What is a good reasonably priced solar generator

[BILLVO]

Just bought a 1972 Avion and am going to be parking it at a lake spot that is primitive and was wanting a solar generator versus a gas generator just to run some lights and radio ect "Not the ac or anything like that". Wife and I are upgrading from a tent and want to keep it simple.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

SO, ya bought that Avion eh? Congratulations - be sure to tell us all about it, with a few pics if possible!



I assume you are referring to solar panels? I wouldn't presume to tell you what TO buy - but will advise you to steer clear of the cheapie stuff from places like Harbor freight and such - a good quality panel or array will last you a lifetime of camping, and provide good current output per sq. in. as compared with the bargain stuff...



I have a single panel GE 5. 5 amp setup for our 5er, works great even when partially shaded, or when not directly facing the sun - cheapies aren't nearly so forgiving...

 

[CDonaldson]

Hey BILLVO.



Congrats on picking up the Avion. I certainly love my 1987-30P. As far as solar power is concerned, I am in the process right now of adding solar panels to my Avion.



I picked up several 15w panels some time ago. I am going to permanently mount them on the roof, I actually think I'll begin with 3 - 45 watts total and see how well that supports the basics. If need be, I'll increase it to 3 more.



I am mounting them with aluminum angle run along the two roof seams, front to rear, then a second angle to attach the panels. Plan to drill and bolt the two angles together, then bolting the panels to the top angle. That well accomodates the distance between the two seams and the length of the panels mounting holes. I am going to run the wiring for the panels in 1/2" plastic conduit that will be clamped/bolted to the angle. I have a solar monitor panel/charge controller to install somewhere in-line, I think I will bring it in at the roof over the refrigerator area, mount the panel on the wall next to the refrigerator. Then go from the refrigerator area out through the floor, down the frame into the batteries.



I built an aluminum battery box that will house 4 batteries instead of the standard 2. Should be plenty of reserve power to run all the 12V stuff needed overnight, and then some.



Hope that helps you understand the needs to power up without worry. It will support running the furnace, refrigerator, lights, etc without ever having to worry about a remote boonie parking/camping.



Have FUN in your Avion.





CD

 

[icman95]

I have the 15 watt panels from Norhtern Tool and like them very much. Solar Solutions | Alternative + Renewable Energy | Northern Tool + Equipment This link will bring you to their whole solar section. They each produce about 1 amp of power. I have four for a total of 4 amps charging 2 deep cycle batteries. I primarily use them to keep the batts up while in storage, but do connect the panels when dry camping. 4 amps isn't a huge amount, but every little bit helps. I just bought a 5th one but haven't hooked it up yet. They seem to work even when it's cloudy or at dusk, etc. I know because I've measured their output with a voltmeter during just such situations.



This induvidual panels are $79. 99 right now (on sale) and you can buy a rack that will hold 4 together for extra. If you look a little longer, you will find that they offer an all inclusive package, panels and rack, and wires, for less than if you were to buy it all individually.

 

[BILLVO]

Thanks for the input guys. I will shop around and see what I can learn.



I will get some pics in the next week, I haven't hauled it home yet. For a 1972 it is in pretty good shape. IT hasn't been used for a few years and it has sat out in the elements its entire life but it has been well cared for, I was surprised to see there was no mouse signs in it either. They had tons of Cab fresh in it needs to be cleaned up really good. Got it for $2200 and it comes completely stocked with dishes chairs ect ect and it has a load distributing hitch on it also. It is a V-25 model Avion. It even has the original owners and service manual and sales flyers in it.

 

[kompressor]

Has anyone investigated or installed a wind generator. We stay near Palm Springs and have a lot of wind. I would like to combine solar and wind to power out side lights.

 

[EricBu12]

here is a RV style wind generator

Air X Wind Generator | Airx 400w Wind Generator | Air 403 Wind Generator

These are out of stock right now and they are offering a discount if you are patient. . they go for $700

 

[surfbeetle]

I spent 250 for a 3' x 18" panel with a charge controller. A few years later when my 12v batteries went bad, I bought 6volt batteries for 180 for the pair. I have dry camped for a week with this setup and have been fine as long as the sun is out. You will want more panel if you're in less sunny conditions.

Also there are plans online for building wind generators. I had thought of using an old VW alternator with the built in voltage regulator. I figured I could chain drive it like a bicycle and have the fan on the small sprocket. It would be cheap that way but it would also look cheap.