Solar: issues to consider?

Re: Solar Option

So far, whether we get enough sun or not has to do with the weather more than with positioning. In direct sunlight I don't think we could run the battery down - although this was pre-fridge.

Our one trip with the fridge isn't really enough to know how it will perform. On the first day we had some direct sunlight and the meter stayed at 12.6 all day. The second day was overcast and the meter dropped to 11.9 by the time we left - still enough juice to keep the fridge running, but I'm not sure how much more time we had. I am still hoping that we will be able to camp indefinitely with the fridge in direct sunlight.

 

I was thinking of buying two of the 60-watt Zamp units. (which means two ports/connectors)

 

From their website Zamp sells 40, 80, 120 and 200W portable units (folding panels). No 60W "portable" units that I am aware of. They do sell 60W fixed panel systems but the portable systems seem to much easier to deploy and store back away. Why two panels rather than one? I think 80W is sufficient for these single bank battery systems. That will put out 4.5 amps at full sun exposure. I figure about 25 amp-hours per normal sunny day with minimal panel adjustments throughout the day. That should be plenty for any routine power consumption. But, as Evan points out, if you have a DC fridge all bets are off.
Jim

 

Here is my two cents on solar. Like Jenn, I hooked up the car and ran for about 30 inutes to recharge battery.
Fridge is great!

Jean

 

Hi, Jim. Zamp made a special unit for Costco. It is not listed on Zamp's website. (and they don't yet have them at my local Costcos)

I have no idea why Costco wanted a 60W unit versus and 80 or a 40.....

 

Our local Costco has the 60 watt panel with control for $270.. You could try one and add a second if needed

 

for some reason, some Costcos have them, and some have not yet ordered them. Normally you would order from Costco online, BUT, they are not available online...yet

they suggest that I call back every week.....

 

Al if you want one of the Costco units you can send me a private message and I could pick one up and ship it to you. It would probably still be cheaper than one in Calif with sales tax.

Zamp informed me that once Costco sells out their current stock they will have no more this year and unless Costco re-orders don't know about the future for Zamp and Costco it all depends on sales I guess. Dave

 

That's a really nice offer, Dave. And you may be right about the Cali sales tax versus the shipping cost (though I don't know how carefully something like that needs to be packed for shipping - and that would be a hassle for you)

Did you buy one? Have you tried to fit it under the mattress of the TD? (I didn't ask Zamp what the dimensions are.)

I know the dimensions of the under-mattress storage area are around here somewhere…..

Here they are: 550 Under Floor Storage-Adds TWO storage compartments, in the cabin floor, under the mattress.
Compartment sizes:
22 x 22 x 5.5 inches and
20 x 17.5 x 5.5 inches
(which one has the spare in it?)


This pdf shows the dimensions of the Zamp units (when folded/closed): http://www.zampsolar.com/images/1318629012.pdf

ZS-40 17.0"w x 17.5"L x 3.0"d
ZS-80 17.0"w x 30.0"L x 3.0"d
ZS-120 20.5"w x 35.0"L x 3.0"d

I suspect the 60W Costco/Zamp units are the same dimensions as the 40 and 80, but shorter (between 17.5” long and 30” long), but I guess it is possible that they are simply 1/2-sized versions of the 120…

-Al

 

The 60W Costco unit is 27.5 X 15.5 X3.5. Yes I bought one but won't be using it for awhile as my unit is on order. I just thought it was a good deal. I thought I would carry it in the tow vehicle when not in use. It really folds up neat and is well protected with the zip up cover.

I am sure it could be shipped without damage by packing it in another carton with popcorn pellets etc. I can keep an eye on the local stock and let you know if they are getting low. I seem to be there every few days for something. I seem to buy so much stuff there I swear this just say Hi rather than look at my card. Dave

 

Grrr, just talked with my local Costco and Costco will not be selling the Zamp unit in California. Frustrating.

So I may be calling you, Dixie Dave, and accept your generous offer to buy one and ship to me. I plan to have one more conversation with the Zamp folks, first.

How much labor/time do we think is involved to install the Zamp connector on the side of the TD (wired to the battery, of course)?


-Al

 

Al, I don't have my td yet. If you want all you would have to do would be to wire the end of the power cord from the solar panel that now has alligator clips to a male 12 volt connector such as used by a cell phone and plug it into a dc outlet on the trailer. You certainly could wire a plub directly to the battery but I don't know how difficult that would be. Zamp sells their connector for about $5 or $6.00 or a kit with additional wire for around $30.00. Check some RV dealers for prices. The panels appear to be well built and I am sure I could ship it with no damage. Dave

 

Any updates from anyone on this?

Does Costco still have the special Zamp units for sale?

Has anyone gone with a different set-up?

Any solar regrets?

 

As, I posted earlier, I purchsed the unit to use when I get my trailer. I was at Costco 2 days ago and they had 4 or 5 left.

Dave

 

Hi, Dave. Wasn't sure if anyone else had recently made the solar plunge, or had new ideas re solar.

 

After reading every post about Solar and thinking we really need it in case of emergency, I have come to the same conclusion as the other two ladies (us girls think alike I guess). We're going with recharging from the tow vehicle. What little we'll need it I think this will be the best option for us since we don't offroad camp. We like the amenities of electricity, water and showers. But we CAN offroad if needed - as in the end of the world, etc. etc.

 

Ladymc, where will you find gasoline to charge your battery during the zombie appocolypse? Just a thought!

 

In the event of zombie apocalypse, that's when you use this quote: “It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.”, from that well known classic piece of literature "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" to construct a zombie-powered wheel , bait it with brains, and generate electricity.

 

I loved that book! Awesome reference! 'Sense and Sensibility and Seamonsters' was good too!

Ther CDC has a whole page devoted to Zombie Apocalypse preparedness:
http://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2011/05/preparedness-101-zombie-apocalypse/

I found some of the additional comments at the bottom helpful too. We also watch Shaun of the Dead frequently, to be up on what works! Ha!

We are ready. Are you?

 

... jeez, and here I was worrying about bears andnow I have to expand that worry to zombies. What's next -- asteroids?