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opinion:frater_secessus:cheap_build [2020/08/25 18:32] frater_secessus [recurring expenses] |
opinion:frater_secessus:cheap_build [2020/08/25 18:43] frater_secessus [loads] |
* It is cheap to think of the camper as a camping tent on wheels. It is expensive to think of it as a mobile apartment. | * It is cheap to think of the camper as a camping tent on wheels. It is expensive to think of it as a mobile apartment. |
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| ===== sourcing ===== |
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| Buy used from craigslist, thrift stores, etc. when possible. Know the internal dimensions of your van and carry a tape measure with you. Buy used/open-package from Amazon. |
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| Use pricewatch tools like camelcamelcamel to get alerts when prices drop on items you need. |
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===== power ===== | ===== power ===== |
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| Reducing your power use will have far-reaching effects, simplifying the system and reducing costs for batteries, panels, and charging equipment. |
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| //Timing// your power use can also make a tremendous difference. Example: Charging the laptop while driving (or after the house batteries are charged) is a "freebie". Running a laptop at night directly affects the system because there is no charge coming in then to help support the load. |
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==== loads ==== | ==== loads ==== |
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* Buy larger/higher-voltage panels which are cheaper by the watt.((this will require MPPT controllers for nominal 12v banks)) | * Buy larger/higher-voltage panels which are cheaper by the watt.((this will require MPPT controllers for nominal 12v banks)) |
* if you are using PWM controllers, choose poly panels vs mono due to their higher Imp rating. When choosing between poly panels at the same price point, pick the one with the higher Imp (and thus lower Vmp) | * if you are using PWM controllers, choose poly panels vs mono -- they are typically less expensive and actually perform better with PWM due to their higher Imp rating. When choosing between poly panels at the same price point, pick the one with the higher Imp (and thus lower Vmp) |
* if you are going to be deep-cycling the batteries every day((like to 50% [[electrical:depth_of_discharge|DoD]])) consider using a dirt-cheap [[electrical:solar:shunt_tweaking|shunt controller]] rather than PWM. | * if you are going to be deep-cycling the batteries every day((like to 50% [[electrical:depth_of_discharge|DoD]])) consider using a dirt-cheap [[electrical:solar:shunt_tweaking|shunt controller]] rather than PWM. |
* [[electrical:solar:overpaneling|overpanel]] your MPPT controller; +10% is optimal, and 20% is reasonable [[opinion:frater_secessus:panelsizesforinsolation|in challenging insolation]]. | * [[electrical:solar:overpaneling|overpanel]] your MPPT controller; +10% is optimal, and 20% is reasonable [[opinion:frater_secessus:panelsizesforinsolation|in challenging insolation]]. |