Re: [A/S] Portable Generators

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jason,
  I have 2, 75-watt panels and an el-cheapo controller that I think cost 
about $30.00 or so. An eMeter monitors things, so I know exactly what's 
going on. The panels were bought from a surplus place and cost me about 
half of retail, $225.00/each instead of $450.00 or so. The eMeter was a 
bit over $200.00, IIRC. So, we're right at $800.00 total. Bought from 
usual sources, the outlay would still be only $1300.00, a sum that's 
well worthwhile for energy independance, IMO.

Now, here's the deal: you absolutely MUST have the consumption end 
minimized as much as possible for this to work, it's much cheaper than 
adding solar panels and batteries. My fridge runs on propane, and we 
changed out a couple of the light fixtures for flourescents. The other 
fixtures that have 2 bulbs have the "low" one changed from a 1.5 amp 
bulb to one drawing only 1/2 amp. That way, when we don't need a lot of 
light (the usual condition), we draw very little current, yet have the 
other (bright) bulb if needed.

Our TV is tiny and draws only 1 amp @ 12VDC. Although the pump draws 5 
amps or thereabouts, its duty cycle is very low, probably not a total of 
15 minutes/day. The furnace will EAT the power, but is not normally used 
much during the Summer, and we've added a catalytic heater to minimize 
even that. Our batteries are limited by space to a pair of Group 24s, 
adaquet for our use, but not the most desirable setup.

Our 'new' trailer is larger and has a few more lights, etc., plus I'm 
going to a larger TV. Our plans are for 4, 75-watt panels, a Solar Boost 
2000 controller, and a pair of golf cart batteries. We shouldn't want 
for power.

You can operate anything you want with solar power, the only limitations 
being money and roof-top real estate. If you want to keep the cost 
reasonable, though, you have to do a bit of homework and have realistic 
expectations. Check out some of the solar power Web Sites for worksheets 
and other planning information before diving in, and you'll be all right.

                                   <<Jim>>