Is solar really worth it?

[lewster]

Originally Posted by NWGetaways

And your roof area...

We have ways around that if you happen to be challenged in the roof space area!!! :-))


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
ABYC Certified Master Marine Electrician
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center*AMS Lithium Batteries
Lifeline AGM Batteries**Magnum Inverters***Victron Energy Components
541-490-6357

[Aprilrivet]

We've gone from complete AS newbies to reasonably experienced over the past four years and all the advice about getting out and using your rig is very sound. We installed two 100 watt panels this year as we want to go dry camping more but we now know how long our tanks will last, how to conserve water and where to get it, meals to plan, what kind and how big of an inverter to use for small electrical appliances etc etc. Use your trailer then make an informed decision. Good luck !

[Yachthalo]

The prewire connections to the panel cables are made inside the vertical lip surrounding the roof vent, and snaking around the edge of the fan unit.

[rodsterinfl]

IMHO it is an nice OPTION. The activities you do while camping really determine what is needed. Do you need an Airstream to camp? Solar is nice in that it keeps the batteries up and an inverter will allow you to power AC items from that power that you may need- all except the air conditioner. BUT if you read into the solar threads you will discover the quest for better batteries ($$$), more panels ($$$), better inverters ($$$), more batteries ($$$) and then you have to camp where the sun is DIRECT to really benefit. In the wood or cloudy- get the generator out.

That said, I wanted to get solar just for boon docking and I set an initial limit of $1000 on such a solar kit. I have been able to buy a system that calculates out to meet my requirement usage AND charges the regular house batteries for that money. I run the generator for AC when needed.

[TheCabin]

I almost had solar installed when we purchased our AS but backed out at the last minute. Solar made sense for us just for the simple needs of water pump, lights and heater motor so we purchased the 200w ZAMP portable unit that works just fine. In fact probably better than roof mounted unit as we camp in the woods that often lack direct sun so the portable unit allows us to position the panels as best as possible throughout the day.
If we were to start going to those hot places, then AC would become important and we would have to rethink the solar setup. But before we added that I would try to figure out how to better insulate the box. Afterall, don't we try to insulate our homes before we go and add expensive HVAC?
Still perhaps cheaper since we have a trailer is to follow the weather and not need AC: (http://news.justinweather.com/2015/1...ther-all-year/) which would minimize the need for big solar.