Wilderness Camper

a question for you fellows that are for the solar charging of batteries. what is the output of solar panels? do they make different panels for rv installation than for home installation. i am trying to guess how small a package to install that would do some good, even if it would not completely top off the batts., a generator could top them off.
 
a question for you fellows that are for the solar charging of batteries. what is the output of solar panels? do they make different panels for rv installation than for home installation. i am trying to guess how small a package to install that would do some good, even if it would not completely top off the batts., a generator could top them off.
A 45W panel should be similar to hooking up a 3.75Amp charger.

Battery reserve minutes (225mins for a std grp31 deep cycle) = # of minutes at 25A discharge.
225/60 = 3.75 reserve hours at 25A discharge, 3.75 x 25 = 93.75AmpHours.

So it should take ~25hrs for a 45W panel to fully charge a typical grp31 deep cycle. (93.75AH/3.75A).
And I would think it should have no problem keeping a partially drained battery top charged.


In fact I might be concerned, depending on weather and daylight hours, that it could over charge & boil off the battery. I'd probably look at adding a battery tender system w/ a disconnect for the solar panel.... or a dump load once voltage gets above a certain point.
Hunt'nFish
 
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The only things that came to mind, that were not already covered, were:

1. Make sure you have some place for storage of your gear
2. Have a place/way to hang clothing that is drying
3. Will you have spare tires/wheels mounted somewhere on the camper? I'd hate to have a flat or two and not have a spare.
4. You said that this is for wilderness. I assume that you mean backcountry, because you cannot take any wheeled vehicles into designated wilderness areas. I know, it's a nit but an important one. :)
5. I would check into the laws/regulations about generators and noise in the areas you plan to go in case they are not allowed.
 
Yes, back-country.

I have a storage area for coats just inside the door.
I am also planning to have outside storage on the back of the camper. It will be 2-3 feet wide across the back of the camper. That will also give me a place to stand when I raise and lower my solar panel. I plan on making the solar panel adjustable so that it can be pointed south no matter where you park.

I looked at the sheep camp campers at the Salt Lake City show last year, that is what got me going on this project.

I believe the solar panels will be better than a generator. I am going to put a 140 watt panel on. I can get the whole system, panel and charging regulator for $500.00
 
a question for you fellows that are for the solar charging of batteries. what is the output of solar panels? do they make different panels for rv installation than for home installation. i am trying to guess how small a package to install that would do some good, even if it would not completely top off the batts., a generator could top them off.

Output is dependent on what size you want to buy. The panels for RV's and homes can be different, some crossover, some only change mounting systems, the better ones for RV use are reinforced for road wear. You need to determine your power usage, and battery bank size to determine what size panels are needed. A charge controller is recommended.
As with anything, you get what you pay for. Check out materials used, warranty, etc. and make your decisions from there.
 
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