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Subject: solar panels-worth it?

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71teton

Newbie
Posts:4

Registered Users

11/23/2008 1:33 PM
I am interested in solar panels and wether they are worth the upfront cost?

roadhazard User is Offline

Posts:49

Registered Users
Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas

12/13/2008 10:39 AM
Guess it would depend on how much boondocking you do. We spend a lot of time in the desert in Arizona and California so yes it is worth it for us.

Attitude....the difference between an adventure and an ordeal. '84 Heritage 454 Gas Husband & wife team over the road truck drivers (Semi-retired)

UK Streamer User is Offline

Camper
Posts:55

Registered Users
Iwerne Minster, Dorset UK

01/03/2009 6:46 PM
I agree with Roadhazard. I spent about £1000 on solars (PV Cells) and controllers, and yes they do keep the batteries up, or should I say, slow down their discharge rate. But it is where you are in the world that makes the difference, Here in the UK I question the viability of relying on such a system for any time other than the mid summer month or two. I have two flexible 85watt on the Airstream Roof. By flexible I mean they assume the curvature of the roof and can be fixed or glued directly to the roof. That means they are barely visible from the ground. I use the Blue Sky controller that is a define improvement on the bog standard type controllers, but even then we have the problem that the sun is rarely directly overhead, except midsummer. For this reason I am going to supplement the PV cells with a wind jenny. At least then it will be charging on dull days and overnight. Chuck Berry Dorset UK

'Streaming in the UK is such fun. Other drivers shocked at what they see; keep letting me go first!

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