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08-06-2011, 03:02 AM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member 
2011 27 FB International
Currently Looking...
Dawsonville
, Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 17
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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
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08-06-2011, 06:58 AM
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#2
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4 Rivet Member 
1977 25' Tradewind
Waskesiu Lake
, Saskatchewan
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 321
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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.
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Every home needs a dog, and every dog needs a home.
1977 25' Tradewind (with three two dogs)
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08-06-2011, 07:22 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master 
Commercial Member
Currently Looking...
Marco Island, FL
, Hood River, OR
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,761
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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.
__________________
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!
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08-06-2011, 09:03 AM
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#4
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"CLOUDSPLITTER" (tahawus)

2003 25' Classic
Hoover Beach
, "Niagara Frontier" NY
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,637
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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
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08-06-2011, 09:13 AM
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#5
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Ready-to-Travel

1998 31' Limited
Walkerton
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,066
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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
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08-06-2011, 08:26 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master 
Commercial Member
Currently Looking...
Marco Island, FL
, Hood River, OR
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,761
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pmclemore
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
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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!
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08-06-2011, 08:56 PM
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#7
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2 Rivet Member 

2010 20' Flying Cloud
San Luis Obispo
, California
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 21
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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
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08-07-2011, 09:36 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master 

Southwestern
, Ohio
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,240
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster
There will be a security feature included with this system that 'discourages' casual theft.
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How about a Model T Ford coil? 
.
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08-07-2011, 09:52 PM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member 
1975 25' Tradewind
Reno
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 59
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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
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08-11-2011, 01:59 PM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member 

2004 28' International CCD
Birmingham
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 288
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by onemanclan
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A children's riding toy and a 2011 Mercedes four door sedan both roll ... but they aren't the same.
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08-11-2011, 11:00 PM
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#11
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2 Rivet Member 
1975 25' Tradewind
Reno
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 59
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by UAPachyderm
A children's riding toy and a 2011 Mercedes four door sedan both roll ... but they aren't the same.
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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.
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08-12-2011, 05:19 AM
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#12
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"CLOUDSPLITTER" (tahawus)

2003 25' Classic
Hoover Beach
, "Niagara Frontier" NY
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,637
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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....
__________________
LOST IN THE SIXTIES
" I'll know where I am when I get there"
Bob,Sandra & "Fado"
 2006 3/4 Burb 8.1
Hensley
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08-12-2011, 05:39 AM
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#13
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4 Rivet Member 

2004 28' International CCD
Birmingham
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 288
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Quote:
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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.
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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.
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08-12-2011, 05:46 AM
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#14
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2 Rivet Member 
1965 26' Overlander
1972 21' Globetrotter
Arlington
, Tennessee
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 35
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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.
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