Solar is cheap, easy, and GREEN! Do it!
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Solar is cheap, easy, and GREEN! Do it!
Edited to not muddy up an otherwise excellent thread.
What is the point/function of that picnic rig?
I guess the point is because they could? The function is a 24HP picnic table that can transport seven people and a driver plus beverages around the campground while enjoying the latest playlist via Bluetooth. If you look closely you may be able to see the recycled snow-mo tracks around the rear tires. In the winter, the front tires get replaced by skis.
Looking at this currently: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07RFQVB...v_ov_lig_dp_it
200W seems like a good amount to recharge the portable battery and even the trailer battery in a decent amount of time in good sunlight. I like that this unit seems to have a good carrying case, included controller for the trailer battery (would bypass for the portable), and sturdy adjustable kickstand legs.
That's tempting... wonder if it'd fit into my side storage bin... where's my tape measure?!
That's pretty nifty. Anything against permanently mounting it?
I've been using Renogy and don't have a single complaint - if it fits your needs, go for it. They have great customer service that you should seldom need!
Permanent mounting is still an option. As a noob it seems the portable solar can be better positioned to collect more sunlight; for example, I can be parked in the shade but have the panels in sunlight and reposition throughout the day. Aside from that, I see advantages to use a portable setup at home should the power go out for an extended period, or if I just want to take the Jeep camping without the trailer. Oh, and when I did my little trail ride to this campsite I added custom pinstriping so I'd feel the portable would at least be protected inside. But maybe permanent is way more practical? Not sure...
I'm still planning to add a platform on the roof rack so I can sit up there. It would be nice to add permanent solar.
Down the line I'd consider a roof mounted permanent setup, but I've got other things that I want to tackle before then like a BIRD, updated power converter, etc. In the near term that portable setup looks handy for when I'm not at Loudon and don't want to run the generator to top the batts off.
I wonder how bad "Used - Acceptable" is for these Renogy solar panels :confused:
Attachment 57235
Does this count?
Been using the trailer a lot. Took it up to Sonoma Raceway for Yamaha day.
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Went to Big Bear and found a dispersed campsite. The ground clearance and small size was great.
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Then went to the Kern River and ran the AC for the dog but she preferred to sleep under the trailer in the 100 degree heat while we floated the river. At least the freezer and ice maker didn't have to work so hard! Also got to use the new leveling blocks. I don't know why I screwed around with rocks before
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Added bonus is we've been going into town for a nice meal while camping and leaving the trailer behind is a great camp-saver.
I also finally installed my battery monitor after losing power one night. Apparently you need to charge these things! Luckily I had my generator, but now that I have this monitor I'm amazed I let it sit in the box for so long. Just did a temp install between trips with some spare foam, will do something a bit more refined.
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Had a fun trip to the mountains! Finally bought a solar panel to recharge the batteries, especially using the electric blanket at night.
I ended up with the 200W Renogy panel but i never saw more than 120-130 watts on a perfectly clear day. It was still enough to give me power but was hoping for a bit more, even after repositioning constantly to see if there would be improvements. I’m a solar newb so hoping it’s something I can improve or maybe this is typical?
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What are you using to measure and what are you using to manage pushing the energy back into the batteries?
Wired series or parallel? How many volts?
If you bought a kit, send me the link.
Renogy live chat is pretty good for answering these types of questions. Terrible for troubleshooting.
I only view my power coming from solar in amps, I don’t really pay attention to watts.
This is the solar panel suitcase kit I bought with included charge controller: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RFQVB9M...roduct_details.
I only have one 100AH LiFePO4 battery in the trailer and then I have a separate EcoFlow portable battery.
For the trailer, I plugged into the battery using a 25ft SAE cable which plugged into a SAE to MC4 adapter that I plugged into the charge controller on the solar panel. I changed the battery setting to LiFePO4 on the charge controller and connected the solar panels to the charge controller to begin charging. I looked at input based off my Renogy battery monitor: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RP5B5P7...nogy+battery+m. I saw inputs around 120W but did not monitor amps -- maybe I should be looking at amps? I'm still at the office but I believe the lithium settings on the charge controller are at 14.4 volts per the Renogy manual.
I then wanted to test it with the EcoFlow portable so I disconnected the solar panels from the charge controller on the solar panel and directly connected the solar panel to the EcoFlow using EcoFlow's MC4 cable. The EcoFlow portable can only display watts, which was about the same 120W or so I saw on the battery monitor of the trailer.
Appreciate your input on this setup