backchannel: 7 RVer types that shouldn’t get solar
My thoughts on this video:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvk5ePusGDI
00:40 - There are some situations where an RVer shouldn't get solar
Agreed. RVwiki article: is solar mandatory?
00:50 1. RV parks only
Right. If one has near-constant shore power then solar is not needed. Well, assuming one has a “smart” converter that charges the house bank properly.
1:10 2. Don't have the budget
While I agree debt is usually harmful, insufficient charging will quickly murder lead-chemistry batteries. I’d cut expenses elsewhere: flatscreens, new phones/tablets/PCs, etc.
If one wants to boondock on a limited budget the cheapest solution is
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a set of flooded 6v golf cart batts in series
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an overpaneled MPPT controller like an A- or AN-series Chinese controller
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with as much panel as budget and roofspace allow. Mono/Poly doesn’t matter in this scenario, so buy what’s cheapest/watt, probably hardframed poly.
I don’t want to hear anyone complain about expense if they are looking at $$$ AGM, lithium, flex panels, etc. “Pound foolish.”
1:55 3. You RV infrequently
A small amount of panel (like 100w) will keep the batteries happy in storage, extending their usable life.
2:25 4. Uncomfortable drilling holes in roof
Mounting racks will minimize perforations, and a cable gland will waterproof cable entry.
I don’t advise it, but perforations could also be minimized by using industrial VHB tape or similar instead of screws.
Also not a big fan of portable panels, but as he says setting them out would keep them off the roof.
3:15 5. Don't have the extra space/weight
/squinting
If you have a monster road barge and don’t have the room for a controller then there are other issues going on. Panels and controllers are quite light.
solar controller, inverter and extra batteries take up a large chunk of our passenger storage
/squinting again
Inverter is a red herring, not related to solar.
Having solar can/will decrease the amount of battery you have to lug around, since loads can be run off the panel.
4:15 6. Don't mind generator
yeah, but do other campers mind your generator?
Generators work great with lithium banks. Generators alone aren’t great for charging lead, although generator + solar works great and requires relatively tiny amounts of solar.
4:45 7. Low electrical usage
True, if you are running lithium and alternator or generator-charging it. But lead batteries are hurt by sitting at partial stage of charge need long duration and high voltage Absorption periods regularly to stay healthy.