166 replies to this topic

[brett13]

What are you running with the battery? Are you wired for the battery to charge from the truck while driving?

Yes. I think I need a new battery since the voltage drops to about 12.0-12.1 after one night of furnace use (and LED lights, nothing else except the occasional faucet use or fan use for a few minutes). That leaves enough juice for maybe night #2 without driving to charge- not enough. So, I'm thinking solar for those trips where we don't move much. Should allow me to recharge the ipod/iphone from the house batt and still be topped off.

[randygirl]

I'm pretty sure the furnace takes a lot of juice.

I am still learning about all this also.

[brett13]

This panel seems really cheap. What's wrong with it?

[randygirl]

I don't know much about the panels themselves. I am looking at a BP 80 watt (or maybe 85, can't remember) with a morningstar sunsaver controller. From what I understand, the controller is VERY important. (getting a good one)

I have been looking at the kits on mrsolar.com

[brett13]

I don't know much about the panels themselves. I am looking at a BP 80 watt (or maybe 85, can't remember) with a morningstar sunsaver controller. From what I understand, the controller is VERY important. (getting a good one)

I have been looking at the kits on mrsolar.com

My understanding is that the MPPT controllers will effectively boost your charging up to 30% by being more efficient. The trade off is that they run over $200 compared to $30 for a PWN controller. For the extra $175 or so, one could get a bigger panel. So I'm not sure which is better, though I'm leaning towards smaller panel and better controller.

[randygirl]

Seems like all the "kits" (even the one from FWC) comes with the PWM controller. I know the MPPT is supposed to be the best...
To buy the panel and the controller would be around $400-$500 then you would need the mounting stuff and wiring (minor). I guess it is important to do it right, and I would just as soon so it right the first time!
Not sure whet kind of panel to get. I definitley need an 80 watt. They are all so darn expensive.
Let me know if you find any new info. This will be my "winter" project...........

[Barko1]

MPPT might be nice but not for my $500. I did the cheapest I could and am happy with it. I shopped Harbor Freight sales, 45w can be had for $150 and I got a PWM controller from Northern tool, total was like $330 and I have 75w mounted and keeping my batteries well charged. I'll likely do the same on my toyhauler as well.

[oldnslow]

brett13, I looked at that panel and I don't see anything wrong with the specs. Since a manufacturer is not given I would assume it is a made in China knockoff, but I don't know that for sure.

" For the extra $175 or so, one could get a bigger panel." Just remember that you will have to lift that bigger (and heavier) panel every time you lift the roof. But you only have to pay for that MPPT controller once.

[brett13]

" For the extra $175 or so, one could get a bigger panel." Just remember that you will have to lift that bigger (and heavier) panel every time you lift the roof. But you only have to pay for that MPPT controller once.

That's what I was thinking too.

[randygirl]

Brett,

I found a ton of information about how the controllers work and how the watts and volts and amps work on the Northern Ariazona wind and sun website. There are pages and pages to read to get a good understanding of everything.