Quote:
Originally Posted by hpycmpr
jpmihalk Please tell me about your solar panels. How do you like them, how much do the run, and what do you primarily use them for?
This is a great thread. Thanks everyone for the imput.
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Our solar panels are part of a kit from Renogy solar. We got them on Amazon and the kit includes the panels, mounting hardware, wiring and the 30A PWM controller. The kit ran around $630. We use it for topping off the batteries and to boondock at tailgate events without hookups. Since we have a residential fridge, we added two extra house batteries (for a total of 4) to be able to effectively double the amount of time we can stay off shore or generator power.
We did a lot of research and found a few extra things that helped. We added fuses both between the controller and the panels and the controller and the batteries. This is just an added measure of protection. We installed the kit ourselves, using the mounting hardware and plenty of Dicor to seal the mounts and holes in the roof.
We went this way so we have room to grow. We can easily add panels and update the controller to MPPT for more efficient power management as well as handle the higher power generated.
So far, so good. We added the solar kit within a week of purchase and have been quite pleased with it. We generally only have to run the generator in the morning for coffee and microwave, and in the evening to charge the batteries fully before bed. The only exception has been when the AC needed to be run, definitely need the genny for that.
Good luck and you will find lots of help on these forums!
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