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| Bought-Solar Panels [message #153495] |
Sun, 18 December 2011 21:01  |
RadioActiveGMC
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Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
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I know theres NEVER such since as anything being to good to be true, but I'll give is a shot. I bought from FleaBay, (2) 100W 12V panels with charge controller and wire for shipped for $489. The cool thing is they fold together, have a stand and have a bag to carry them in when not in use. I store mine inside when I'm not using them so I like the idea of folding them and putting them in a bag. I highly doubt they are super quality, but I'll be busting out the multimeter and see soon enough. If they work anywhere near they should I'll be a happy camper! If anyones interested I'll report back.
I needed a new solar system since one of my employees lent me a 80w used old panel. I'd like to give it back to him.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: Bought-Solar Panels [message #153497 is a reply to message #153495] |
Sun, 18 December 2011 21:05  |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
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| Mr.RadioActive wrote on Sun, 18 December 2011 20:01 |
I know theres NEVER such since as anything being to good to be true, but I'll give is a shot. I bought from FleaBay, (2) 100W 12V panels with charge controller and wire for shipped for $489. The cool thing is they fold together, have a stand and have a bag to carry them in when not in use. I store mine inside when I'm not using them so I like the idea of folding them and putting them in a bag. I highly doubt they are super quality, but I'll be busting out the multimeter and see soon enough. If they work anywhere near they should I'll be a happy camper! If anyones interested I'll report back.
I needed a new solar system since one of my employees lent me a 80w used old panel. I'd like to give it back to him.
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I'm interested
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Bought-Solar Panels [message #153514 is a reply to message #153495] |
Sun, 18 December 2011 22:49 |
Kudzu
Messages: 377
Registered: November 2011
Location: Marshville, NC
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I've got 2x15W that I mounted on a trailer that I pulled behind a
motorcycle. I am thinking that I can stow them inside and just place
them in an appropriate place in the sun when I park (as opposed to roof
mounting them). I also have 2x5W plus sundry others which makes it easy
to expand. I'll be interested to see your report on this.
Thanks!
Dan in NC
Caregiver to a 1976 Eleganza II
On 12/18/2011 10:01 PM, Michael wrote:
>
> I know theres NEVER such since as anything being to good to be true, but I'll give is a shot. I bought from FleaBay, (2) 100W 12V panels with charge controller and wire for shipped for $489. The cool thing is they fold together, have a stand and have a bag to carry them in when not in use. I store mine inside when I'm not using them so I like the idea of folding them and putting them in a bag. I highly doubt they are super quality, but I'll be busting out the multimeter and see soon enough. If they work anywhere near they should I'll be a happy camper! If anyones interested I'll report back.
> I needed a new solar system since one of my employees lent me a 80w used old panel. I'd like to give it back to him.
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| Re: Bought-Solar Panels [message #153532 is a reply to message #153495] |
Mon, 19 December 2011 09:20 |
RadioActiveGMC
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Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
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I read that last evening as well. I found another topic about them as well. I didn't find any argument that seemed to be truly valid. We aren't in AU, so not to worried about cert for a home. For every 100 satisfied customers theres always one that can't be satisfied, and hes always the guy with a computer keyboard and plenty of time on his hands to type garbage up on the web! lol
For the price, I'm taking the risk. At the end of the day, if I get the product, and its only 75% as good as advertised, then I still have more power then my current panel! I'm hoping for the best, but sight unseen, maybe they are lemons as well! lol If thats the case I'll make lemon aide.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: Bought-Solar Panels [message #153549 is a reply to message #153532] |
Mon, 19 December 2011 12:25 |
PETEinLongBeach
Messages: 90
Registered: June 2007
Location: Long Beach, CA
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Let us know how this works out. I have a cheap 15W panel that I've used to maintain the batteries when dry camping on weekends. I'm pretty frugal with my power usage, and amazingly the 15W panel is able to bring the house batteries back up during the day after using the compter, TV, furnace, etc. (sparingly) the prior evening.
But, I would love to have 200W of solar available, and this folding kit looks very versatile and practical.
Pete Smay
Long Beach, CA
1977 Kingsley
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| Re: Bought-Solar Panels [message #153636 is a reply to message #153495] |
Mon, 19 December 2011 22:10 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
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Wow, 15w does the trick, thats awesome.
I love overkill, and I'm really excited about these panels. For some reason Solar Panels and Flashlights are like Matchbox cars for boys to me. I love the idea of creating so much juice. Its not a ton in the big picture, but I use LEDs for lights, and our Frig I run on LP (it sips LP), Main heater is now the Mr. Heater Big Buddy, and the suburban furnace should only be used when really really frigid (doubtful in AZ where we go, last year at 17 degrees we have no heat and survived but it was cold!).
