Help me with different electrical options

[SubaruDave]

I'm planning on buying a cargo trailer to convert to a travel trailer and decided to keep the trailer 12v because everything I have that I'll want in the camper can run on 12 volts. and most places I camp have no power hookups and alot don't allow generators because of the noise.

I came across this on a search with google.

http://www.the12voltshop.co.uk/Shop/din ... 0208-.html

Figure that would be good to use in a few different places, I can charge phones, gaming devices and even a small Coleman fridge/cooler that I have. Since most of the places I visit dont have any power, what should I look at for solar, or what other alternatives would I have?

Seen the sticky for solar saying 65w minimum and found this (Geoking 65w panel) on there and it's almost half the price as others out there so I could order 2 and have an extra if I decide to upgrade electrical later. Do you guys have any expierience with these kinds, an if so how are they, and what else would I need?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Geoking-65W-Pol ... _560wt_922

Also, im planning on using a large blue top Optima deep cycle battery.

[bdosborn]

Seen the sticky for solar saying 65w minimum and found this (Geoking 65w panel) on there and it's almost half the price as others out there so I could order 2 and have an extra if I decide to upgrade electrical later.

You can do better. Here's an 80 watt panel for the same price.

80 watt solar panel

Bruce

[SubaruDave]

Seen the sticky for solar saying 65w minimum and found this (Geoking 65w panel) on there and it's almost half the price as others out there so I could order 2 and have an extra if I decide to upgrade electrical later.

You can do better. Here's an 80 watt panel for the same price.

80 watt solar panel

Bruce

There's no brand name on those for me to search, and there is for the other I posted, and GeoKing has many other panels and options. I'm a little worried when ordering generic brand items at prices like these.

[bdosborn]

I have 3 panels from them and haven't had any issues.

Boxcar Solar

They're as good as my Kyocera that I paid a lot more for.

Bruce

[SubaruDave]

Thanks for the input, what else would you recommend?

[SubaruDave]

Any idea on how or what to mount them on? I'm not too comfortable putting them on the roof because of the amount of snow we get here.

Any Other help or advise With electrical would be appreciated.

[dreadcptflint]

Dave,

Solar is one of those areas where you really want to stick to the K.I.S.S. method.

Despite Bruce's comment. I still really like my 135W Kyocera Solar Panel. It's big and tough.

If you are worried about the snow load then either take off the panel for storage or put a tilt on it when you store it. The Kyocera is a pretty tough panel.

Plus if you get one, it will be the third one on the forum.

[Ratkity]

Plus if you get one, it will be the third one on the forum.

The third Kyocera or third solar? LOL I have an 85W on my RT Little Guy TD. A 135W is a great size too.

Hugs,
Ratkity

[bdosborn]

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Kyocera. I've had two of them - an 85 watt on the tear and a 135 watt on the TTT. It's just that they're more expensive per watt, but you get what you pay for (although there's a great deal on a 135W here: NAWS). I'm not sure most people need to invest in that good of a panel for a tear that gets occasional use.



My trailer lives in the garage during the winter but I'll second the tilt or remove for winter idea. Mine tilts.



I guess we ought to look at what your total loads are going to be and size the panel rather than use the ready, shoot, aim method. That Coleman fridge is a HUGE current draw and you'll need a bigger battery and PV panel if you run it off the battery.

Bruce

[SubaruDave]

I wasn't aware that the Coleman was a huge current draw, I've had it in my car for multiple road trips and my battery voltage dropped less than when I have my rear defroster on. Maybe I'll look at different 12v options. I'll be using various LED fixtures and Cold Cathodes for lighting simply because they use little power for so much light. Also I will probably build my own window fan using PC fans and a speed (voltage) controller to suck air into the trailer for circulation.

I may hook the lighting up to the speed controller which will make them easier to dim or turn on and off.

[SubaruDave]

Dave,

Solar is one of those areas where you really want to stick to the K.I.S.S. method.

Despite Bruce's comment. I still really like my 135W Kyocera Solar Panel. It's big and tough.

If you are worried about the snow load then either take off the panel for storage or put a tilt on it when you store it. The Kyocera is a pretty tough panel.

Plus if you get one, it will be the third one on the forum.

I was just thinking about making something with PVC and/or Aluminum to mount the panels to and store them inside and when I get to where ever I'm going I can take them out and move them to the spot with direct sun.
Most places I go camping are covered by trees, and the chance I'll get a site that has a spot for the trailer and in direct sun is very slim.

[utmck]

Is direct sunlight a requirement for a solar panel to work properly or will it work in indirect sunlight?

[bdosborn]

Is direct sunlight a requirement for a solar panel to work properly or will it work in indirect sunlight?

They'll work on a cloudy day but won't work if there's any shadows on the panels. Any shadow at all will cripple the output so camping in the trees can be a challenge with roof mounted panels.

Bruce

[Shadow Catcher]

The big problem with remote panels is the danger of them walking off. I have finished the install of my grid tie type 185W panel and we have not yet used it but even when shadowed, it in conjunction with the MPPT controller it seems to always be above 30V and producing power. I need to do a controlled test I suppose.

[Shadow Catcher]

SC
Its all about energy management and yes a fence charger with a dead battery leads to bovine temptation to stray. You could swap out the battery for a fully charged one. They are an easily available 6V gel cell and keeping one on a trickle charger would mean you could swap it out easily.
I anticipate there will be times when solar will not be enough and have a 2300W generator or can just run jumper cables from the battery and idle the TV.