solar power

[damian63]

Hello Cheaprvliving forum community. I am 17 and currently do not live in a vehicle but when I am 18 i plan on buying a van and converting it. My main concern was was how to get electricity. I wont need a lot of power just enough for a TV and maybe 1 or 2 light bulbs and a laptop. So for van dwellers out there using solar panels what can you tell me about them. Whats the minimum watts ill need and how much will i expect to pay. Whats the best part about them and the worst. I live in the greater Seattle area so obviously we don't get a lot of sunshine so whats the minimum amount of sunshine i need for a day of power.  

 

[SoulRaven]

Well to begin with your TV should be 12V, I have a Audiovox TV that works just great... For get the light bulbs and go with 6V-12V LED lighting... I am also from Seattle and know solar will be a pain to maintain your battery in the winter months... You will see good sun from July-September but not a guarantee... Solar is really not for you in that area through the other months... Look into shore power to rent, or look into a good battery bank and charging off the alternator, or moving south for the winter...<br /><br />Solar is fantastic when used in the right places, once you pay it off there is no more cost for power... The downside is living in the PNW with the lack of sun... I have thought about size and if you get a panel between 160-200 Watts you will be pretty much set... You will need a controller for solar, be sure to invest in a MPPT controller... Batteries for solar should be 12V deep cell at around 220 amps each, some use golf cart batteries also @ 6V and then serial connect them for 12V power out... You can be set-up with solar for around $600.00 but you will really have to shop around, so say the top end will be $1000.00 at the most...<br /><br />

Hello Cheaprvliving forum community. I am 17 and currently do not live in a vehicle but when I am 18 i plan on buying a van and converting it. My main concern was was how to get electricity. I wont need a lot of power just enough for a&nbsp;TV&nbsp;and maybe 1 or 2 light bulbs and a laptop. So for van dwellers out there using solar panels what can you tell me about them. Whats the&nbsp;minimum watts ill need and how much will i&nbsp;expect to pay. Whats the best part about them and the worst. I live in the greater&nbsp;Seattle&nbsp;area so obviously we&nbsp;don't&nbsp;get a lot of sunshine so whats the&nbsp;minimum&nbsp;amount of sunshine i need for a day of power.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 

[damian63]

yea im native american and i get dividens when i turn 18 so im pretty muhc set with paying for everything my budget for solar was gunna be 1500 dollars&nbsp;

 

[Ricekila]

yea im native american and i get dividens when i turn 18 so im pretty muhc set with paying for everything my budget for solar was gunna be 1500 dollars&nbsp;

<br /><br />Whats your tribe ? <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" />

 

[damian63]

umatille of mission oregon near pendleton

 

[Pikachu711]

<p>Here's a great suggestion for some very inexpensive solar lighting for your van. Here's the link:<br /><br /><a href=""></a><br /><br />Enjoy!</p>

 

[damian63]

thanks for the video