Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-06-2011, 03:02 AM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
2011 27 FB International
Currently Looking...
Dawsonville , Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 17
What solar panels to buy?

I wish to purchase a portable solar panel - not one installed on the roof. I have 2 batteries and my 27 FB is generator ready with the external plug installed.
Any suggestions?
Thanks

__________________
GaRoc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2011, 06:58 AM   #2
4 Rivet Member
 
kevin242's Avatar
 
1977 25' Tradewind
Waskesiu Lake , Saskatchewan
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 321
Images: 13
These are what I ordered.

RV Solar Kits : WeGo Solar, Wind and Microhydro for Canada

You could order 2 panels to get 200+ watts if you need extra power. 125 is all we need for our use. I'm simply making a frame to mount the panel to so it can sit on the ground.

__________________
Every home needs a dog, and every dog needs a home.

1977 25' Tradewind (with three two dogs)
kevin242 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2011, 07:22 AM   #3
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
 
lewster's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Marco Island, FL , Hood River, OR
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,761
Portable solar

AM Solar is currently in the final stages of developing a quality 200 watt portable solar charging system that will be tripod mounted and have a fully integrated 15 amp MPPT charge controller.

This system will be using AM Solar's GS-100 high efficiency 100 watt panels to keep the overall size and weight at a minimum. These panels measure approx. 20" X 40" and weigh only 14.5 lbs.

I will keep the Forum advised on the availability of this new system.

This photo of the prototype was taken at 'The Rally' that recently concluded in Redmond, OR.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Lew Farber -RVIA Nationally Certified Master Tech.... MASTER TECH RV SYSTEMS, INC.
AM SOLAR SALES & INSTALLATIONS .....MAGNUM INVERTERS.....LIFELINE BATTERIES
NO MORE AIRSTREAM.... NO MORE MEMBERSHIPS....BUT I'M STILL AROUND!
lewster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2011, 09:03 AM   #4
"CLOUDSPLITTER" (tahawus)
 
ROBERT CROSS's Avatar

 
2003 25' Classic
Hoover Beach , "Niagara Frontier" NY
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,637
Images: 53
Thanks Lew... now that's something I could live with.

Keep this Old Fart off the roof as much as possible.

Will be watching!!
__________________
LOST IN THE SIXTIES







" I'll know where I am when I get there"

Bob,Sandra & "Fado"
2006 3/4 Burb 8.1
Hensley
ROBERT CROSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2011, 09:13 AM   #5
Ready-to-Travel
 
pmclemore's Avatar

 
1998 31' Limited
Walkerton , Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,066
The thing I hate about portable units is their ability to become alive and walk away. Like Transformers.

Well, maybe not exactly, but easy to be gone, nonetheless.

Pat
__________________
--------------------------------------
Somebody, please, point me to the road.

AIR 3987
TAC VA-2
wbcci ex 9239
pmclemore is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2011, 08:26 PM   #6
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
 
lewster's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Marco Island, FL , Hood River, OR
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,761
Quote:
Originally Posted by pmclemore View Post
The thing I hate about portable units is their ability to become alive and walk away. Like Transformers.

Well, maybe not exactly, but easy to be gone, nonetheless.

Pat
There will be a security feature included with this system that 'discourages' casual theft. The professional thief will always find a way to take what they want, regardless of security measures.
__________________
Lew Farber -RVIA Nationally Certified Master Tech.... MASTER TECH RV SYSTEMS, INC.
AM SOLAR SALES & INSTALLATIONS .....MAGNUM INVERTERS.....LIFELINE BATTERIES
NO MORE AIRSTREAM.... NO MORE MEMBERSHIPS....BUT I'M STILL AROUND!
lewster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2011, 08:56 PM   #7
2 Rivet Member
 
waltb's Avatar

 
2010 20' Flying Cloud
San Luis Obispo , California
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 21
Images: 19
Send a message via AIM to waltb Send a message via Skype™ to waltb
I recently purchased these from CEA Solar:

http://www.shop.rvsolarnow.com/120-w...SLP120F-12.htm

Jim Mannett with CEA Solar was great to with for the purchase and delivery.

For our month long trip this summer, they worked great with my 20 ft. Flying cloud. Having the panels in an aluminum case for transport was a plus.

Another alternative.
__________________
Judy and Walt
2010 Flying Cloud - 20'
2010 Tundra
Air# 42643; WBCCI# 3884
waltb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2011, 09:36 PM   #8
Rivet Master

 
Southwestern , Ohio
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,240
Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster View Post
There will be a security feature included with this system that 'discourages' casual theft.
How about a Model T Ford coil?
.
__________________
Nuvite-F is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2011, 09:52 PM   #9
2 Rivet Member
 
onemanclan's Avatar
 
1975 25' Tradewind
Reno , Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 59
Man, you guys are *rich*...

