Solar - Inverter system - Yes or No??

Hi all,

I just sold my last 5ver and ordered my new 2010 32QBBS. My last unit had a CTI-130 (130W) panel with GPR-25 regulator from Carmanah technogies. I should have hung on to the system from my old unit but forgot about it until it was too late. I was very happy with what I had and am wondering now though, since I have to start over, if I should go with a full system that includes an inverter. How are inverters on draining the battery? Are you happy with yours?

Thanks,
Corey

I have both. Solar panel to keep the batteries charged and inverter to run the TV and a few other things. The only time I run low on battery power is when the kids are with us and watch movies all day or if the sun is not out.

Scottz,
Could you tell me approx. what a system like yours would cost? I've look at solar systems but can't really figure out what and how must stuff I need. I know you have to have the right amps..volts, etc,.......this stuff can get mindbogglingly if you don't know what your doing. (And I don't)
THANKS,
Mmiller

Mine cost about $1200Cdn incl install for a 130W panel and the regulator. You'll also want to get some good maintenance free batteries, preferably AGM type to prevent boil over from being charged all the time, although my regulator did not charge once full. Boil over may occur more commonly if your trailer is plugged in to shore power all teh time. Typically, the panel/regulator will charge your batteries higher than your convertor will in the 14.4V range, at least mine did.

Corey

I just put mine together myself, but I have a little experience at it; I have several radio sites that are solar powered. I would recommend visiting this site and talking to them. They are very helpful and have some kits that are well designed with all the appropriate parts.

A 100W system is going to cost around $1k not including installation. Installation is not difficult.

I've already got the inverter. I'd sure love to add a solar panel or two some day. There are several companies making high quality panels; none are cheap.

TC

I have a 130W panel and 25A regulator. It was around $750. Figure about $5/watt.

I got mine here..
https://ssl4.westserver.net/rvsolarelectric.com/orderform.htm

I got a 1750W inverter for around $350. The prices are higher today. It was only a modified sine wave not a true sine.

What brand did you get for your panel and regulator? I see Kyocera and Carmanah, according to the website you mentioned. I had Carmanah on my last 5ver and really was impressed but they no longer make the 130W panel according to an email I just received from them.

I have the Kyocera 130W (3+ years). When I was down south in LA it was puting out 10A in full sun. At home, it puts out 8.5A in the summer months.

I take it back, it's a Go Power 25A regulator.

I have a BP Solar panel (I think it is 120W) and a Xantrex (Trace Engineering) controller. No particular reason, just what I had laying around.

Geez, I am not sure how I missed these replies... I had the same Go Power regulator on my last 5ver, really liked it. Unfortunately I was not very smart when I left it in the unit when I traded it in. There is a new Go Power regulator with no LEDs that replaces the one I had. http://www.gpelectric.com/commonfiles/libraries/docs/specsheets/GP-PWM-25.pdf

I did save one of the two AGM 12V batteries I had. I was using AGM because of they were maintenance free and supposedly hold a charge much much longer. My original dealer recommemed AGM when I bought my solar panel. I went to buy another one at the local Interstate store and they said they would not recommend AGM batteries for solar use. He said that they are not good to be charged to quickly, such as when you are plugged into your tow vehicle. Everything he said seemed to go against how good I thought they were. He also said that they take a long time to charge. Two years ago I spent $200Cdn for one battery and now they are $350. Forget it!! Those of you using Solar, what do you recommend?

I got four 6V GC2 batteries from Costco for about $60 each. It's been 3 years now and they are fine since the panel maintains them.

I think they are near $75 now.

Do you do a lot of dry camping and if so, how long can you go before the panels just can't keep up maintianing the batteries? Any maintenance issues with the batteries you have or are they carefree? Also, did you have to get bigger batteries boxes?

I do mostly dry camping. In the summer, I've never had an issue with the panel keeping up. You do have to periodically check the water level. I got a Pro-Fill Kit that water all of them at the same time and to the correct level. In the fall and winter months, especially when overcast, the panel will have a hard time. I was hunting in Oregon a couple years back and we used the heater a lot. The heater fan draws more power than the solar panel could produce. I used my generator to help maintain them. I mostly summer camp anyway.

I ditched the single boxes, I have a box set up for four of the 6V GC2 type batteries. It fits nicely next to the generator (tight fit though). I got it from alliedbattery.com, but it looks like they are now batterysystems.net. I can't find any links to the box I got from them.

I have two 12V AGM batteries, about 100AH I think. Like he said, the panel will keep them up unless you have to use the furnace (assuming you have sun). I have not had any problems with the AGM batteries.

Thanks for the replies, I do have an AGM battery I kept from my previous 5ver and I was happy with having AGM batteries. Back when I purchased those batteries, the salesman said thats what I needed for solar to work best. I spoke to an Interstate rep who said to stay away from AGM as they take to long to charge and also cannot accept the ammount of amps that come in from the charging system of your truck. I went to an RV dealer yesterday and asked them and they recommended just using the original deep cycle batteries.