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10-22-2013, 03:00 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 38
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Any potential issue/disadvantage if I have a solar system installed
So I've been thinking about getting a solar system installed on the new GT 351DS that I've yet to pick up from CA at the end of this month. I've new to RV'ing. I've been reading about all the great things a solar system can do. But before I pull the trigger, would anyone please remind me of any potential issues/disadvantages a solar system may incur?
I don't plan to live FT in the coach. It'll mostly be weekend trips, a couple week-long road trips every year, etc. Me and hubby are both still working, in our mid-30s.
Thx!
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10-22-2013, 03:25 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: X
Posts: 2,781
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If all of the places you expect to stay will have electric service, there is no need to spend the money on solar.
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10-22-2013, 03:28 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: central PA
Posts: 978
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disadvantages: weight, cost, increased maintenance, a little extra worry during a storm.
advantages: freedom of sites, freedom from generator noise, save a little money at no electric sites, quiet
__________________
2000 Cherokee 29BH with 6V batteries, LED lights & 400 watts of solar power, flipped axles and raised. 2007 Tundra 5.7L DC-LB with lots of mods. C-co, 8/158th AVN Maint.
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10-22-2013, 03:28 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Central New York
Posts: 1,165
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The drain on your bank account would be the only drawback I can think of. Solar systems are great, and they have come become more common. Just make sure it's installed by a qualified shop and they use good quality components, properly sized wire, and do the work neatly.
Good luck - either way I'm sure you'll enjoy the new RV.
__________________
2022 Columbus 379MBC (Previous 2013 Rockwood Roo 23 IKSS)
2023 F-350 (Previous 2017 F250, 2005 F-150)
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10-22-2013, 07:39 PM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 2
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I would question how much solar energy and battery AH is needed to get through a day and night. If you run your ice maker, TV's, lights, microwave, hair dryer, electric blanket and computer each night. Can you expect the batteries to carrier the normal daily and nightly load while the solar panels are charging what was lost overnight. What will be the weight, footprint and cost needed to keep the batteries charged enough to do it all again for another day and night?
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10-23-2013, 10:48 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: central PA
Posts: 978
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GaryCox
I would question how much solar energy and battery AH is needed to get through a day and night. If you run your ice maker, TV's, lights, microwave, hair dryer, electric blanket and computer each night. Can you expect the batteries to carrier the normal daily and nightly load while the solar panels are charging what was lost overnight. What will be the weight, footprint and cost needed to keep the batteries charged enough to do it all again for another day and night?
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this concept is not for the faint of heart, or weak wallet. Essentially a solar system isn't cost effective for living an average life on 120 vac. The batteries, inverter and solar would be a huge expense. I'm not saying it hasn't been done. One would have to be ready for cutting back on things like hair dryers and air conditioning and other power hogs.
__________________
2000 Cherokee 29BH with 6V batteries, LED lights & 400 watts of solar power, flipped axles and raised. 2007 Tundra 5.7L DC-LB with lots of mods. C-co, 8/158th AVN Maint.
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