Solar panels & Inverter OR Generator
Discussion
Collect wisdom & experience of PH required here..... Firstly, please don't post any comments about gennies being noisey and inconsiderate as that's a given (albeit I'm looking at a Honda EU20i - one of the quieter ones) but I'm talking about using the gennie on an empty site where noise won't be an issue.
That out of the way, a brief outline of the problem...
As per my other thread, I will shortly be full-timing in the Hymer. Closest site to the family home is a small camp site with only water & waste facilities - no hookup. It is, however, dirt cheap and practical for both seeing my daughter and meals in the local pub. I will be spending two weeks at a time there before moving on either for a fortnight elsewhere or on business trips but on average 2-3wks per month. Although I can run everything on my Gaslow LPG Setup (2 x 11kg), I had hoped to run an oil-filled rad (switchable 1 or 2kw) through the chilly months and a Remanska halogen oven thing for cooking. Plus I need to keep the batteries charged. So as I see it, I have two options:
Generator
Having investigated the various options, for intensive use (i.e. daily), I would go for the Honda EU20i (2KW) suitcase Generator, which seems to be reliable as well as producing good quality sine-wave electricity for both EHU and running things like microwave & even aircon (individually). It won't disturb anyone on this pitch and even if there is anyone else around, it will be for a few hours immediately after coming home from work and not the whole night long. But purchase price is 1k (used ones on eBay not that much cheaper when you factor in 5yr warranty with a new one) and there is obviously the cost of fuelling the thing, keeping it secure and schlepping it around at other times.
Solar Panels, batteries & Inverter
Not sure this is an option for running things like and oil-filled rad, microwave or Laptop - but this is where I need your help.
I currently have 2 x 120ah batteries which are less than two years old and I believe to be in good condition. Also have a solar Panel which I believe is 15yrs old which barely even registers any charge coming in so we can effectively bin it and start again.
Question is - would a SERIOUS solar setup be a worthwhile alternative to a Generator. If I'm going to spend 1k on a gennie, what could I get for a grand as far as solar is concerned (professionally fitted)? Would I need uprating the batteries? How much Inverter useage can big batteries take from say 10mins of 600w microwave and 1kw oil filled rad?
I know there's lots of maths & science involved to give firm answers on energy consumption. But at this stage I'm just investigating whether it's possible to do normal things like:
1) boil a kettle
2) run an oil-filled rad for a few hours
3) cook with a Remanska for an hour or so
all without killing batteries, which I presume will be topped up reasonably effectively during the day with a decent couple of panels as there's no power consumption during the day as I'll be out at work.
That out of the way, a brief outline of the problem...
As per my other thread, I will shortly be full-timing in the Hymer. Closest site to the family home is a small camp site with only water & waste facilities - no hookup. It is, however, dirt cheap and practical for both seeing my daughter and meals in the local pub. I will be spending two weeks at a time there before moving on either for a fortnight elsewhere or on business trips but on average 2-3wks per month. Although I can run everything on my Gaslow LPG Setup (2 x 11kg), I had hoped to run an oil-filled rad (switchable 1 or 2kw) through the chilly months and a Remanska halogen oven thing for cooking. Plus I need to keep the batteries charged. So as I see it, I have two options:
Generator
Having investigated the various options, for intensive use (i.e. daily), I would go for the Honda EU20i (2KW) suitcase Generator, which seems to be reliable as well as producing good quality sine-wave electricity for both EHU and running things like microwave & even aircon (individually). It won't disturb anyone on this pitch and even if there is anyone else around, it will be for a few hours immediately after coming home from work and not the whole night long. But purchase price is 1k (used ones on eBay not that much cheaper when you factor in 5yr warranty with a new one) and there is obviously the cost of fuelling the thing, keeping it secure and schlepping it around at other times.
Solar Panels, batteries & Inverter
Not sure this is an option for running things like and oil-filled rad, microwave or Laptop - but this is where I need your help.
I currently have 2 x 120ah batteries which are less than two years old and I believe to be in good condition. Also have a solar Panel which I believe is 15yrs old which barely even registers any charge coming in so we can effectively bin it and start again.
Question is - would a SERIOUS solar setup be a worthwhile alternative to a Generator. If I'm going to spend 1k on a gennie, what could I get for a grand as far as solar is concerned (professionally fitted)? Would I need uprating the batteries? How much Inverter useage can big batteries take from say 10mins of 600w microwave and 1kw oil filled rad?
I know there's lots of maths & science involved to give firm answers on energy consumption. But at this stage I'm just investigating whether it's possible to do normal things like:
1) boil a kettle
2) run an oil-filled rad for a few hours
3) cook with a Remanska for an hour or so
all without killing batteries, which I presume will be topped up reasonably effectively during the day with a decent couple of panels as there's no power consumption during the day as I'll be out at work.
- **
Thanks, I also saw that link whilst browsing.
In respect of it being a Hymer, you're right. It's certainly my set up for a few days of living off grid. My concern stems from spending two weeks off grid as far as leccy is concerned. I think I can live without the halogen oven and the oil rad - it's more about how I'm going to keep charge in the batteries over a week or so given that the heating is blown and uses juice. And then the water pump. Being without charge for those two would be a game over moment.
