Quote:
Originally Posted by drboyd
Try eco-worthy.com... They have a wind generator and solar both running on a single controller.
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For trailer use, there are "toy" wind-power systems that will produce 1amp at 30vDC in a 20mph wind (but only 0.2amps and 12vDC in a 10mph wind from the same unit). The fan blades are about 15 inches in diameter, and they won't even turn unless there's at least an 8mph wind. Cost is only about $50 for something that size— cheap enough to experiment with in case you decide later it's not worth it; at least you wouldn't be out much money. But check the seller's return policy; no matter what model you buy, if it turns out not to be practical for you, it sure would be nice to return it for a refund!
Larger systems produce more power, but have larger blades, cost more, and are more complicated to set up because they have to be mounted higher for both safety and efficiency.
Oh, and small wind-power systems tend to be noisy. Those tall, elegant, silent offshore wind farms bear little resemblance to a small semi-portable model in that regard.
My personal opinion— which like all opinions is worth exactly 2˘— is that unless you LIKE camping in places where it's too windy to extend your awning, you'd be better served by going with a larger solar installation rather than trying to mix solar and wind power.