Solar or Generator

[TexGX]

I am looking to either add portable solar or buy a tri fuel generator. These are the two options I am looking at:

http://store.offthegridrvsolar.com/product/90-watt-folding-portable-rv-solar-system-economy-series/

http://www.generatorsales.com/order/Triple-Fuel-Yamaha-EF2000iS-Generator.asp?page=EF2000iS

I am currently working on my Casita to see if I can make it more off-road worthy, but still have my pop up and sometimes just the truck.

The gen gives me the option to run the a/c and microwave/toaster. I normally do not camp where it is super hot, but that might be because I did not have a gen. The Casita has 2 twenty pound tanks of propane. I figured one for the gen and the other for everything else. It could also help around house if power goes out because it can run on natural gas as well.

The solar is unlimited power for most every other function on the trailer. This would also mean less propane use so longer periods with out refueling. It could easily be moved from my Casita to pop up and back to truck. Less expensive.

Input appreciated.

TexGX

 

[mep1811]

You did not mention how you were going to store the solar power nor convert the 12vdc to 110ac.

 

[TexGX]

If I go with solar, I would not use a/c or micro. I would buy a small inverter and install to work one plug in trailer.

 

[4x4junkie]

Is "Both" an option? I ask because each one has very different advantages. If you're in a mild-weather area, you'll have your solar to keep your batteries topped up without needing to run the genny. Then if you want to zap last-night's leftovers for lunch, you can just fire up the genny for 5-10 minutes to run the microwave.

 

[TexGX]

4x4junkie,

I just found this:

http://www.solarblvd.com/Solar-Pane...oldable-12-Volt-Solar-Panel/product_info.html

At $165 both may work.

TexGX

 

[Corey]

Tex, I have that panel, very nice.
It is in the other solar thread.

 

[Kiomon]

We have both. I would go generator. Solar is awesome if you can ensure you have a big enough panel to get real amps out. We have a 250 watt panel on our syncro and in the southwest of the US it's awesome, on a solid day we can get 100ah back into the batteries (we have a 400ah battery pack), but last month we were in England and it's gloomy with short days and we wre lucky if we got 10ah back in the entire days while a generator is stable and certain power. A generator and a split charger would be the best first step, then add solar as you expand. If you are going to be in a sunny spot more or less always and going to go big enough to get a decent charge daily, then MAYBE solar. But really think about how much sun you will get and what you will do when/if the sun doesn't come out.

 

[TexGX]

Corey,

Do you have the first panel or the cheaper one? Any issues?

Kiomon,

Thanks for the information. I think I will get the gen soon. I ordered the 100w panel for $165. This will be a nice second option. The generator can run on gas, propane and natural gas. I should be set.

I hope to have the panel for a up coming trip. We will see how it goes.

TexGX

 

[JHa6av8r]

Solar all the way and hate it when someone is running a generator. Kind of my pet peeve when camping anywhere.

 

[toylandcruiser]

Solar all the way and hate it when someone is running a generator. Kind of my pet peeve when camping anywhere.

Eh you'll get over it.

 

[TexGX]

I agree with the noise of the generator. It would be for emergencies. It will be a Honda or Yamaha to keep noise down if I get one. I usually camp in remote locations with only my bubbles around so should not disturb anyone.

I will say using my oven to make biscuits does not should bad. I also like the way it makes frozen pizza.

TexGX

 

[EMrider]

Honda eu2000 over solar any day.

Very reliable, quiet, efficient, portable and easily capable of powering a camper, RV or charging house batteries.

It is also nice to have a generator around for odd jobs or the unexpected.

R

 

[Corey]

Corey,

Do you have the first panel or the cheaper one? Any issues?

Kiomon,

Thanks for the information. I think I will get the gen soon. I ordered the 100w panel for $165. This will be a nice second option. The generator can run on gas, propane and natural gas. I should be set.

I hope to have the panel for a up coming trip. We will see how it goes.

TexGX

Not sure what you mean by the cheaper one, and it seems to be well built.
Even the stock charge controller in it can handle AGM batteries according to what tech support there told me.
I paid $165 for mine, and it came with a very nice case that is not included in the description.
Mine will only be used to keep my ArkPak topped off while on extended camping trips.

 

[TexGX]

I meant cheaper price. Thanks for answer.

 

[daveyd]

Honda eu2000 over solar any day.

Very reliable, quiet, efficient, portable and easily capable of powering a camper, RV or charging house batteries.

It is also nice to have a generator around for odd jobs or the unexpected.

R

+1 ^^^ Totally agree...here I am cooking with the microwave in the back of my Tundra.