Solar Panels

[Henry Jay Hannigan]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "1985 PT40" wrote:
>
> Are any of you using solar panels on your Birds? Since they suck
> up a lot of juice, how practical is solar power ((elec. water heater
> specifically)?
>
> We will be spending the summer working in the Rocky
> Mountains without electricity and do not want to be totally
> dependent on the genset.
>
> Any sugestions?
>
> Trudy Lundgren
> 85 PT 40 -- The CatbirdSeat
> currently in Deming,NM
>
TRUDY:
Economically, I would guess that solar panels are a long term payback
investment. With the genny out in the booneys, all u need to do is
crank up the genny for a bit to recharge your batteries. But on the
other hand, solar panels are nice to have in the boonis. Nice to play
the stereo all day for "free."
While I do not have solar panels on my BIRD yet, I have two panels on
my BRANDX motorhome in Australia and have enjoyed them for over five
years while in the "bush."

I have a 75 watt BP and a 64 watt "unisolar made in Michigan...I like
the unisolar as it works in the shade......If I could do it over, BOTH
would be unisolar 64 watts.
I bought a regulator here last year and carried it to my BIRD in Vegas
and will probably put a panel or two on my Bird one of these days.
Bottom line, the solar is more of a convienient option rather than an
economical short term benefit.LOL
Hank Hannigan
90SP36 (stored in Vegas for a few more month)