Micro Minnie Solar

[HWanderer]

Ok - thanks - good info!!

[creativepart]

HW... all an inverter is used for is to take 12vdc power from your batteries and "invert" it into 110v AC power to run 110v appliances like TVs, phone chargers, coffee makers.

So, this has absolutely nothing to do with you adding solar panels to your RV.

Solar panels take power from the sun and converts it into 12vdc to charge your batteries.

Solar panels/charging is totally different thing than what inverters are.

So, knowing this now... do you need an inverter? Do you want to use 110v powered items in your RV when you are not hooked up to campground shore power? If yes, then perhaps you should look into an inverter. If no, then it's not even something to consider.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by HWanderer

I have a micro minnie winnie 2019 and am headed to a campground with no hookups. I just bought a Go Power solar kit - 130 watt solar panels. Do I need an inverter? Am confused at where the inverter goes...... I am a solar newbie and am headed out in early May. Thanks to any and all who can provide some advice!!

Although an inverter can be useful it can also be a power hog if you use it indiscriminately. If you're going off the grid, I suggest you think "camping" vs. RVing, and use only 12V (sparingly at that) and propane. Forget about watching TV, using your microwave, electric coffee pot, etc. We camped for years with 100w of solar and no inverter before jumping to 200w, still no inverter.

Your power consumption will depend a lot on what type of refrigerator you have. If it will run off LPG, your power consumption will be low.

[TerryMA]

I have a 2018 fbs and a 100w solar... I used my panels last year and am still a novice, but it think the best use is just hook it to you battery and keep it charged... in my experience it was just enough to keep the battery charged enough for minimal lights and of course fridge!

[RocknRoll]

I have a 100W flex panel, unaffixed, that I connect to the roof gland. With a 20" cable, it literally gives me "flexibility" on placement anywhere on the roof or hanging off the side. Keeps the rig battery topped off and allows me to watch TV without having to monitor power.

I also have a 100W solar suitcase for ground charging my e-bike via a portable battery generator. Pretty neat.

The combination of the two allows me to boondock for 2-3 days. I also carry a generator "just in case". I'm not sure if I'll ever go full solar on the roof as it may not be enough real estate for the amount of wattage you need.

[HWanderer]

Ok - thanks so much for responding! I bought a 130 watt kit. But will take the generator too. Hope I can make it for 6 days - will be the first try for that number of days. A learning opportunity! ;-)

[BobC]

As I said in post #43, think camping, not RVing and you'll be OK.

[RocknRoll]

Originally Posted by BobC

As I said in post #43, think camping, not RVing and you'll be OK.

True dat!

[HWanderer]

Yep - that's what I'm doing though it will be hard to leave the expreso maker at home! ;-) Thanks, Bob!

[Timo]

HWanderer. Stovetop espresso and a gas stove are a good option

T

[HWanderer]

Great suggestion! Thanks! :-}

[Foothills83]

Originally Posted by Timo

HWanderer. Stovetop espresso and a gas stove are a good option

T

1. Jetboil (or a kettle on the trailer stove)
2. Aeropress
3. Profit

I used to aeropress at home daily. It's awesome for just one or two people. The concentrate plus milk is not totally dissimilar from espresso without the crema.

[BobC]

The Aeropress is great. Add one of these and you're in business:

https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Han...a-822160072306

[HWanderer]

I'm learning all kinds of things - thanks T - will check out Aeropress!

[HWanderer]

Big Smile! Thanks Bob!

[Foothills83]

Originally Posted by BobC

The Aeropress is great. Add one of these and you're in business:

https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Han...a-822160072306

Yep.

I'd also suggest this. I have an older model. Pretty sure this is the same as mine. The diameter allows it to fit inside the hollow plunger in the Aeropress.
https://www.amazon.com/JavaPresse-Gr...5DS59VCQ8EJC4W

[Timo]

Wanderer, i have both the aeropresss and classic old style stovetop. Both are relatively inexpensive and offer up great espresso. I find the older style closer to what my home machine offers

Cheers