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Sundance · 02-13-2008, 05:11 PM

If you could have only one........... over a variety of
travel areas, would you go with a wind generator, or
solar panels?

The advent of low cost, high effciency, wind turbines
seem to me to make them a viable option for charging
battery banks.

Ultimatly I want to have both systems but can't affort
them both now.

Don Cook · 02-13-2008, 05:20 PM

The only wind generators i am aware of have some set-up and that might be a hassle in a lot of situations. I think I would prefer the ease of solar
DC

jdalrymple · 02-13-2008, 05:42 PM

A combination of both may be the best option for an extended boondocking stay. If one didn't mind the set-up work Mr. Cook mentioned. Surely either the sun or wind would be available on any given day.

lewster · 02-13-2008, 07:15 PM

Just my 2 cents....but a quality solar rig will generate power even on cloudy days (although not at the level of full sunshine) but if there is no wind......you just ain't gettin' nothin'!!! Know what I mean ????????????

Fyrzowt · 02-13-2008, 07:22 PM

The sun comes up EVERY day, not so with the wind.
As Lew said, even on a cloudy day you recharge with solar. With the system I used to have, I could be back up to full voltage by noon even on an overcast day.
Dave

thecatsandi · 02-13-2008, 07:27 PM

Solar,
It works rolling down the road. If I were stationary both.

Fyrzowt · 02-13-2008, 07:45 PM

I still like the idea of solar but Michelle's post gets me thinking, which is often dangerous....
What would keep someone from installing a wind gen for recharging while going down the road?
Are they pricey?
While it is true that the TV 12V system will recharge the batteries, it takes a while and wind gen. would be faster at 65 MPH.
Just thinking out loud.
Dave

davidz71 · 02-13-2008, 08:01 PM

I've been looking at wind generators just for the heck of it. I run 265 watts of solar panel now and have a Yamaha generator but one of my boondocking books discussed harnessing the wind. Some of the units make noise at high speed. You have to take into consideration the area of the country \you will be in to determine if it would be worth even setting one up. After looking at a number of websites, I found that I am in a category 2 area of the country which is marginal for producing wind power. Further east of my location it goes up to a category 3.

This company carries a nice folding/telescoping tower that you can drive your trailer tire over to anchor it and after mounting the turbine, run the pole up. I think the mounting pole costs more than the wind turbine.
Southwest Windpower

Solar is silent but only works during the day. Wind, if available, might be there during the day and night but you have to be in the right area. You couldn't park right next to the tree line with either because panels might be partially shaded and it cuts down on wind, even creating turbulence.

I'd go solar first and if you find you're wanting more energy than your batteries and solar can provide, add the wind generator.

thecatsandi · 02-13-2008, 08:06 PM

The fact that with every passing turck you have a rapidly changing wind direction. This would tear the wind turbine apart.

Fyrzowt · 02-13-2008, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

The fact that with every passing turck you have a rapidly changing wind direction. This would tear the wind turbine apart.

Maybe that's why I haven't tried it yet.

I didn't realize they were that fragile.

RedSHED · 02-13-2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

The fact that with every passing turck you have a rapidly changing wind direction. This would tear the wind turbine apart.

Depends on the turbine design.
One that looked more like a stovepipe hat with slats would do better in that environment than one that looked like a propeller.

safari57 · 02-13-2008, 08:22 PM

With solar all the dynamics have been figured out, it's proven technology that is in use everywhere, and prices are reasonable if you shop around and do your research on the net first.

I'd start with solar and let others continue to pioneer the wind power generation to a point where it's dependable, cost effective, compact for transport and not too much of a hassle to set up and tear down.

Barry

RedSHED · 02-13-2008, 08:43 PM

... On the subject of generators...
My commute bike now has a generator hub. While not a new idea, some of the LED based headlights are putting out a surprising amount of light. A small turbine based on one of these, linked to a charger & some NiMH cells could provide many hours of reading while boondocking.

davidz71 · 02-13-2008, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

The fact that with every passing turck you have a rapidly changing wind direction. This would tear the wind turbine apart.

