all my needs and I haven't run the genny in so long I sold it. No regrets.

This may help you decide how much power you need:

 

[Konaexpress]

Don't forget that your car/truck can be used a a generator with the correct hookups. I would only use it to top off your battery on heavy use days and cloudy days.

John

 

[LoupGarou]

Does anyone boondock without solar panel and just use a generator?

I have, but I have no solar, no batteries, nor propane. I needed the generator to power an electric ceramic space heater and a 12VDC DC Power Supply to power my cabin lights.

 

[SoulRaven]

I boondock in cities more than in the woods, but I never hook up to shore power. For the past 2 years I have been charging my house battery solely while driving by connecting a jumper cable between my house battery and my ciggy lighter.

Prior to that I was charging my house battery via a home built generator consisting of a gas engine and a car alternator. It would take 20-30 minutes running the generator once a week to provide all the power I ever needed. 5 gallons of gas would last almost 2 years.

 

[Patd4u2]

I am building my off road trailer now, It is going to be mainly solar powered, I tried my best to purchase all 12 volt appliances. (Fridge, TV, LED Lights etc.)
I am going to use a Yamaha EF2000is inverter generator for back up and for the AC. The inverter generators are pretty quiet and wont bother your neighbors if they are close by. One thing about generators in general are that they don't like gasoline left in them, especially gas that has ethanol in it. The gas will varnish and gum up the carburetor if left in there for a few months and you will have a devil of a time trying to get it started and running. You must run it dry with the gas off then drain the fuel bowl to get it all out.
Then you have to store some gasoline for it, that can be dangerous in a RV, trailer or van. A safe way to use a portable generator is to buy or have yours converted to run off of propane, Much safer and you don't have to worry about the carburetor getting gummed up with stale gas and your generator will last longer running propane.
I had my Yamaha generator converted to run off of gasoline/propane/and natural gas and it will be hooked up to my trailers propane tank for a back up and to run the AC if I need it.

 

[urbanhermit70]

I used to carry a Honda 2000 generator but my 580 watts of solar meets all my needs and I haven't run the genny in so long I sold it. No regrets.

This may help you decide how much power you need:

I love this chart,thanks

 

[urbanhermit70]

I boondock in cities more than  in the woods, but I never hook up to shore power.   For the  past 2 years I have been charging my house battery solely while driving by connecting a jumper cable between my house battery and my ciggy lighter.

Prior to that I was charging my house battery via a home built generator consisting of a gas engine and a car alternator.  It would take 20-30 minutes running the generator once a week to provide all the power I ever needed.  5 gallons of gas would last almost 2 years.

OFF Grid 24/7

I  with you, I mostly will be urban boondocking instead  of rural or wood area

 

[urbanhermit70]

After much research

Solar:

over 600 watt to power everything except A/C

Inverter Generator:

3000 watts to power everything even A/C

 

[29chico]

After much  research

Solar:

over  600 watt to power  everything except A/C

Inverter Generator:

3000 watts to power everything even A/C

The EF2400ishc Yamaha generator is an inverter unit built with high current capacity to start A/C's.
I have one and have tested it in very hot weather and it starts the roof A/C on my Casita with ease.

Way easier to toss around compared to a 3000w generator also.

 

[urbanhermit70]

29chico ,

What! , I can buy a 2000 or 2400 inverter generator and the generator can handle a A/C..

 

[lterry]

I don't have solar, and for now I don't have plans on getting any. I know how everyone feels about solar power but it's so expensive and when you don't need it...
I have a generator (came with my van) that I haven't needed because my battery bank is hooked to my van engine's alternator. When I drive, my batteries charge. My only electric uses are a laptop that I also charge while going down the road, an extra large heating pad for warmth in the winter, and the occasional light. I try not to use my lights too much - flashlights and LED lights powered by AA batteries suffice. I might use my generator more in the summer for my AC, though I have an idea for a more efficient way to keep cool. I'll post the link below but here's a description for those wifi/data challenged: You get a round oscillating fan on a stand, ziptie copper tubing to the face of it, place rubber hoses on each end. The rubber hoses go to a small pump that is sitting in icewater. It will only be a small comfort in 100 degree weather but somewhere with 80 degree summers, it should be nice.