Take a look at Harbor Freight for a cheap (albeit temporary solution)...45 watts $199.99 goes on sale all the time for $149.99...you can ALWAYS get 20% off either price...

http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt...kit-90599.html
__________________
onemanclan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-11-2011, 01:59 PM   #10
4 Rivet Member
 
UAPachyderm's Avatar

 
2004 28' International CCD
Birmingham , Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 288
Quote:
Originally Posted by onemanclan
Man, you guys are *rich*...

Take a look at Harbor Freight for a cheap (albeit temporary solution)...45 watts $199.99 goes on sale all the time for $149.99...you can ALWAYS get 20% off either price...

http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt...kit-90599.html
A children's riding toy and a 2011 Mercedes four door sedan both roll ... but they aren't the same.
__________________
UAPachyderm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-11-2011, 11:00 PM   #11
2 Rivet Member
 
onemanclan's Avatar
 
1975 25' Tradewind
Reno , Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 59
Quote:
Originally Posted by UAPachyderm

A children's riding toy and a 2011 Mercedes four door sedan both roll ... but they aren't the same.
Stating the obvious is always helpful! Thanks! Most people post to forums to hear ALL their options, not just the best...if not, I'd be driving a Mercedes too. Oh, wait no I wouldn't...it wouldn't tow my 'stream. Cheers.
__________________
onemanclan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2011, 05:19 AM   #12
"CLOUDSPLITTER" (tahawus)
 
ROBERT CROSS's Avatar

 
2003 25' Classic
Hoover Beach , "Niagara Frontier" NY
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,637
Images: 53
First....rationalize the reasons you want/need.

Then.... find that feel good solution.

For me I never got past the rationalize/cheep...

Whatever flotes 'yer duckie....
Attached Images
 
__________________
LOST IN THE SIXTIES







" I'll know where I am when I get there"

Bob,Sandra & "Fado"
2006 3/4 Burb 8.1
Hensley
ROBERT CROSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2011, 05:39 AM   #13
4 Rivet Member
 
UAPachyderm's Avatar

 
2004 28' International CCD
Birmingham , Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 288
Quote:
Originally Posted by onemanclan

Stating the obvious is always helpful! Thanks! Most people post to forums to hear ALL their options, not just the best...if not, I'd be driving a Mercedes too. Oh, wait no I wouldn't...it wouldn't tow my 'stream. Cheers.
Yes, please forgive my attempt at humor. You are right ... it is always best to know your need and all the solution options available for that need. It just really "jumped out" at me that the two 100w 20"x40" panels and controller setup by AM Solar appears to be of a VERY different quality and capability compared to Harbor Freight's.
__________________
UAPachyderm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2011, 05:46 AM   #14
2 Rivet Member
 
1965 26' Overlander
1972 21' Globetrotter
Arlington , Tennessee
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 35
Just back from 11 state 5800 mile odessey, got good service from 45 watt harbor freight light kit mounted on a sheet of plywood on ladder rack of TV.

__________________
Cottonboll is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Seeking Feedback: solar solutions for full-time telecommers burnsdl Generators & Solar Power 7 08-19-2011 02:31 PM
Solar Power for Battery Maintenance Tumajin Generators & Solar Power 10 08-12-2011 06:10 AM
Solar panels Marilynperl Generators & Solar Power 6 05-27-2011 09:21 AM
Solar Power Quandary for my '58 mello mike Generators & Solar Power 7 04-06-2011 08:05 PM
Solar Panel Prices Dropping tbro Generators & Solar Power 11 03-30-2011 08:21 PM




Airstream Classifieds



Our Communities

Our communities encompass many different hobbies and interests, but each one is built on friendly, intelligent membership.

» More about our Communities

Automotive Communities

Our Automotive communities encompass many different makes and models. From U.S. domestics to European Saloons.

» More about our Automotive Communities

RV & Travel Trailer Communities

Our RV & Travel Trailer sites encompasses virtually all types of Recreational Vehicles, from brand-specific to general RV communities.

» More about our RV Communities

Marine Communities

Our Marine websites focus on Cruising and Sailing Vessels, including forums and the largest cruising Wiki project on the web today.

» More about our Marine Communities


Copyright 2002-2012 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.

All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:55 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.

eXTReMe Tracker

Airstream News Delivered to your Email!

Stay up-to-date with Airstream news in your inbox!

unsusbcribe at anytime with one click

Close [X]