A commonly held belief is that solar panels do not produce electricity when there are clouds nor in anything but direct sunlight. Meaning; the nay-sayers like to tell people that solar doesn’t work unless it is bright sunshine. Perhaps this was true with the early photovoltaic panels but it isn’t true anymore. Maybe a bit… [Read More]
Solar Charging System – Take Two
Note from JD: I’ve now (May, 2017) moved onto another motorhome and have installed 1.7Kw (1,700 watts) of solar panels on it – details here. I documented the installation of 650 watts of solar (Morningstar TriStar MPPT 45 charge controller and two SunPower E20 327 watts panels) on my last motorhome here. When I traded… [Read More]
Trimetric Battery Monitor
While researching solar power on the Internet, one cannot miss the many references to the Trimetric Battery Monitor. Many, many people love this monitor. So, I followed their lead and purchased one too. I got the RV-2030 model. Why?? Well, that is the question I had prior to spending ten days boondocking with solar only. … [Read More]
Energy Audit – Watt For?
Note from JD: Some related posts are solar system for Missy, solar install, solar install take 2, and Trimetric battery monitor install. Like nearly everything else in life, it seems there are an infinite number of ways to approach the use of solar electric for a boat or motorhome. In my case, my motorhome has a… [Read More]
Solar Success
The initial run with the new solar power system has been a success! To start the trip, I was faced with 25 mph headwind on the Interstate. Even with the headwind, gusts of wind, and semi’s passing and buffeting Shaneeda; the PV panels stayed firmly attached to the roof. I found a nice spot at… [Read More]
Reflectix Window Shades
I’ve learned that occasionally, in the heat of the summer, some “powerful” window shades are necessary. With summer coming quickly, here is a little tip! A little research uncovered the fact that many people are using “Reflectix” insulation. This shiny, panel like stuff with the little air bubble padding type material in the middle. Ha… [Read More]
Solar Charging System
Note from JD: Note that the entire system listed below was removed and re-installed on my new Newmar Dutch Star – here. Also, I have recently completed the installation of a 1720 watt system on Missy, my current home (May, 2017). I am so excited!! I have working solar charging system running in my RV!!… [Read More]
Solar Hot Tub Heater Part 2
Note from JD: This is a continuation of the previous post titled Solar Hot Tub Heater. The fourth day of testing the solar water heater (continued from above post): At noon, the outside temperature was 41 degrees when the system was first checked. The water that had been in the collector overnight was pumped into… [Read More]
Solar Hot Tub Heater
As part of our new “Homemade Money” plan – also known as the energy usage reduction plan, green plan, greenback plan, and ‘we wanna pay lower utility bills’ plan; it is time to get started on a solar collector to heat hot tub water. The goal of this is for us to spend less money… [Read More]
LED Lights #2
I tried the led lights that I wrote about here. The results were mixed. LEDs are particular about postive/negative poles. It seems that automotive “1156″ bulb style fixtures on my boat are wired incorrectly for the LED bulbs. Bummer – strike 1. The good news is that this is fairly easily fixed, just requries a bit… [Read More]