WrongWay 0 #1 May 18, 2004 Okay, so my girlie and I got this spiffy Winnebago out on the dropzone now, and we're wanting power in it of course. My question now is, should we go gas generator or solar? I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS STUFF. I don't know how much wattage we need or anything, so here's the setup. We'll only be out on the weekends, and I was thinking if we left solar running all week, we could charge batteries for the the weekends, right? We'd be powering a small fridge (doesnt have to be full time, only weekends of a few hours to keep beer/drinks cold), a TV and VCR, and lights inside. Perhaps an occasional video game console for crappy weather days. So would solar work if we charged it during the week? Would that even be possible? If not, then can someone give us a guess on how much wattage we're gonna need so we'll know what kind of generator to get? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! Wrong Way D #27371 Mal Manera Rodriguez Cajun Chicken Ø Hellfish #451 The wiser wolf prevails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viking 0 #2 May 18, 2004 shoot Bill Von a pm, he set up the solar array at Skydive San Diego.I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver My God has a bigger dick than your god -George Carlin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WrongWay 0 #3 May 18, 2004 Quoteshoot Bill Von a pm, he set up the solar array at Skydive San Diego. Will do. Thanks!! Wrong Way D #27371 Mal Manera Rodriguez Cajun Chicken Ø Hellfish #451 The wiser wolf prevails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #4 May 18, 2004 Quoteshoot Bill Von a pm, he set up the solar array at Skydive San Diego. He also has his house set up and he actually puts power into the power grid now...So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,120 #5 May 18, 2004 >We'll only be out on the weekends, and I was thinking if we left solar > running all week, we could charge batteries for the the weekends, > right? Right. To run lights/TV/VCR, no problem. To run a refrigerator, you will need to install larger batteries and get a larger solar panel. A small efficient refrigerator draws about 100 watts at 70F ambient; that will kill a normal deep-cycle battery in about 12 hours. Bigger batteries (Trojan T220's, golf cart batteries) are cheap (around $50 a piece and you need two.) You will also need a panel and a charge controller. The charge controller is also cheap ($30 or so) but the panels themselves are pricey. They run around $3/watt, so a 60 watt panel will run you around $180. EBay is a good source for used panels. 60 watts in good sunlight should give you enough power for weekend usage. You can get another panel later if you find you're using more power. Unless you are using all 12 volt appliances you'll also need an inverter to convert the 12 volt to 120 volts. Most trailers have an inverter installed already, but if you need one they're around $100. Most trailers also have an AC charger; this is helpful if you kill the batteries and need power. You can just run an extension to someone else's outlet for an hour or so. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Keith 0 #6 May 18, 2004 Yeah, Bill will know all the answers. He installed a solar system at my house. I generate more power than I use. Pretty Keith Don't Fuck with me Keith - J. Mandeville Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WrongWay 0 #7 May 18, 2004 Excellent. Thanks!! Now that I know it's possible, there are two other questions. First off, not including the 10 bucks in gas each weekend, would it be cheaper to set up the solar system or get a generator? From my understanding, we can get a good gas generator for 400-500 bucks that would give us all the juice we need (or so im told, correct me if im wrong please). That solar stuff is looking kinda pricey with the extra panels, batteries, inverters, etc. Your thoughts? Also, I'm going to be honest here and say that I'm a complete and total neanderthal when it comes to setting up stuff like that. Let's say somebody has the electrical and wiring knowlege of a hamster, could that person easily set up a solar power system like that or would it be pretty compicated? Thanks for the advice, and forgive my ignorance. Wrong Way D #27371 Mal Manera Rodriguez Cajun Chicken Ø Hellfish #451 The wiser wolf prevails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,120 #8 May 18, 2004 >First off, not including the 10 bucks in gas each weekend, would it be > cheaper to set up the solar system or get a generator? Rough BOM: -Two T105 batteries $120 from local store -Charge controller $28 -Used 70 watt solar panel $132 from ebay -12 volt refrig $59 from K-mart -Cheap inverter $30 -Fuse $30 Total $399 About the same price as the generator, _including_ the 12 volt refrig. Per our experience at Otay, expect a cheap generator to last about a year. The PV system should last forever except for the batteries which will last about 5 years with weekend usage. >Also, I'm going to be honest here and say that I'm a complete and > total neanderthal when it comes to setting up stuff like that. Let's > say somebody has the electrical and wiring knowlege of a hamster, > could that person easily set up a solar power system like that or > would it be pretty compicated? It's not that complicated. If you can hook up a car stereo you can do this. If you want a diagram or something let me know. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weegegirl 2 #9 May 18, 2004 hey, billvon... just wanted to say THANKS!!! i'm sending you a huge (((hug)))) for your info! when wrongway first mentioned the solar idea, i thought it was great environmentally, but that it would never work. now i'm thinking it's a great idea!! you rock! i'm gonna buy you a beer if i ever bump into yah! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WrongWay 0 #10 May 18, 2004 Quote It's not that complicated. If you can hook up a car stereo you can do this. If you want a diagram or something let me know. Excellent. Car stereos I can do. Yeah if I could get a diagram it would be GREAT. Do we just need one panel or should we get two? Thanks a lot Bill, YOU DA MAN!!! I agree with Liz, we totally owe you beer. Wrong Way D #27371 Mal Manera Rodriguez Cajun Chicken Ø Hellfish #451 The wiser wolf prevails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,120 #11 May 18, 2004 >Yeah if I could get a diagram it would be GREAT. OK, I'll try to draw and scan one. >Do we just need one panel or should we get two? Up to you. The larger batteries mean you have all week to recharge them, so you might be able to get away with one panel. Get a cheapo meter from Radio Shack or something and check the batteries at the end of the weekend every once in a while. If they are below 11.5 volts (5.75 volts each) you need more charging power. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WrongWay 0 #12 May 18, 2004 Excellent. Hey thanks a lot, we REALLY appreciate this. Wrong Way D #27371 Mal Manera Rodriguez Cajun Chicken Ø Hellfish #451 The wiser wolf prevails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,120 #13 May 18, 2004 Well, I tried to scan and send the sketch, no luck - I couldn't compress it down enough to attach it. If you PM me your email address I will send it as an attachement. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumper03 0 #14 May 19, 2004 would you mind sending it to me too? I'd be interested in doing this for my fifth wheel too, but I live there full time. Probably would need more cells and bigger batts. Got plenty of sunshine though jumper03@dropzone.comScars remind us that the past is real Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
