mjg
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 12
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Post by mjg on Feb 2, 2023 16:10:44 GMT -5
We have a 2022 Durango 301RLT with the Xantrex “off the grid” package (2 flexible 110 panels, 30amp solar controller, 2000w inverter/charger, 125ah lithium battery). Question: How do your solar panels perform? We do not have extraordinary power use (LP refrig, no computers, TV am and pm only, dish satellite). But we have to run our generator twice a day (am and pm) to keep battery charged. We don’t seem to get much performance from our flexible panels .. we understand of course that depends on sun, time of day and time of year … but taking that into consideration we don’t get the performance we did from hard panels on our 2012 RV. Your experience and/or thoughts? Thanks!
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Post by thebigland on Feb 3, 2023 9:42:58 GMT -5
MJG, In my experience with my panels, same set up as yours during peak sun hours on a nice sunny day the best I am doing is net zero with regards to how much my camper draws versus how much is being generated from the two panels. I have an outdoor electric fridge in the kitchen and run my indoor fridge on propane. So any given time when off the grid I use between 6-8 amp/hours based on the Xantrex APP. You may use less not having the exterior electric bar fridge. 5 Amp/hours per panel in peak sun is probably the best you will get. So once the sun goes down and your battery depletes to the 10% cutoff you will resort to generator which is what I do as well. I plan on expanding my battery bank (Double) to at least extend the time required between charges to 24 hours. However you should get around 12-18 hours or more on your battery without using an electric fridge before having to charge with the one battery. More if you have some good sun exposure added to the mix.  But that's my experience through one season with my 2022 321RKT. Cheers Corey |
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mjg
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 12
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Post by mjg on Feb 3, 2023 10:21:17 GMT -5
Thanks Corey. Yes same here … although we never get as much as 18 hrs .. usually about 12. We use about 6-8 amp/hr on average. But I will say our satellite is on all day as we record programs during day and night for viewing later. We are thinking about enhancements as well. Have you considered additional panels? Enhance solar collection first before adding more storage?? We wonder if hard panels would provide better performance - add them or replace what we have (adding would require separate 2nd controller we are told). Bottom line - the system is at a minimum “over promised” in its ability to be “off the grid”.
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Post by thebigland on Feb 3, 2023 10:41:48 GMT -5
I agree with you on the "over promised" ability of the off the grid. 90% of my camping is off grid and I know that the existing panels have no chance in charging the batteries unless its in my driveway being unused however when home it is always plugged in so its a moot point. So if I add additional batteries at least I extend my runtime to double while expanding the solar still relies on sun conditions so I don't see me going that route with how I use the camper. So without dumping a ton of money to truly be off grid I am going the double battery capacity route this year and live with the fact that I need to run my Yamaha to top them up after hopefully 24+ hours. Ideally I would like to have 4 125 Amp/hr. batteries to last the weekend and then just come home, plug in and let them charge when not in use and be ready for the next weekend. Then I can say I am off grid. lol Corey |
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mjg
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 12
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Post by mjg on Feb 3, 2023 11:04:18 GMT -5
How big is your Yamaha generator? We are using a Honda 2200i .. and I think we talked about this previously .. As another issue we have is our Honda not charging our battery to 100% .. it is losing about 5% every day so by the end of the week we’re down to a 60% battery max charge. We have spent months discussing with Xantrex about the issue — finally said try to 3000 Honda and it DID charge to 100% - but that’s a big item to haul around - so wondering if a different type of generator would as well? Thanks!
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mjg
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 12
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Post by mjg on Feb 3, 2023 11:11:20 GMT -5
Also .. are you going to add the same battery! Xantrex Lithium 125ah … have you shopped for it? Best price locations? They are expensive too as you know I am sure!
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Post by thebigland on Feb 3, 2023 12:52:14 GMT -5
Yes we did, I have a Yamaha 2000is and 3000isb both adequately charge my 125ah battery as long as I run my larger fridge on propane. I use the 3000isb in the warmer summer months for the AC but I agree it is a pain to put in and out of the pass through storage..... ask my wife The Xantrex Lithium 125 ah battery is a big expense. There are significantly cheaper LiFePO on the market with BMS but pretty certain I am going to stay with the same brand. I replaced the initial battery under warranty and purchased it through Amazon $2,300 CADish. Which is steep I agree. |
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Post by laknox on Feb 20, 2023 17:56:43 GMT -5
Yes we did, I have a Yamaha 2000is and 3000isb both adequately charge my 125ah battery as long as I run my larger fridge on propane. I use the 3000isb in the warmer summer months for the AC but I agree it is a pain to put in and out of the pass through storage..... ask my wife The Xantrex Lithium 125 ah battery is a big expense. There are significantly cheaper LiFePO on the market with BMS but pretty certain I am going to stay with the same brand. I replaced the initial battery under warranty and purchased it through Amazon $2,300 CADish. Which is steep I agree. Geez... For that price, I'd think you could get Battleborns. Lyle |
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