Hi everyone! I'm pretty new to solar energy and I'm looking for some advice on whether investing in solar panels makes sense for my situation. I'm 20 and living alone in my camper on my grandmother's property. It looks like installing a power pole for my camper would cost around $600, plus whatever the electric company charges to hook me up to the grid, which should take about 8 weeks.
In my previous place, my electric bill averaged around $120 monthly, based on a rate of $0.15 per kWh. If my calculations are correct, that means I was using about 800 kWh a month, not 8,000 kWh as I initially thought. I've heard I should look for a battery that can support me for three days, which I thought would need to hold around 800 kWh—but maybe that's an overestimate? Batteries seem really pricey and I don't want to make a huge investment without knowing if it'll pay off. Any guidance from those who know more about this would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
It sounds like you're navigating a pretty common situation! You definitely don’t need an 800 kWh battery since your usage is around 800 kWh a month, which breaks down to about 26 kWh a day. That’s more than what most campers generally use. Before investing in solar, I recommend tracking your actual power usage for a bit to see how much energy your camper really consumes. Depending on your average daily usage, a solar setup that can meet that might be more affordable than you think. Just remember, getting the right information now will save you a lot of headaches down the road!
Definitely consider your energy needs first. If you can get a decent setup for 1-2k, that might be worth a shot! But just remember the cheaper options might not last as long, so weigh that into your decision. It could also be beneficial to compare the costs of solar versus the grid connection considering installation times and the long-term savings. Good luck with it!
Exactly! Sometimes solar ends up being more cost-effective in the long run, especially with potential tax credits. Just do the math based on your planning!
Start small but plan for the future! If your camper is set up for a 30 amp circuit, which is about 4000 watts, that's your limit. Expect to spend around $2k for a 5000 watt inverter and possibly another $3k for batteries. You could find used solar panels for less than $100 each on marketplaces, which could be a great way to start without breaking the bank. A generator can also be a lifesaver during cloudy days, giving you more flexibility. Take it step by step, and you’ll get there!
Yeah, I'd second that! Knowing your actual power needs is super important. There are also state and federal incentives for going solar, which might help with the cost if you go that route.