I'm erring towards the Genny as I can at least sell it for 75% of purchase price afterwards. And being able to run it for 2-3hrs every couple of nights is the safety net I need.
In respect of it being a Hymer, you're right. It's certainly my set up for a few days of living off grid. My concern stems from spending two weeks off grid as far as leccy is concerned. I think I can live without the halogen oven and the oil rad - it's more about how I'm going to keep charge in the batteries over a week or so given that the heating is blown and uses juice. And then the water pump. Being without charge for those two would be a game over moment.
I'm erring towards the Genny as I can at least sell it for 75% of purchase price afterwards. And being able to run it for 2-3hrs every couple of nights is the safety net I need.
Thanks for your thoughts guys. Much appreciated.
I decided that the easiest, quickest and best option at this stage was to go the generator route. Although in a lot of ways solar is probably the longerterm solution, I need something which is a bit more flexible at this moment in time and capable of coping with the demands of offgrid living in all weathers and arguably doing things which I wouldn't normally do in a motorhome (like microwave meals, Remoska cooker and perhaps the 1-2kW oil rad) - plus ensuring that the batteries don't get killed.
So, after mulling it over a good few nights and then finally pressing the button whilst heavily under the influence of alcohol (some of my best large-capex spends done in this way!) I purchased a brand new Honda EU20i. My reason for going brand new was the fact there was actually very little difference in price between used and new. A lot of the used ones I found had no record of service or utilisation, nor receipt of purchase. So for me it was important to have the 5yr warranty and known provenance. I may well end up selling it once my stint of full-timing is over, which means the layout will be relatively deminimus given they hold their value well. Or, given it'll have paid for itself several times over by the end of the year, just keep hold of it for off-grid Holidays or just as a backup for fridge/freezer in the event of powercuts etc.
All that said, "Harry" will be going in to MG Caravans tomorrow to have the taps sorted and I have asked them to quote for an all-singing, all-dancing solar, battery & inverter setup. I may even treat myself to it with the proceeds of the generator once I'm back out living in a house again. At least I have options.
Will be keeping a strict log of the generator utilisation for resale and servicing.
Thanks again for your help.
I decided that the easiest, quickest and best option at this stage was to go the generator route. Although in a lot of ways solar is probably the longerterm solution, I need something which is a bit more flexible at this moment in time and capable of coping with the demands of offgrid living in all weathers and arguably doing things which I wouldn't normally do in a motorhome (like microwave meals, Remoska cooker and perhaps the 1-2kW oil rad) - plus ensuring that the batteries don't get killed.
So, after mulling it over a good few nights and then finally pressing the button whilst heavily under the influence of alcohol (some of my best large-capex spends done in this way!) I purchased a brand new Honda EU20i. My reason for going brand new was the fact there was actually very little difference in price between used and new. A lot of the used ones I found had no record of service or utilisation, nor receipt of purchase. So for me it was important to have the 5yr warranty and known provenance. I may well end up selling it once my stint of full-timing is over, which means the layout will be relatively deminimus given they hold their value well. Or, given it'll have paid for itself several times over by the end of the year, just keep hold of it for off-grid Holidays or just as a backup for fridge/freezer in the event of powercuts etc.
All that said, "Harry" will be going in to MG Caravans tomorrow to have the taps sorted and I have asked them to quote for an all-singing, all-dancing solar, battery & inverter setup. I may even treat myself to it with the proceeds of the generator once I'm back out living in a house again. At least I have options.
Will be keeping a strict log of the generator utilisation for resale and servicing.
Thanks again for your help.
Thanks mate.
Yes, the way I understand it is that you plug it into the van in the same way you would a normal electric hookup. The generator provides stable 230v AC in the same way as you'd get from EHU and you run the van accordingly. If required, the battery charger will draw power to charge the batteries and the generator itself will adjust the throttle according to the load placed upon it. For example if all you're doing is boiling a kettle, it'll throttle up when required and idle when the kettle turns off.
That's the idea, anyway!
Yes, the way I understand it is that you plug it into the van in the same way you would a normal electric hookup. The generator provides stable 230v AC in the same way as you'd get from EHU and you run the van accordingly. If required, the battery charger will draw power to charge the batteries and the generator itself will adjust the throttle according to the load placed upon it. For example if all you're doing is boiling a kettle, it'll throttle up when required and idle when the kettle turns off.
That's the idea, anyway!
V40TC said:
ref :
Will be keeping a strict log of the generator utilisation for resale and servicing.
I added an Hour Meter to my generator
saves logging time running
simple and easy to install.
this is the one I have:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TOOGOO-bicycle-Motorcycle...
in fact if you pm me an address we will buy you one from amazon and have it posted to you.
Thanks ever so much for the kind offer - much appreciated. Don't worry though, I'll grab myself one since I'm ordering a lot from Amazon at the moment! Appreciate the offer though.Will be keeping a strict log of the generator utilisation for resale and servicing.
I added an Hour Meter to my generator
saves logging time running
simple and easy to install.
this is the one I have:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TOOGOO-bicycle-Motorcycle...
in fact if you pm me an address we will buy you one from amazon and have it posted to you.
Great idea and I'll certainly do that. I'll also get one for my Husqvarna Rider too, since I'm amazed given the strict servicing requirements that it doesn't come with one.
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