Complete Solar Install for Boondocking

[spock123]

I want to put solar on my camper but I'm going to have to start out with just one panel, my money is a little short. I have two Honda's and DW is not sold on dry camping. Solar is great but I can't spend much more money on camper this year. I want to start out small and work up. I wish I could afford what you have done.

[WeekendEscape RV]

I would run the gauge wire for what you want to work up to. This will save time/money in the long run.

[stevejahr]

Originally Posted by spock123

I want to put solar on my camper but I'm going to have to start out with just one panel, my money is a little short. I have two Honda's and DW is not sold on dry camping. Solar is great but I can't spend much more money on camper this year. I want to start out small and work up. I wish I could afford what you have done.

I have somewhat done this... have one 100W panel I used as portable but the controller and wiring are all there to take a second 100W panel (yeah I am still being conservative on my power needs).

Still running single 12V that came with trailer... but again wiring is all there and ready for more to be added when I am ready.

[WeekendEscape RV]

It is that time again! Bastrop here we come...

The solar is doing awesome. Right now i have the refrigerator, lights, and the radio going.

[JCDMeyer]

I guess asking this question vs. Just trying it is wise...

Is it possible to use mirrors to reflect more sunlight onto the panels? Would it be possible to use mirrors on cloudy days or when direct exposure is not possible?

[WeekendEscape RV]

Originally Posted by JCDMeyer

I guess asking this question vs. Just trying it is wise...

Is it possible to use mirrors to reflect more sunlight onto the panels? Would it be possible to use mirrors on cloudy days or when direct exposure is not possible?

I have no idea but would love to hear results if someone has tried it.

[flymhi]

I like your way of thinking. I went the route of 2x 265W framed mono panels with an outback controller. I drilled the roof for the panel brackets but chose to run the wires down the fridge vent. Running the wire was a pain but worked out well. Right now I am running two 12v grp 27s but will replace them with Trojans down the road.

I also purchased a 2k Samlex Inverter but have not installed it yet. I'm uncertain of trying to run the microwave off the batteries.

My purpose was mainly 12v based: fridge, lights, and charging mobile devices. And heat during the day for Elk season.

Did you plan on a transfer switch? I haven't installed mine yet and with an enclosed underbelly, don't look forward to running wiring from the front inverter to the rear breaker panel.

Thanks for sharing!

[AB_SP295BHS]

Originally Posted by WeekendEscape RV

It is that time again! Bastrop here we come...

The solar is doing awesome. Right now i have the refrigerator, lights, and the radio going.

Attachment 134055

Have you tried flicking on the A/C? I've seen video from the 'Wynn's' with their A/C test where it was pulling ~1050W while running...I presume max continuous draw from your battery bank becomes the issue, wiring too I guess. As well as surge capacity of your inverter, the specs say up to 70-80A (~9kw) peak load at startup for 13.5k BTU dometic units.

600 AH * 12W = 7200 W, so if it would all run safely...or at all a 1000W power consumption would allow you half an hour or so just to get things cooled down for bad...or just sit around the fire and drink until it cools off...

[WeekendEscape RV]

Originally Posted by AB_SP295BHS

Have you tried flicking on the A/C? I've seen video from the 'Wynn's' with their A/C test where it was pulling ~1050W while running...I presume max continuous draw from your battery bank becomes the issue, wiring too I guess. As well as surge capacity of your inverter, the specs say up to 70-80A (~9kw) peak load at startup for 13.5k BTU dometic units.

600 AH * 12W = 7200 W, so if it would all run safely...or at all a 1000W power consumption would allow you half an hour or so just to get things cooled down for bad...or just sit around the fire and drink until it cools off...

I have not and will not. That's not what it was built for.

[epfd217]

Microwaves and A/C use is measured in KILOwatts.

The Wynn's A/C test also stated a battery bank of 600-800aH's would be required as well as an inverter of at least 3000 watts, but capable of the AMP draw startup, so most likely a 4000watt inverter. Yes, you may get 30 minutes out of an A/c, but at what cost?

A 600aH battery bank with adequate solar, if sized properly, will account for 100-150 ah of usage a day and should be replenished by the sun. The size of the bank will allow for 2-3 days of bad weather.

Now imagine throwing on the A/c for that 30 minutes of relief? You've used up at least one days worth of power. Not to mention, the hottest part of the day is late afternoon when the bulk of charging is ending. You're starting the night and next day in a power deficit that is hard to replenish by solar alone.

Possible, Yes. Practical at even a feasible level, not really. And I think the Wynn's made that pretty clear. A generator is the only real way for A/C off grid for now.

[epfd217]

Can you explain or show where you've mounted all those batteries?

[WeekendEscape RV]

Originally Posted by epfd217

Can you explain or show where you've mounted all those batteries?

I have 2 batteries currently (on the tongue) the others i had were bad so i did not install them in the cargo area as planned. I did order replacements but they must be on a slow boat from China because it seems to be taking forever to arrive.

[WeekendEscape RV]

We used our solar this past week/weekend and i must say i am pleasantly surprised. At 10am when we arrived to our boondocking destination the batteries were floating at 13.9V with the refrigerator turned on and 10 amps being pulled off the solar. I decided to turn every 12V device on to test the system. A dozen lights, 3 fans, radio, tv, and refrigerator all on and my battery voltage was still 13.9 with 24 amps being pulled directly from the panels. Yep, I'm a happy camper.

[WeekendEscape RV]

Well, my batteries came in. Now to wire them all up. I also ordered 2 more panels and a 4,000/6,500 Watt inverter. For as little as we boondock/dry camp, we should be good to go.

[Skyliner]

Any battery that lists CCA (cold cranking amp) on the label is not a true deep cycle battery and won't last as long as a real deep cycle battery.

[mwtracht]

Originally Posted by WeekendEscape RV

Well, my batteries came in. Now to wire them all up. I also ordered 2 more panels and a 4,000/6,500 Watt inverter. For as little as we boondock/dry camp, we should be good to go.

Attachment 134653
Attachment 134654

Sounds to me like you are good to go and go and go. Nicely done! Would you consider stopping and Spokane and helping me with mine?

[WeekendEscape RV]

Originally Posted by mwtracht

Sounds to me like you are good to go and go and go. Nicely done! Would you consider stopping and Spokane and helping me with mine?

When we make it your way, yes, would love to and thank you!

[WeekendEscape RV]

Originally Posted by Skyliner

Any battery that lists CCA (cold cranking amp) on the label is not a true deep cycle battery and won't last as long as a real deep cycle battery.

That explains why this particular make/model is the number 1 rated gel battery for solar applications. Yes, just a little sarcasm. In most run of the mill batteries you are correct but, not these. They are a true dual purpose battery that is reflected in the price.

[WeekendEscape RV]

We just ordered a battery maintainer designed just for gel cells. I cant wait to get it all done!!!

[WeekendEscape RV]

A couple more pieces arrived today. This build is getting closer to completion every day. Im still waiting on a couple more pieces to wrap it up.

Thank you Big1 for the deal on the Furion camera system!