Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mr Beaumont
Like many, I have the solar prep kit but am unsure if installing the solar panels is worth the hassle. I will have the batteries on a battery maintainer when it isn't being used at home. If I'm on the road, I will be plugged in, driving or using the APU. The last three scenarios will be charging the batteries anyway if I understand correctly.
If I am boondocking without the APU or engine generator, will the solar panels keep up with the electrical withdraw. Most of that would be at night when using the lights which is when solar is no good anyway.
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From the way you initially ask your question it sounds like you already made your determination that solar is a hassle And that you would be using other electrical sources anyway. If that’s the case then you’ve answered your own question. But, then when you explain your boondocking scenario there is a major flaw in your scenario. You need to consider solar as a house battery charging system. You are not going to be drawing power directly from the solar panels to the electrical items you are using. The solar provides the charge and the batteries are where the electricity is stored for use. Depending on how many house batteries one has and what electrical appliances are wired through the DC/AC inverter that will determine what you can accomplish. During the daytime when electricity is being used the solar is charging the batteries as electricity is being drawn out of them at the same time. Depending on the size of your solar and the size of your battery bank will determine if you have enough residual energy in the batteries to make it through the night. So if that sounds like too much of a hassle then I guess boondocking is out.
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