- This topic has 4 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 9 months, 1 week ago by
Itinerant1.
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- Posted: 8:23 AM – Apr 24, 2016Startlight Solar had a cancellation and was able to get the solar on sooner than expected was thinking the summer end of year.
500AH GBS LFMP
PT-100 controller
Magnum Hybrid 3000W inverter
8 panels, CTI 160 (1,280 watts) had it wired so 2 more panels can be added later if we want.So far after a couple weeks the system is great. We’re able to run the fridge, TV/ DVD, coffee pot in the morning, Microwave when we want, plugin the laptops and charge the phones plus other misc things. The system is setup so we can hook up the EU2000 gen for the AC so the Batteries and Gen share the load haven’t tried it yet but when we do will update how it goes.
By the end of sunny day the batteries are completely full with running fridge and other misc things during the charging time. Haven’t had all day shade or rain yet to test the length we’ll get out of them but if that happens we’ll just switch the fridge to propane. The fridge is the biggest long term consumer of power for us at this time.
Posted: 8:46 AM – Apr 24, 2016Nice system setup. One question, what is your hot water heater set on electric or propane? We have been thinking about getting solar for some time but not doing anything yet.Nate
Posted: 8:55 AM – Apr 24, 2016We’re using propane. Turn it on for a short bit in the morning to warm it then turn it off.Posted: 8:37 PM – Apr 24, 2016Great setup with newest technologyPosted: 10:17 PM – Apr 24, 2016Thanks,
Still have a lot to learn but no better time than the present.Posted: 1:22 PM – Dec 24, 2016A little update since adding the solar.We have boondocked for free 200 days and paid for 65 days. Our daily power usage averages out to 140 AH and that depends on the weather if it’s warm, because our fridge can’t stay cool at times with propane so we’ll cool it down on electric for a few hours. That will be taken care of soon with a Amish cooling unit.
So with 400 AH usable and using 140 AH that puts us at 3 days before needing to think about plugging in the generator if no sun comes out. The generator (Honda EU2000i) will charge 100 Amps in an hour so we’ll usually leave it on for 2 hours if it needs a little hold over boost till the next day when the sun comes out. It’s roughly been a dozen times.
Obviously the system is more than someone who doesn’t boondock a lot or is just a power hog would put on their rig. We figured why do without when off the beaten trail. Going off previous years of RVing the price of the system should pay for itself at the end of next year if we boondock the same amount of days. Which equals $5000 saved on rv parks and $4000 in tax credit for solar.
As many have said before the only thing that we regret is not doing it sooner. If there are any specific question someone might have please ask and I’ll try to answer the best I can. Thanks
Posted: 4:22 PM – Dec 24, 2016OK, I have to ask – what is an Amish cooling unit? Is that a horse on a treadmill connected to a generator?Posted: 4:52 PM – Dec 24, 2016Here is a read if you would like. With links in it for more info.Posted: 4:16 AM – Oct 21, 2017How much weight overall did the entire setup add? Looks like about 400 lbs or so? We are watching our added weights carefully so we stay legal.
Looks like a nice install!!B.W.Gentry
Owner/Admin
2007 Carri-Lite XTRM5
Breckenridge, TX
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