I bought a new 12v TV/DVD player, its only 13" so I'm sure it wont use to much to run. The water pump is 12v but again not used a lot. So I'm guessing 2x 6V interstate batteries, and 200w I'll have plenty of extra power. I may buy a convertor and hook that up to the 6V since I rather be able to not turn on the generator to use my Keurig single serve coffee maker.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: Bought-Solar Panels [message #153722 is a reply to message #153636] |
Tue, 20 December 2011 10:51 |
PETEinLongBeach
Messages: 90
Registered: June 2007
Location: Long Beach, CA
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| Mr.RadioActive wrote on Mon, 19 December 2011 20:10 |
Wow, 15w does the trick, thats awesome.
I love overkill, and I'm really excited about these panels. For some reason Solar Panels and Flashlights are like Matchbox cars for boys to me. I love the idea of creating so much juice. Its not a ton in the big picture, but I use LEDs for lights, and our Frig I run on LP (it sips LP), Main heater is now the Mr. Heater Big Buddy, and the suburban furnace should only be used when really really frigid (doubtful in AZ where we go, last year at 17 degrees we have no heat and survived but it was cold!).
I bought a new 12v TV/DVD player, its only 13" so I'm sure it wont use to much to run. The water pump is 12v but again not used a lot. So I'm guessing 2x 6V interstate batteries, and 200w I'll have plenty of extra power. I may buy a convertor and hook that up to the 6V since I rather be able to not turn on the generator to use my Keurig single serve coffee maker.
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Oh I know what you mean. The 15W panel is just barely enough to recover during the day from the previous evening's power use, so I would love to get at least 100W panel. Maybe I'll find a bargain at the Quartzsite show.
I love finding ways of living off-the-grid and being self-sufficient without needing the generator when I'm dry camping. I can't believe how little power my LED lighting uses. The fridge will go forever on a tank of propane. You are right about the 12V TVs - they don't take as much power as you would imagine. Now I want to look into Mr. Heater, since the furnace is probably the biggest power user in these winter evenings. I'll be taking the coach to Palm Springs for several days over new years weekend, and it will be the first extended dry camping in cold weather with it, so it will be interesting to see how things go.
Pete Smay
Long Beach, CA
1977 Kingsley
[Updated on: Tue, 20 December 2011 10:53] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Bought-Solar Panels [message #153732 is a reply to message #153722] |
Tue, 20 December 2011 11:52 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
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Lisa and I are headed in the same direction, most of our camping is boon-dock
dry camping which we absolutely love. We plan on all LED lights, refrig is
propane, water heater is a tankless, will be purchasing a Mr. Heater Big Buddy.
We are not TV watchers so it boils down to the water pump and a few lights. We
do all of our cooking on the gas cooktop, our gas portable grill or the campfire
including boiling our coffee.
I was able to pick up one 100W solar panel for free (I love that price!), will
be looking for two more once I figure out what sizes I need. Then all we need
is the Trimetric meter and the Xantrex Controller.
Our coach had 2 deep cycle 12v batteries, when they were in good shape we could
camp for 10 days and only have to run the Onan twice for about 2 hours each time
to keep the batteries in good shape. Once we're setup with solar and
considering the way we use power, we should be all set. Can't wait !
If you have a good source for the panels, let me know.
Thanks
Ray
Ray & Lisa Erspamer
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
----- Original Message ----
From: Pete <peteinlb@aol.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Tue, December 20, 2011 10:51:01 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Bought-Solar Panels
Mr.RadioActive wrote on Mon, 19 December 2011 20:10
> Wow, 15w does the trick, thats awesome.
>
> I love overkill, and I'm really excited about these panels. For some reason
>Solar Panels and Flashlights are like Matchbox cars for boys to me. I love the
>idea of creating so much juice. Its not a ton in the big picture, but I use LEDs
>for lights, and our Frig I run on LP (it sips LP), Main heater is now the Mr.
>Heater Big Buddy, and the suburban furnace should only be used when really
>really frigid (doubtful in AZ where we go, last year at 17 degrees we have no
>heat and survived but it was cold!).
>
>
> I bought a new 12v TV/DVD player, its only 13" so I'm sure it wont use to much
>to run. The water pump is 12v but again not used a lot. So I'm guessing 2x 6V
>interstate batteries, and 200w I'll have plenty of extra power. I may buy a
>convertor and hook that up to the 6V since I rather be able to not turn on the
>generator to use my Keurig single serve coffee maker.
