Is 100W Solar Panel Kit a Good Match for Dry Camping 5-7 Days in the Desert

Question:

I was wondering if this would be enough to help keep batteries charged while dry camping for 5 - 7 days in the high desert in Wyoming and Idaho.Not that location matters? 2012 Raptor 5th wheel.I have 2 6 volts that have helped but need a bit more reassurance out there? Thanks

asked by: Kevin G

Expert Reply:

Location does help so don't discount that entirely, but it has more to do with how much sun you'd be getting than it does with how hot and dry the location is.

With that being said, the Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Panel # 287-32408 produces around 35 amp-hours a day in the best conditions (no clouds or shade gets in the way and the panels are facing direct sunlight) which should be enough if you only plan on using some smaller appliances. To determine if this is enough for you you'll need to do a little math (not fun, I know).

I am attaching a link to one of our helpful articles about solar panels for you to check out. In this article we discuss how to figure out how many amp-hours you use each day, but the short answer is to go camping with a battery monitor hooked up and camp like normal. This will give you the best idea of what kind of solar panel kit you need.

If the 35 amp-hours a day doesn't cut it for you then you likely need something much larger like the 550-Watt Go Power Solar Flex System # 34275012 which will allow you to live a little more comfortably and power up a lot more things. Let me know what you find that you'll end up needing and I can help you choose a better choice for your setup.

expert reply by: Jon G