i live in a camper trailer, i want to be able to set up a solar panel system that can basicly cut the top off my power bill without unplugging, help?
1805417
We never had very good luck with this system. It never kept the batteries charged very well.
1805418
I am no electrical expert, but your question involves how to integrate a low voltage DC system (this solar system) with the high voltage AC system of the grid. I'm sure it can be done, so see what Google has to say. This system has worked perfectly for our low demand lighting in an off the grid camp, I have been extremely happy with it for this purpose.
1805419
Don't bother with this, it's little more than a trickle charger for batteries. They are thin film panels that are very ineffecient. You'd be much better off with one or two regular crystalline solar panels ( the kind you think of on houses ). This kit is an educational and fun intro to solar power, good for keeping enough batteries charged to run a couple low voltage lights.
1805420
By using a different inverter than the one this came with we are able to run our living room lighting and sometimes the TV each night. However, we also have three of these sets and a bank of four batteries. By itself it may not really make a big difference in your bill by itself but can't hurt.
232512
Use a 45 watt panel connected to battery with controller. Would not recommend direct connect (solar to pump) unless very small panel. Try a 5 watt and see. This still might be too much electricity.
1576604
Hi there. For camping. and sleeping on the back of my pickup truck. Im using a 100 watt solar pannel connected to a 125 mah battery with a 1000 watt power inverter. I also use a 200 watt heater( smallest I could find) so I wont drain the battery so quick. in other words this one can be use as well in a setu up like mine or if you want to use it in your car battery you would need to connect the 1000 watt amp DIRECTLY from the car battery. DONOT connect it of cigaret outlet. it will blow the fuse since those dont allow to go up to 1000 watts. any questions just ask :)
1243253
If you have to ask, then you cannot afford it. I suggest a Sun Dial, it uses on volts, watts or amps.
1963181
I just read an article in Home Power Magazine that may help you get started the right way. Look up Home Power 157, October & November issue. The article is called "An Educated Move Off-Grid". A lot of people might respond to your question with questions, the big one would be What do you want to do with Solar Power? What are your needs? What is your amp load? All these are answered in this article, so you should do your best to get it asap, read it, and go from there.
2190330
After a 30 second pause... other brands have instant switching. For my use it isn't critical, my primary power for our truck camper is solar panels. battrey storage/inverter... my secondary power source is built in propane generator. I don't use shore power (grid)I still prefer the instant switch if possible.
1378034
If you are living in a RV, spend the extra money and get a MPPT charge controller. I found a cheap priced one made by Tracer. They make a 10, 20, 30, and 40 amp. They are a lot more efficient than a PWM controller.
58982
I believe that is the first option. The panel will not come on unless it has a good battery. Installation was a breeze. Good luck.
1648403
In my opinion I would work backwards first. AC Energy Needs: What do you need to power? How many watts? Yousay laptops, radio, and possible fan (just kidding). None of those are big energy hogs. So you could probably get by with a system that outputs a continuous 100 watts. On the safe side lets say 150 watts of continuous AC power. OK, so you need an inverter (converts DC power to AC power) that output at least 150 watts of continuous power. There are lots of good inverters in this range. I suggest one that has a built in fan, high conversion efficiency, and an alarm for low power supply voltage. DC Energy Source: Solar panels output DC energy; however, their out put varies with time of day, cloudiness, and much more. You need a continuous power source. In steps the battery, a power reservoir or buffer. We are not talking car batteries here, as they will not handle the deep discharges and recharges that you could subject them to. Deep cycle batteries are what you want. If you read Northern Arizona Wind & Sun's battery FAQ (http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm) you will fidn they recommend AGM batteries, such as these: UPG UB12350 Group U1 - AGM Battery - Sealed Lead Acid - 12 Volt - 35 Ah Capacity - I2 Terminal. Charging the battery: In steps the Solar Panel. Simply put you use the solar panel to charge the battery. You will also need to put something in between the battery and the solar panel(s), such a charge controller (avoids over charging) or diode (prevents charge from batteries leaking back through to the panels). Of course, you also need the best direct sunlight you can get. Mostly, that is what you need.
971638
You would be better served to get one of the solar battery tenders (very low cost - sold here on Amazon also). It uses a small solar panel made specifically for charging car/motorcycle batteries. Cheers!
1729374
It could be done, but 50 watts probably wouldn't do the trick. You could tie together more than one panel, though, for more power, or use a larger panel. If you do buy solar and plan to use a lead-acid battery, spend a little more and buy a PWM controller. (Look at Sunguard controllers). It costs a little more, but you'll get more output from the same panel. Controllers are used to prevent overcharging lead acid batteries. So, in short, it can be done. I love the Instapark panels. I dropped one from my RV and replaced it with the same model. Still need to see if I can have the glass replaced. They are not fragile, though. Have fun. It's a project. It could be done, but 50 watts probably wouldn't do the trick. You could tie together more than one panel, though, for more power, or use a larger panel. If you do buy solar and plan to use a lead-acid battery, spend a little more and buy a PWM controller. (Look at Sunguard controllers). It costs a little more, but you'll get more output from the same panel. Controllers are used to prevent overcharging lead acid batteries. So, in short, it can be done. I love the Instapark panels. I dropped one from my RV and replaced it with the same model. Still need to see if I can have the glass... » Read More It could be done, but 50 watts probably wouldn't do the trick. You could tie together more than one panel, though, for more power, or use a larger panel. If you do buy solar and plan to use a lead-acid battery, spend a little more and buy a PWM controller. (Look at Sunguard controllers). It costs a little more, but you'll get more output from the same panel. Controllers are used to prevent overcharging lead acid batteries. So, in short, it can be done. I love the Instapark panels. I dropped one from my RV and replaced it with the same model. Still need to see if I can have the glass replaced. They are not fragile, though. Have fun. It's a project. « Show Less
403732
Be sure you put a 'charge controller' (regulator) between the panel and the battery. If you don't, you will overcharge the battery daytime, and fry the panel at night (because the battery will back up into the panel and fry it).
995180
Go for it. That's the same reason that I purchased their 100 watt system for our camping in locations with no services. I, however added an A/B switch as I use two deep cell batteries in our camper so that I ca use one battery while the other one is being charged by the solar panel.
539828
Yes this is off grid, charge controller is a simple one not mppt. Wish it was. Solar panels work great have had hooked to a sun gti 500watt. I c 160 watts on avg out of these two panels. I bought this kit and two batteries so i could cover myself if grid went down. Good luck.
1508345
I use mine this past weekend. I had the panel charging a 12V marine battery through a solar controller and had a 12v fan running in my trailer at the same time. Seemed to work just fine.
1845949
Yes that will work. I would recommend getting a 30 to 15 amp adapter and run two extension chords from different outlets. This will allow your entire camper to have power Instead of only half.
2181666
You can just hook it up +&-. Or you can get a charge controller that will desulfinate the battery, not overcharge and not discharge at night. There is lots of 'em available... Me, I like the Battery Tender 021-1162 Solar Panel Charger Controller