[tcb] Re: Question About Dual Battery Set-Up And Solar Panels
- From: Gregory Rogers <gregorogers@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: tcb@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:21:09 -0600
I new to this list and am a Westy newbie. I had some of the same questions
as you about solar. There's a good write up at
http://www.mrsolar.com/page/MSOS/CTGY/rv. I think that in buying the kits
from them, you're likely to pay more than you otherwise might. But you get a
tested and proven set up. I think solar is the last power source to add.
You'll need it only if / when you want to go totally off grid. No AC and no
use of the bus alternator (or portable generator) for several days. And of
course you'll need a kit like
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3567&category_id=337&category_parent_id=
to make sure both batteries operate as intended and are kept isolated when
needed. There are cheaper ways to accomplish this too but a kit like this is
proven and complete.
There's a good write up on in the type 2 archives on how to do it.
Greg
74 Westy
On Fri, Jan 21, 2011 at 4:06 PM, Justin Wilt <sunbugone@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> It's more of a science project to me. I find it interesting. It is my test
> bed for future projects. If you are patient and wait for the right sale,
> you can get harbor freight 45watt solar panel kits for $120 each. You can
> build solar panels yourself and save even more money. I have less than $600
> into my current setup. I can use it for the occasional power outage,
> hurricanes, camping etc.. I plan on running service from my shed to the
> garage and running all of my florescent lights off of it as well. It is not
> for everyone and not cheap but I plan on building it bigger over time. I am
> not looking for a payback by any means. Sams has 105 amp hour batteries for
> $66 and remember to bring an old battery for the $9 core charge. To answer
> your bus question, yes, you can charge the battery off a hook up or
> alternator but if you are camping somewhere without a hook up are you going
> to run your engine all night?? You wouldn't have to if you had a solar
> panel charging the battery during the day. Just a thought
>
> On Fri, Jan 21, 2011 at 3:56 PM, kelly dosch <kellydosch@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>> Wow! 66 bux? I even have a Sam's Club membership! Thanks! I never think
>> of them for automotive needs.
>> So you have invested what, at least $1000 into running your shed "for
>> free"? By my calculations, that may or may not pay for itself by the time
>> you have to replace all the batteries.
>> I have to tell ya, I still don't get it.
>> For household purposes like that, maybe a windmill and a solar water
>> heater. Those are actually cost effective.
>> But back to the RV's. When you have an alternator and usually electric
>> hook-up, why spend the money for a solar panel?
>> I'm not trying to argue. I honestly just wonder if there is a benefit I
>> am overlooking.
>> Come to think of it, if one must have a green energy supply on a bus,
>> what could look more appropriate than several multicolored pinwheels mounted
>> on top, each with a tiny generator? Ha!
>> OK, that was a joke, but,.......
>>
>> --- On *Fri, 1/21/11, Justin Wilt <sunbugone@xxxxxxxxx>* wrote:
>>
>>
>> From: Justin Wilt <sunbugone@xxxxxxxxx>
>>
>> Subject: [tcb] Re: Question About Dual Battery Set-Up And Solar Panels
>> To: tcb@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> Date: Friday, January 21, 2011, 4:28 PM
>>
>>
>> Actually, Sams Club seems to have the best price on deep cycle batteries.
>> They start at $66. They are interstate brand. I am running my storage
>> shed in my back yard completely off solar. It's not cheap to set up but it
>> makes your camper self sufficient when it comes to power. It all depends on
>> your solar cell output (the sun) and the amp hour rating of your battery. I
>> have 4, 120 amp hour batteries in my shed and 120W solar power charging
>> them. From there you can run an inverter that bumps the voltage from 12, 24
>> or 48 volts to 120volts AC current. I have lights and a small refrigerator
>> full of beer running completely off the sun. I plan on transferring this
>> setup into my camper when it comes out of the body shop. There are amp hour
>> and inverter calculators online that tell you how long you can run a device.
>> No RV service connection needed!
>>
>> Justin
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Jan 21, 2011 at 3:18 PM, kelly dosch
>> <kellydosch@xxxxxxxxx<http://mc/compose?to=kellydosch@xxxxxxxxx>
>> > wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> Hello. I need to get a deep cycle RV battery for my Westfalia
>> Campmobile. I'm seeing about a gazillion types with vastly varying prices.
>> ($120-$600!) Is it really all that complicated or can I just get the cheap
>> Sears Marine/RV battery? ($120)
>> Also, I have noticed a lot of Westies with solar panels. Why? If they
>> have a campsite with electrical hook-up the battery can charge itself. If
>> not, the alternator will charge it during a short drive. I don't get it. Why
>> would anybody want to drop $400 for a solar panel? (Tell me it isn't justto
>> be
>> "green".)
>> Thanks for your time,... )< (- (_ (_ `(
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Justin Wilt
>> Technician
>>
>> Post Oak Motorcars
>> Rolls Royce Motorcars Houston
>> Bentley Houston
>>
>> 1530 West Loop South
>> Houston TX 77095 USA
>>
>> +1-713-850-1530
>> +1-713-539-4419
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Justin Wilt
> Technician
>
> Post Oak Motorcars
> Rolls Royce Motorcars Houston
> Bentley Houston
>
> 1530 West Loop South
> Houston TX 77095 USA
>
> +1-713-850-1530
> +1-713-539-4419
>
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