What is better, generator or solar panels for camping? We have just bought a camper van whats best?
We are looking at getting a solar panel for camping what does it involve? how much do they usually cost? Are they hard to transport? Are generators easier?
Solar panel charging a couple batteries will be fine if you are really camping. Even with a cloudy day or two. If all you are running is lights in the evening, maybe a radio you'll be fine. If you are actually driving a home on wheels, then you'll need to hook up to full ac.
It always baffled me why folks would pack up, go to a beautiful natural setting, then crank up a noisy, smelly generator to power their 25" TV, microwave, and vaccum cleaner. That ain't camping.
Today's solar panels last for years (10-20), properly cared for. A simple trickle charger to keep batteries topped of can sit on your dashboard. You'll have to determine how much you are hooking up to it to size your system. But you can get started for $60 or so.
June 7th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
generators are the way to go!
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June 7th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Get a Honda generator, easy er to use , transport and you do not rely on the sun.
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June 7th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
generators are better if the solar panel cracks it is no good it is hard to carry bulky mounts on the roof and can cause roof leaks
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June 7th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Well a solar panel would be ok but if it was cloudy or stormy don't count on it. It might not work. so I bet a generator is better to use.
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June 7th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Solar panel charging a couple batteries will be fine if you are really camping. Even with a cloudy day or two. If all you are running is lights in the evening, maybe a radio you'll be fine. If you are actually driving a home on wheels, then you'll need to hook up to full ac.
It always baffled me why folks would pack up, go to a beautiful natural setting, then crank up a noisy, smelly generator to power their 25" TV, microwave, and vaccum cleaner. That ain't camping.
Today's solar panels last for years (10-20), properly cared for. A simple trickle charger to keep batteries topped of can sit on your dashboard. You'll have to determine how much you are hooking up to it to size your system. But you can get started for $60 or so.
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