Solar Camping Works; Lessons
So, the solar-charged camper works well and the 65 AH battery is sufficient. Even on cloudy days we were getting some charge. We were able to charge brother-in-law’s rechargeable blender charged too.
The solar panel was supported by a piece of wood cut to a good length and with a notch at the top. I set it at an angle roughly equal to the latitude. Through the day, I also moved it - rotated it - this kept it pointing directly at the sun. One night during a windstorm I laid it flat on the ground so it wouldn’t blow over. This “maintenance” was a trivial effort.
Some lessons were:
- I probably overestimated our load. No problem there as I didn’t drastically overestimate. And, I’d rather overestimate than underestimate.
- It would have been good to see some measure of charging current and load current and of battery voltage. I have no easy way to see what my battery level is right now.
- Wiring in a popup camper is hard. The up-and-down of the camper is difficult on wires. Nothing broke, but my wire mounts did not hold.
All it all it was a good idea and much quieter and more pleasant-smelling than the generator at the other end of the campground too. My setup probably cost about the same too. And I have no ongoing expenses for fuel or engine maintenance either. Ours wasn’t the only solar system in the campground, it’s an idea catching on.
Later at some point, as requested, I’ll put up my wiring diagram and a component list for anyone interested in doing something similar.