Oh I know what you mean. I love finding ways of living off-the-grid and being
sef-sufficient when I'm dry camping. I can't believe how little power my LED
lighting uses. The fridge will go forever on a tank of propane. You are right
about the 12V TVs - they don't take as much power as you would imagine. Now I
want to look into Mr. Heater, since the furnace is probably the biggest power
user in these winter evenings. I'll be taking the coach to Palm Springs for
several days over new years weekend, and it will be the first extended dry
camping in cold weather with it, so it will be interesting to see how things go.
--
Pete Smay
Long Beach, CA
1977 Kingsley
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Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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| Re: Bought-Solar Panels [message #153834 is a reply to message #153495] |
Tue, 20 December 2011 22:04 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
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As a shameless plug I have a Heater Buddy for sale (NIB) never opened!
I bought the 12v TV not for me so much but we have two kids (7&4) and them being able to watch TV on the road would be a bonus instead of fighting! They like to watch DVDs as well, so when its raining out or something having a 12v TV is a bonus there as well.
Other then that we are in the same boat, water pump, and lights. LP for the frig, LP cooking. I will put some really low amp draw 12v fans in soon (or I may just make my 12v ones I have now turn at 1/2 their current rate) I did buy some solar 12v fans coming from china but not expecting much for $6.00 each! lol
We dry camp most of the time, and heat was the biggest concern. I hate having the furnace cycle so much. Every time it comes on I wake up and think how its using batteries! I haven't used my Big Buddy yet, but I'm sure its going to do the trick.
I'd like to have enough extra power so I wouldn't have to run the generator (again my ADD makes me think about the fuel consumption) more then just a little.
The next thing I'm buying after I get some other things done is a Wind Turbine. Theres a cool 500w version for $599 complete. So no sun, usually means wind, and then I have even more power. I'll buy 2 more 6V when I add the Wind Turbine however.
I don't want to many projects at once. I finished a tile backsplash today (first tile job ever, looks GREAT) for the galley. And installed my new trans cooler 12v fan, and wired it all in (works AWESOME). One thing at a time, one thing at a time....
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
[Updated on: Tue, 20 December 2011 22:05] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Bought-Solar Panels [message #153852 is a reply to message #153834] |
Wed, 21 December 2011 02:15 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
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On your wind generator,
Tonight at our "Two Wheel Tuesday" get together the biggest subject was our new (about 2 month old) kitty that just showed up today and wind power generation and it's effect on over all supply problems on the three US grids. One of the attendees was a 30 year transmission engineer.
Some of his comments that apply here were:
They never can predict when a wind generator field will supply and when it will disappear from the network. He said that you can be receiving power one minute and all a sudden that supply just drops off line for an unknown length of time that could be anything from minutes to a day or more. As a side note he stated that the network re-tunes itself every 5 minutes to meet changing supply and changing demand.
His other comment that applies here was that those generators seldom generate more than 35% to 40% of rated capacity.
My point on all of this is a wind generator might be fun to play with but I would not want to rely on one to supply power on an a reliable basis.
I have often thought of putting one together but I'm not quite sure what I would do with it when I'm done. If you are in a sunny part of the country I suggest that solar might more worth the effort.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Bought-Solar Panels [message #153885 is a reply to message #153871] |
Wed, 21 December 2011 08:47 |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
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Ken, I am like you. About once a year I think about a wind generator. Lots of them show up in Quartzsite. I always look and visit with the owners. Have not really found anyone in Quartzsite who thinks they are worth the effort. The wind does blow out there and the generators do their thing but they do not do so consistantly. Solar on my roof is dependable and works everyday we are in the desert, even on cloudy days. 300 watts, with a good meter and controller, well worth the effort if one drycamps often. Wind, well, I doubt it, but that is just my opinion.
I still am drawn to the noisy hum they make, except when I am sleeping.
Merry xmas to all,
Dan
3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers
One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm
355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng.
Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System
Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows
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| Re: Bought-Solar Panels [message #153891 is a reply to message #153495] |
Wed, 21 December 2011 09:22 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
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Well I wouldn't suggest using the wind turbine as a main source of power but only a back up. In AZ where we camp etc Roosevelt Lake, they get wind nearly every night. Anyone who lives in AZ in the summer can tell you this place is a dust bowl cause all the wind. I can see if your the power company how wind would make no sense for the main source of power. But again in AZ, why wouldn't we be using more wind turbines, in a windy state. In Casa Grande, the wind blows all summer till its annoying.
A 500 watt Wind Gen, and our 200W solar panels will do the trick I'm sure. The amt of power we usually use vs the amt of power even a high loss wind generator can product would still be a lot of overkill for us. And the point for us is over kill.
There is arguments for solar vs wind. But no argument can overcome the big neg of solar. ....
