PV Gap

Brett Said:

Solar Panel Charging my dual battery when camping?

We Answered:

That requires some math figurin, how much juice your fridge draws verses what the panels generate any left over charges the batteries. Hmm, you figure it out I hate math always did.

Hilda Said:

How do I know if my solar panel on my camp trailer is working

We Answered:

This link should help you, that depends on the size you have, and what you are running, and the volts you are talking about. And the manufacture of the panel, and the inverter size you are using, and where it is located and the size of wiring, and usage demands. Good Luck

Kathleen Said:

Will a 4 watt solar panel charge a 12 volt battery while we are camping?

We Answered:

That all depends on what is your drain on the battery, I would classify a 4 watt as a trickle charger, only good if you are using a 2nd generation led. 4 example a compact flourescent light draws on average about 14 watts or so, so your 4 watt solar panel would have to get 100% effeciency for 3.5 hrs for every hour you burned the flourescent light, you do the math. I use a 45 watt system with led's and it is more than powerful enough for my needs, the link below has a compete, backup/camping setup that would be a good starter set.

Roy Said:

How many solar panels would it take to run a microwave, apt.sized frig, a desk top computer, and maybe a TV ?

We Answered:

Different solar panels have different wattage ratings.

Add together the wattage requirements of your devices, then find an appropriate panel.

If you run a fridge off a solar panel, it will only stay cool when the panel is in the sunlight and you would need a battery system to keep it running otherwise.

Chad Said:

What is better, generator or solar panels for camping? We have just bought a camper van whats best?

We Answered:

Solar panel charging a couple batteries will be fine if you are really camping. Even with a cloudy day or two. If all you are running is lights in the evening, maybe a radio you'll be fine. If you are actually driving a home on wheels, then you'll need to hook up to full ac.
It always baffled me why folks would pack up, go to a beautiful natural setting, then crank up a noisy, smelly generator to power their 25" TV, microwave, and vaccum cleaner. That ain't camping.
Today's solar panels last for years (10-20), properly cared for. A simple trickle charger to keep batteries topped of can sit on your dashboard. You'll have to determine how much you are hooking up to it to size your system. But you can get started for $60 or so.