I am new to this forum and the whole solar energy discussion and frankly I had no idea of the complexity and number of system options out there.
We have a 23ft 2012 Nash holiday trailer that we would like to add solar capability for the primary purpose of maintaining our batteries while camping (we live in Alberta, Canada - use our furnace most nights, even in the summer and use some lights) and to maintain our batteries between camping trips. We do have a Honda eu2000i Generator for the coffee maker, but I could see value being able to utilize the solar system to occasionally and quietly watch tv or a movie at night.
I was simply going to buy a 150 solar system from someone like "Go Power" on the recommendation of the RV Dealership that sold us our trailer. After reading many posts within this forum and conducting a bit of resarch, it appears that for a similar investment, I could build a much better system.
My trailer is prewired for solar capability. In that there is a preinstalled wire from the roof to a predetermined location for the controller and another set of wires from the controller location to the batteries.
I am really looking for advice to build a simple system. I am thinking about a 150-200 watt panel (best type of panel - Monocrystalline, Grid Type, Manufacturer - for this basic system). I now think a MPPT Charge Controller is the way to go (TriStar Product? - Is Sun Saver good enough or Pro Saver, or TriStar - 30amp). I have two 6volt deep cycle batteries (flooded?). How about a 500 - 1000 watt inverter (would this make a simple system too complicated - good quality - could I add this on later?).
I would spend up to $1000cdn. Shipping small items from the USA is ok but I wonder if shipping a large item like a panel from the USA would be cost prohibitive.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Travis
We have a 23ft 2012 Nash holiday trailer that we would like to add solar capability for the primary purpose of maintaining our batteries while camping (we live in Alberta, Canada - use our furnace most nights, even in the summer and use some lights) and to maintain our batteries between camping trips. We do have a Honda eu2000i Generator for the coffee maker, but I could see value being able to utilize the solar system to occasionally and quietly watch tv or a movie at night.
I was simply going to buy a 150 solar system from someone like "Go Power" on the recommendation of the RV Dealership that sold us our trailer. After reading many posts within this forum and conducting a bit of resarch, it appears that for a similar investment, I could build a much better system.
My trailer is prewired for solar capability. In that there is a preinstalled wire from the roof to a predetermined location for the controller and another set of wires from the controller location to the batteries.
I am really looking for advice to build a simple system. I am thinking about a 150-200 watt panel (best type of panel - Monocrystalline, Grid Type, Manufacturer - for this basic system). I now think a MPPT Charge Controller is the way to go (TriStar Product? - Is Sun Saver good enough or Pro Saver, or TriStar - 30amp). I have two 6volt deep cycle batteries (flooded?). How about a 500 - 1000 watt inverter (would this make a simple system too complicated - good quality - could I add this on later?).
I would spend up to $1000cdn. Shipping small items from the USA is ok but I wonder if shipping a large item like a panel from the USA would be cost prohibitive.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Travis
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