Solar panels or generator? or both?

If you are a boondocker, should you go with solar panels or a generator to power your RV when not hooked up to shore power? Purists only have solar panels. They are not fond of generators breaking the silence of the remote places they where they want to camp.

On the other hand, RVers who don't boondock too frequently can do so with a generator at a much lower cost. Solar panels plus inverter can add up to more than $2000. Over time, the money saved by not having to stay in an RV park can pay off. But the infrequent boondocker will find a generator more cost-effective.

Actually we have found that having both is ideal. A certain amount of solar panels will take care of basic needs if it is sunny. George and I got a generator when we had the satellite Internet dish because that drew more power if we were on the computer for any length of time. And, having a generator came in handy this year in Quartzsite on days when there wasn't much sun.

Generator courtesy
If you are boondocking and plan to run your generator, please follow these common courtesies:

1. Don't park close to another RV if at all possible.
2. Respect quiet hours. From 10 pm to 7 am are standard.
3. Run it for the shortest period of time possible, like when you make coffee or are printing something off your computer rather than continuously.
4. Face the generator away from other RVs. If you can put it down in a wash, even better.
5. If you are in a gathering, try to group generators together and let non-generator users have their own area. Everyone will be happier.

Generator and non-generator users can co-exist! The option you choose will depend on your finances and how often and where you plan to boondock. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Photos-
Boondocked along the Salmon River, ID
Boomer gathering in Quartzsite, AZ 2009
Boondocked on Mt. Ord, AZ at a Workamping assignment (see solar panels on roof)

Comments

[Wes Waddell - Building Solar News]

Our motorhome came standard with a generator and they are getting quieter every year... new ones are less noisy than your TV on with the door open.

But, the added solar panels and inverter make it a lot less expensive as power is free and with a 25 year warrenty... pays for itself over time and causes no damage to the environment. I really like that part most.

Wes

http://www.BuildingSolarNews.info BLOG

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

Thanks, Wes. Generators are much quieter than they used to be. Try parking next to someone with an industrial generator aimed your way! We have one of the quiet Honda generators, but it is still noticeable at a certain distance.

And, don't you love to beat the system?

Do you know if RVers can get a tax break for adding solar under the law?

Nice site.

Jaimie

[Bob Damon]

As far as tax breaks it sounds like they should apply just like your house. If you do not have solar panels you are either plugged in using electricity off the grid or you fire up your generator. With the generator you have the noise issue, using precious gas and contributing to the polluted air we breath. It sounds like solar panels are the way to go with an efficient inverter.

[Bob Damon]

The main use for a generator for us was in the morning to make coffee. I don't want to wake my wife or the neighbors so I looked for other alternatives. I tried using a 12v coffee maker. I would like to have my coffee around 10 to 15 minutes not 3 hours later. Really, check out the info on a 12V coffee appliance box. What I found to work the best is a coffee perculator from Coleman. It works and looks a lot like the electric one on our kitchen counter with the glass decanter and everything. The difference is it has a thick metal plate on the bottom and sits on a one or two burner stove. This can be a portable camp stove or the gas range in the motorhome. Just light a match to the burner under the coffee pot. To aid in my wifes sleep I put the water, paper filter and coffee into it the night before. Then all I have to do in the morning is strike a match or click an igniter.

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

Bob, the tax breaks probably do apply just to your house- but an RV can be a legal, deductible dwelling for interest, so maybe for solar panels. Check with your tax advisor.

George has a siphon-type coffee pot that makes excellent coffee. He found both an electric one and one that he can use on the stove in the RV. He puts a piece of metal under it so it isn't getting direct flame. It takes longer than the electric one, but worth it. I think he used to have a Coleman.

I like solar panels best too, but a (quiet) generator for backup is nice.

Jaimie

[Ralph & Snickers]

Except for A/C a properly sized,installed and adjusted Solar System will not need generator assistance to supply all of your power needs. Go to Handy Bob's blog to learn how. So called solar experts are not expert at all. How many rigs do you see on a sunny day with 3 or 4 panels on the roof and the generator running? Coffee makers, hair dryers, microwaves, and on and on can be used with a solar system only and no generator.

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

Ralph, you are correct that you can pretty much supply all your power needs with a properly sized solar panel system. We have a good system that runs all but AC but when we are both on our computers for extended time with an Air card or satellite dish, we don't use up all our stored power when we run the generator. We have to be cautious otherwise.

Thanks for the comment.

[Solar Panel Rebate]

I really appreciate the idea, that we are saving our globe from pollution.we really need such ideas to make this industry rich.

[Motorcycles For Sale]

I think Solar panels is the best because it is capable of running Fan, Tv, Laptop etc, these kinds of small appliances will run easily on this system.

[Solar PV Panels]

I prefer solar panel as they work for long period.