I didn't realize anyone was running one on their trailer while driving! I've seen video of one mounted on the front of a boat where everyone is away from the blades but I don't see how you could mount one on a trailer and still make it under an overpass even with 21" blades.

Fyrzowt · 02-13-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidz71

I didn't realize anyone was running one on their trailer while driving! I've seen video of one mounted on the front of a boat where everyone is away from the blades but I don't see how you could mount one on a trailer and still make it under an overpass even with 21" blades.

See post #10. Just a wild idea that has possibilities IMO.
Don't they make them smaller than 21"? Is that the blade length or the diameter of the whole assy?

tkendall · 02-13-2008, 09:01 PM

After working with solar and wind systems for a few years, I can answer your question for you.

Solar: Works when the sun is out, depending on where you are, depends on the amount of sunshine you get per day/year. Keep in mind that what you use out of your batteries you need 1.2 times that amount to charge them up again. Solar works but depends on your type and size of panels and the size and type of battery your charging. Also in this equation will be your usage. The better the PV design, the better at charging your battery. With this also drives up the cost per watt. Low end will be around $2 per watt for the import cheap ones. Good quality and long life will get you anywhere from $4-$6 per watt. That is just the panel cost.

We run around 200 watts with a good charge controler and 4 220 amp/hour golf cart batteries. That does us fine. It runs all the things in our travel trailer and takes care of our internet and computer.

Wind: This is a good system if you are in an area that is in cat 3 or better. Most wind gens start output around 7-9 mph. They peak around 27 mph. That is a lot of wind. If a flag (5' or larger) is standing straight, that is the wind you need for good output on a wind gen. For a small one that is rated at 400 watts, you can expect your average output to be around 50% for the year if your in a good wind area.

Wind is great for a hybird setup. But it is hard to count on for charging your batteries all the time. Another thing to consider is having the area around you to get the best output for your wind gen. You should have no obstructions for about 300 ft. Also, it is recommended to mount at an elevation of 20 ft. These are to obtain max output for the rating. You can not run down the road and have them work. Newer ones shut down once the reach a certain RPM and the output starts to drop once you get over 28-30 mph winds.

Bottom line. Solar is easy, requires almost no maintainence, (just clean the panels every so often) and last ...forever we think. The original panels are still working after 40+ years.

A wind generator will need replacement blades and cleaned and taken care of a lot more often. One more thing, they are noisy, but you can get use to that.

Solar is really the way to go on a travel trailer. If you have any quesitons, you can always send me a pm. This is what I do for a living.

RedSHED · 02-13-2008, 09:31 PM

Different can be good:

Pacwind

Of course, to use it while driving still means you're recharging with gas/diesel.

Page o' linkies:
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines - Manufacturers

myboyburt · 02-13-2008, 09:33 PM

We would like to add solar panels on our Airstream. We just don't know if there is enough space on the roof of our 25' as it already has two fantastic fans, the AC and the TV batwing. I don't want solar panels hanging off the sides or anything. Is there an option for those of us with smaller Airstreams?

davidz71 · 02-14-2008, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fyrzowt

See post #10. Just a wild idea that has possibilities IMO.
Don't they make them smaller than 21"? Is that the blade length or the diameter of the whole assy?

46" rotor diameter on the Air Breeze and Air X. 20" on this unit: Rutland 503 Wind Generator

tkendall · 02-14-2008, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myboyburt

We would like to add solar panels on our Airstream. We just don't know if there is enough space on the roof of our 25' as it already has two fantastic fans, the AC and the TV batwing. I don't want solar panels hanging off the sides or anything. Is there an option for those of us with smaller Airstreams?

You can visit some of the solar dealers websites and look at the size of the panels. Check how much area you have to work with and then find something to fit. You can also go with a portable setup. You can just break down your panels and store them in the trailer between stops.

On the wind generators going down the road. BAD IDEA. Unless you have a very stable mounting system, don't run into any birds, and keep your speed at 25 mph. Don't drive into the wind either.