I am looking at a solar panel and I wonder if someone has any experience with it?
This is the pnel:
Grape Solar GS-STAR-100W Polycrystalline Solar Panel, 100-watt
I am looking at a solar panel and I wonder if someone has any experience with it?
This is the pnel:
Grape Solar GS-STAR-100W Polycrystalline Solar Panel, 100-watt
This will be oversimplified in a post, but when you get into purchasing solar panels you need to understand the basic differences between polycrystalline vs monocrystalline solar panels as well as the other options out there.
You don't mention if you want to permanently mount the panel to the trailer or keep it portable. This can make a difference as to which type of panel you buy. You also need to make sure that 100w Poly panel will deliver enough energy to meet your projected usage, keeping in mind that this will only yield a guideline and not real life. I remember a fella a few years back, that was very technical and spent countless hours calculating exactly what he'd need to put solar on his trailer. He spent almost a year calculating and building the perfect solar system for his Scamp. He forgot one step, he never field tested it. When he went on his first week-long vacation with his new system off the grid it was quite a bit deficient in what his actual needs were even after all his calculations and the trip was quite a disappointment.
I use a scalable, portable briefcase solar system that I can add or subtract panels as needed. They can also be adjusted to be at the perfect position throughout the day vs permanent roof mounts. Lot's of ways to approach the solar and just depends on how you want to do it. First step before buying solar though is to replace incandescent lights with LED to get your power consumption down to the minimum.
There are quite a few members with solar installations, so we should get some more feedback in the days ahead.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Hi All,
I had been a tent camper until just this past month when my weary bones prompted be to get up and off the ground. So, I bought a 2005 13' Standard layout Scamp..and to keep my camping in the "primitive zone" I just this past week ordered from Easysolarus their "Portable Folding Solar Panel 12V 100W Battery Charger Cell Boat RV 12 Volt 100W" unit, which has monocrystalline solar panels... I am in the process of changing out all my bulbs to LED..Got them yesterday and will install them today. The solar system is due to arrive tomorrow and hopefully the manufacturer will supply me with directions, but I was hoping to find some info here on how others have set up and used solar.
Happiness is a journey....
I just ordered the Renogy 100 Watt panel from Amazon for $149 delivered to me. I intend to cary the panel in my Scamp 16' and set it on the ground at the hitch on an A frame. Less than 10 feet from the battery and solar controler.
Has anyone done this? If so what have been your experiences?
Frank
Frank da Scamp
Wow...Sounds like a great deal Frank...But the Solar System I got is a bit different and cost a bit more ($219.) I purchased one that has a folding frame (folds to a compact size of 25" x 22" X 3")and comes complete with all the bells and whistles I'll need to just hook it up and let it do it's thing...I like that it has a padded carry bag which will work well for storage. I plan on following a thread I found somewhere around this site on how to anchor it to the closet wall using bungee cords for travel. I'm loving all the great ideas here...Happy trails with yours Frank~
~Happiness is the journey~