are these units worth having?
seem like a good option for extended off grid times, worth adding if not already in?
best units and approx cost?
thanks--ralph & sandy
I have no knowledge of RV laundry equipment but I do know that, like so many things, some love them and some hate them.
RV Solar units I do have some experience with and, at least in my opinion, they are very good if done properly. Sizing (and price) depends primarily on load requirements but most diesel pushers seem to have about 500Watts of panels (4-12vdc units or 2-24vdc units).
There are two routes to take with solar... you can go to a "dealer" (who is usually more of a "bundler/installer") and have one of their packages installed (Amsolar is one that is highly regarded by several on the forum) or you can buy components (panels, charge controllers, wire, etc.) and do it yourself.
Most solar panel systems designed for RVs to provide power for 12vdc systems. These panels are typically 150 watts each. Panels designed for home use are usually 24vdc and over 200 watts; these are typically larger, physically, than the 12vdc panels. I found that the 24vdc units were less expensive on a per-watt basis and if used with an MPPT charge controller provide more usable power to the RV's 12vdc system. But getting rooftop room can be difficult with the larger panels. Wire sizes, however, are smaller for the 24vdc systems than the 12vdc versions due to lower current for equal power.
Prices for the 24vdc panels hover in the $1/watt range; although the recent import duties imposed by the US Government might have increased that. The 12vdc units might be slightly higher in price.
There are quite a few members of Foreforums with a lot of experience in solar systems so you should get lots of replies.
Craig
love my solars set up and use it all the time. Very seldom do we hook up to shore power. We do not have w+dryer in coach as we think it a waste of room (esp in 36ft) so took it out.
I have put up 600 watts panels and will be moving up to 750 later on and 3 --8D AGM batteries slore sufficient power for our needs since converting all lights to LED. We even have a single wide residential fridge instead of gas/elec (Like a few others) $5500 well spent.
John h
I also seldom connect to shore power, or use the generator.
I have 850 watts on the roof (sixteen 55 watt panels).
I have two AGM 8D house batteries and believe that three 8D batteries are not required with less than 900 watts of panels. In John's case, with a residential refer, I believe he needs those three 8D batteries and at least 900 watts of panels.
There was a Splendide washer/dryer in my Foretravel when I bought it, but it did not work and repairs would have cost several hundred. I removed it and appreciate the cupboard space. I would rather fill a laundry bag for a month and do two big washes concurrently at a laundromat, rather then do a few small washings each week. I boondock all the time and water/power are at a premium. Many folks on this forum love having a washer/dryer and would not be without them. Also, most folks on this forum use campgrounds every night with power/water. If I used campgrounds most of the time, I would install a washer/dryer for the convenience.
We had a Splendide in our Safari and then in our Foretravel. Pulled them out and sold them for $350 each. Do a lot of boondocking and didn't want to waste the water or holding-tank space. They probably worked out OK but just didn't want them. Have 685 watts of solar and 2 8D's usually caught up by noon after a night of lights, TV, coffee pot, microwave, hair dryer, curling iron, etc. Did the solar setup myself...not too hard.
Larry, looking at your photo I guess the hairdryer is not on too long and I would have thought you beard would curl naturally, but obviously not !! :P ^.^d
john h
Can't speak on the solar but I do love my Splendide! I have the vented one - I think it does a better job drying. I would rather take a beating than go to the laundromat. It's nice to laundry at my leisure. The loads are small but that is no problem as there is just the two of us.
John, didn't hook the solar up to the beard so no, it doesn't curl
Where did you purchase your panels and parts from or do you have someone you would recommend?
I got mine from AMSOLAR in Springfield Oregon (as others have.) I like the 150watts they had and have ordered some 100s to pick up in Dec. They did the install and I bought 3 AGM 8D batteries too, Glad I did that then as I see they have gone up now $200 a piece since.They are experts in designing systems and have been doing it for a long long time. RV parking hook up while waiting too. I will be adding the new panel myself while away in mexico this winter. Also putting in Cork flooring too then (busy holiday I guess)
John
Thank you John.