Over the years we have talked solar versus running the generator. When boondocking we’ve found it an easy business keeping our batteries charged running our smaller 2000 watt Honda generator a few hours daily. We try to use polite generator hours and only use our big onboard Onan generator if I want to bake something in the convection oven—we don’t have a propane oven. The time just seemed right for going solar—we are in Arizona where we could obtain the panels Michael wanted to use without paying huge shipping costs to Montana. The price of solar has decreased year by year—it was time! And there is no sales tax on solar equipment!!
So Friday morning, way too early, we left North Ranch heading to Flagstaff, three hours one way! 
It was cold and windy in Flagstaff and their mountains have snow!!
Our destination, Wind & Sun—nice, helpful guys!! The cowboy wanted to use Kyocera 255 watt panels—we decided to use the cargo trailer as our solar system and will mount six of these panels to the roof of this trailer, giving us 1530 watts of solar power.
All loaded and ready to head back down the interstate. The cowboy is very anxious to get started with this project and was out there early Saturday morning drilling and bolting before we took off on the ATVs. Today he also started early and after lunch Joe came to help him lift the panels onto the roof.
We are using a Midnite MPPT controller. Four of the panels are on the roof, mounted in place. Multiple trips to the hardware store are probably in the plans! We are both excited about this step and looking forward to some boondocking!
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Very interesting. I'll talk to you in March. ;)
ReplyDelete1530 watts.....droooooooooooooool!!! That's one sexy setup. You're yoing to love it!
ReplyDeleteNina
Solar seems the best way if you spend much time in the southwest. Thought about getting a portable system for the Casita while in "Q" last month. After looking at our traveling style, came to the conclusion that the Honda was still our best option. Looking forward to the final operational report.
ReplyDeletenice set up! quiet boondocking is now in your future!
ReplyDeleteWe went with solar back in December of 08 & never looked back. Solar gives us the freedom to go where we want in an RVing lifestyle we prefer. Quietly relaxed amidst nature's wonders.
ReplyDeleteMeant to add good for you guys in going solar:))
ReplyDeleteNeat,,,What will your battery bank be? I had 8 panels on my Teton,,,,,and 8 AGM batteries.... Worked well with my outback inverter.
ReplyDeleteWow, with all that power you'll be able to offer hookups to your boondocking buddies. Our 4 100W panels on the MH kept 8-6V batteries topped up by noon, even if there wasn't a bright sunshine. With 1500 Watts you'll need to stay close to a power line so you can sell the excess power back to the power company.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on making the move!! Let us know how it all goes. Photos when finished!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on switching to solar power. Good for Michael in taking the task on himself...can't wait to see how it all works out.
ReplyDeleteYou'll be able to park the trailer in the sun and the rig in the shade - sweet! I know you're going to love it :-)
ReplyDeleteWe use three solar panels to charge our house batteries, but in the winter there just isn't enough to keep us going. We use a 1000 watt Yamaha generator. We also use the same model on our boat to keep our batteries charged and to recharge devices. It is a nice quiet unit, but we still only run it when we know others won't be disturbed. - Margy
ReplyDeleteWe love our solar too... (this comment brought to you by a solar powered computer!) but we learned to keep exercising our Onan monthly.... without exercise, we ended up with serious repairs due to non-use. LOVE the quiet of solar and the way we can be extravagant with our power use at night.... because by about 11 am we are back up to 100%! not having to be stingey when just using batteries.....
ReplyDeleteKarenInTheWoods and Steveio
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