There are a few models of solar powered RV and or Camper vans as well out there. Do not think they drive on Solar but, when parked, no need to hook to the grid for power.
I have a truck camper, my goal was to run the AC during peak hours, typically the highest sun hours, win, win. Between 800 watts on the roof and a dc to dc charger, the voltage and current is a wash. Stopping for the night, we run the AC for a few hours, I could only stuff 400 amp hours of batteries in it. It works to keep it cool until bedtime, then there's enough left to run some fans the rest of the night. The problem, as usual, there isn't always sun, clouds rain etc.. the dc to dc charger fron the truck will get it almost there, but AC then is limited use. If we didn't use AC it really is unlimited even with cloud cover. Certainly could not power the wheels though. I always wondered why no one came up the idea to panel the trailers on big rigs, tons of surface area to cover and make as much as being used. But... again, clouds, shade etc is always the limiting factor, not to mention battery weight.
Yah, as I keep saying, Solar is a great idea but, it is still currently in the "cassette tape and boombox phase" with a ton of refining and improving needed before, it actually could be a stand alone energy source. OK for a backup for limited use and times and only if you live in an area that can take advantage of direct sunlight and you can afford and have space for huge ass batteries. heh. Ty for your personal experience with it and camper living/traveling.
Panel technology keeps getting better and better. My panels are only 3 years old but even in that short time I could get the same size panels now and be nearer 1000 watts. Even IF panel technology gets 100% more efficient the entire globe would have to be paneled to provide enough. Not to mention the storage, the storage is the biggest roadblock. Battery technology also keeps improving but not enough to power the globe. I don't know if it'll ever get there.
Yes, panels are improving by leaps, I just got a new Solar water fountain pump for my garden and it was cheaper and much more efficient and they even hold the power longer after dark than just a couple years ago (the new models being sold this year). My garden is full of small solar powered lights and water (fairy garden style).
As said, Solar power is a great project and I hope they keep improving on it but, do NOT demand that people live off it as is, they will ONLY have to buy new and improved yearly like, they do with the phones. I am very much hoping for a breakthrough with the Solar power system so it CAN be relied on for larger uses but, it is not there now.
There are a few models of solar powered RV and or Camper vans as well out there. Do not think they drive on Solar but, when parked, no need to hook to the grid for power.
I have a truck camper, my goal was to run the AC during peak hours, typically the highest sun hours, win, win. Between 800 watts on the roof and a dc to dc charger, the voltage and current is a wash. Stopping for the night, we run the AC for a few hours, I could only stuff 400 amp hours of batteries in it. It works to keep it cool until bedtime, then there's enough left to run some fans the rest of the night. The problem, as usual, there isn't always sun, clouds rain etc.. the dc to dc charger fron the truck will get it almost there, but AC then is limited use. If we didn't use AC it really is unlimited even with cloud cover. Certainly could not power the wheels though. I always wondered why no one came up the idea to panel the trailers on big rigs, tons of surface area to cover and make as much as being used. But... again, clouds, shade etc is always the limiting factor, not to mention battery weight.
Yah, as I keep saying, Solar is a great idea but, it is still currently in the "cassette tape and boombox phase" with a ton of refining and improving needed before, it actually could be a stand alone energy source. OK for a backup for limited use and times and only if you live in an area that can take advantage of direct sunlight and you can afford and have space for huge ass batteries. heh. Ty for your personal experience with it and camper living/traveling.
Panel technology keeps getting better and better. My panels are only 3 years old but even in that short time I could get the same size panels now and be nearer 1000 watts. Even IF panel technology gets 100% more efficient the entire globe would have to be paneled to provide enough. Not to mention the storage, the storage is the biggest roadblock. Battery technology also keeps improving but not enough to power the globe. I don't know if it'll ever get there.
Yes, panels are improving by leaps, I just got a new Solar water fountain pump for my garden and it was cheaper and much more efficient and they even hold the power longer after dark than just a couple years ago (the new models being sold this year). My garden is full of small solar powered lights and water (fairy garden style). As said, Solar power is a great project and I hope they keep improving on it but, do NOT demand that people live off it as is, they will ONLY have to buy new and improved yearly like, they do with the phones. I am very much hoping for a breakthrough with the Solar power system so it CAN be relied on for larger uses but, it is not there now.