Solar Envy

[rvpopeye]

OK , I'm starting to get an inferiority complex.
I keep reading posts of so many of you with 400 to 800 and more watts of panels on VANS!
I have had 1 (ONE) 75 watt panel that I have moved to each of my rigs.
(29' Class A + 23' Class C , I didn't have any on my 2 pickup campers )
Of course they were a little more expensive back then in 2001. The 75w was $600 !

I just adjusted my power use to utilize what I have for recharging ability.
SO NOW , I'm looking at new panels to add on. Thanks guys !
Skuh kuh kuh kuh kuh

The real reason for this post is........
FYI for those newbies that are just getting started .
Any panel is better than none and you can get along nicely with just one!
I did for 14 years so far.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

We got by on about that for a couple years. You learn to live within the limits of the system untill you can do better. 
With our recent upgrade we have more power than what we're used to.

 

[jimindenver]

You don't have to have the most, you have to meet your needs and then your wants. Anyone with a balanced system that does so is enviable. BTW, mine are on a 25 ft trailer.

 

[wagoneer]

I remember the "you got a ?what? panel" and it does WHAT? comments when I started using them at the flea market for some lights and music.

 

[GotSmart]

Things I do not need

Big screen TV, AC, Microwave, stereo system

Things I have

Fans, lights, cooking capabilities, computer, cell phone. 1 100w panel and 448 AH batteries.

With one more panel I can put in a refrigerator/freezer.

 

[ZoNiE]

Ok, I gotta ask,

What is "Skuh kuh kuh kuh kuh"

 

[GotSmart]

Ok, I gotta ask,

What is "Skuh kuh kuh kuh kuh"

Allergic reaction to canned spinach...

 

[rvpopeye]

What ?
You never heard popeye laugh !
Oh my goshk !

Allergic to spinachk , Skuh kuh kuh kuh

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Hey John...I'd wanna go with a couple more panels before the fridge. 
With your batteries 4 panels would be even better.
We're on the PNW coast and 2 panels would not come close to keeping up your batts.
I've been keeping 122ah well topped off with 100W by conserving. We watch a movie every other day, LEDs, no fridge. 
Now we have 4 days of good sun so we can use what we want. This trip is giving me more insight into what we will need when we're away from the southwest sun in the future. With our long van I'll have no problem mounting 4 panels and matching ah batteries. Then, we can look into a fridge.
But...that's just my plan

 

[GotSmart]

Hey John...I'd wanna go with a couple more panels before the fridge. 
With your batteries 4 panels would be even better.
We're on the PNW coast and 2 panels would not come close to keeping up your batts.
I've been keeping 122ah well topped off with 100W by conserving. We watch a movie every other day, LEDs, no fridge. 
Now we have 4 days of good sun so we can use what we want. This trip is giving me more insight into what we will need when we're away from the southwest sun in the future. With our long van I'll have no problem mounting 4 panels and matching ah batteries. Then, we can look into a fridge.
But...that's just my plan

My problem is I have a short van.  No room for 4 panels.  I have no problem keeping up the batteries, as I do not use much.  Perhaps 1/2 the output of one panel at present use.  I also have a feed from the alternator, which is how I kept them up before the panel. 

I was hoping to be out there at this time, Perhaps when I get my next van built up.

 

[LeeRevell]

You need two 200W panels. Go for at least a 1 to 1 ratio on solar watts to battery AH.

 

[rvpopeye]

It's not what you have , it's how you use it ..........

 

[GotSmart]

You need two 200W panels.  Go for at least a 1 to 1 ratio on solar watts to battery AH.

Since the recommendation is to never drain batteries below 50%, I will not be needing more than a single 250W panel.  I am thinking on picking up one next time I am in Chino.  I do not want too many things to clean and put away.  

I will know the right van when I find it.

 

[ZoNiE]

Ahh! now I get it. LOL

Sometimes a sound is unspellable like blowing a raspberry

 

[Matlock]

Raspberry = Thththththththththththffffppppt!!!

Matlock <------ Phonetically uninhibited