Unless you live where the sun never goes down, your have zero chance of making power after dark. But I will have a chance, watching my 100" big screen, sitting in my Massage Chair while my GMC will look brighter then Las Vegas! (ok maybe I'm putting a little on it)
I'm not super concerned about being practical for this, my "Gettin There" is like my rolling fort when I was a kid and what kid wouldn't want a Wind Turbine.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: Bought-Solar Panels [message #153906 is a reply to message #153891] |
Wed, 21 December 2011 10:17 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
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| Mr.RadioActive wrote on Wed, 21 December 2011 08:22 |
Well I wouldn't suggest using the wind turbine as a main source of power but only a back up. In AZ where we camp etc Roosevelt Lake, they get wind nearly every night. Anyone who lives in AZ in the summer can tell you this place is a dust bowl cause all the wind. I can see if your the power company how wind would make no sense for the main source of power. But again in AZ, why wouldn't we be using more wind turbines, in a windy state. In Casa Grande, the wind blows all summer till its annoying.
A 500 watt Wind Gen, and our 200W solar panels will do the trick I'm sure. The amt of power we usually use vs the amt of power even a high loss wind generator can product would still be a lot of overkill for us. And the point for us is over kill.
There is arguments for solar vs wind. But no argument can overcome the big neg of solar. ....
Unless you live where the sun never goes down, your have zero chance of making power after dark. But I will have a chance, watching my 100" big screen, sitting in my Massage Chair while my GMC will look brighter then Las Vegas! (ok maybe I'm putting a little on it)
I'm not super concerned about being practical for this, my "Gettin There" is like my rolling fort when I was a kid and what kid wouldn't want a Wind Turbine.
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Especially at Windy Point Coati. My favourite camping spot. Maybe we'll run into each other there some time.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4732
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Bought-Solar Panels [message #153916 is a reply to message #153732] |
Wed, 21 December 2011 12:07 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
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water pump and a few lights.
We do all of our cooking on the gas cooktop, our gas portable grill or the campfire including boiling our coffee.
I was able to pick up one 100W solar panel for free , will
be looking for two more once I figure out what sizes I need. Then all we need is the Trimetric meter and the Xantrex Controller.
Our coach had 2 deep cycle 12v batteries, when they were in good shape we could camp for 10 days and only have to run the Onan twice for about 2 hours each time to keep the batteries up.
Ray, I don't suppose you have any current usage reading handy as of yet.
Your two 12vdc bats are probably at 100ah giving you 200 ah at 12vdc.
I think at full charge you should be able to run 10 amp at 12vdc for about 20 hours, spread that over 10 days, about 2 amp per day.
Your 100w panel will give you about 8amp charge when the sun is shining brightly, much less if you are under a tree.
so if you use led lights, a little tv and sunny days, you may have it knocked already. An additional 100w panel will make it even better if you have the roof space.
Be careful when hooking up the inverters.
a 500w inverter requires 40 amps of 12vdc to make 4 amp or 500 watt, not including any losses. to run a microwave will run the DC load way up there for the short time you are cooking. Its all a time use thing, how long for this, how long for that, and how long can the batter supply the load needed......
It is easier to compute than it sounds but gets to be a big accountant headache.
DEC 21
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our last confession was when Truman was president.
Erma Bombeck
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CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
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| Re: [GMCnet] Bought-Solar Panels [message #153918 is a reply to message #153871] |
Wed, 21 December 2011 12:52 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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| Robert Mueller wrote on Wed, 21 December 2011 07:34 |
Ken,
Who cares about the wind generators, tell us more about your new "hanger kitty!"
How about a picture?
Regards,
Rob M.
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I'll try to remember to get a picture next Tuesday. She looks just like the other one only about 1/8 the size. Right now Louie is just trying to get her eating decent food and to put some weight on her. She showed up at the Terminal Building and the secretary brought her down to Louie's to take care of. Now she is inside out of the cold, has a bed, plenty of food, water, and people to pay attention to her. The existing cat that you saw in the previous picture trying to get my pizza doesn't seen to much care if the new one is around or not.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Bought-Solar Panels [message #153920 is a reply to message #153919] |
Wed, 21 December 2011 13:28 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
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| Ken Burton wrote on Wed, 21 December 2011 12:11 |
http://wind.nau.edu/maps/images/tcmap02.png
Except for a narrow band from around Flagstaff and going SE from there, it does not look like there is much reliable wind in Arizona.
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That's an interesting chart. The one spot we spoke of at Roosevelt lake is amazing in that the wind never seems to let up. I assume it is a local topographical kind of effect. It's no wonder they call it Windy Hill. If that's the only place I went, i suppose a wind generator could be sort of fun. but too much work.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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