Re: [A/S] Re: solar installation

[Roger Hightower <n7kt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

You need an inverter to convert the DC into AC.  As Don Horn says, you
can get smaller units that plug into a 12 volt DC outlet, like the one
near your TV, that will do the job for small stuff.  They can suck your
trailer battery down pretty fast, though, unless you have some way to
recharge.

Using a larger inverter with a set of solar panels and batteries through
a transfer switch will allow you to do pretty much what you want.  RV
Solar Electric has the PowerStar UPG1300 inverter for about $385, if I
remember correctly.  They also have an excellent solar package with all
the goodies you need except the batteries at prices much lower than
you'd pay at Camping World or any RV store.  I believe you can order the
RV Solar Electric catalog and planner from the web site, and their book
"RVer's Guide To Solar Battery Charging" is a good resource, no matter
where you buy your equipment.

Before I mounted the solar panels I used a small plug-in inverter from
Radio Shack that allowed me to use the satellite receiver and TV for
short periods.  I had a single solar panel and controller that I just
propped up outside the trailer for recharging the trailer battery. 
Simple, and OK for light use. I still carry that setup around for my
portable ham radio station.

Disclaimer here:  I am not affiliated with RV Solar Electric in any
way.  Just a very satisfied customer.


-- 
Roger Hightower
1975 31' Sovereign....WBCCI 4165....VAC
mailto:n7kt@worldnet.att.net