Customer Reviews

Rvers' Guide to Solar Battery Charging: 12 Volt DC-120 Volt AC Inverters

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book covers the basics very nicely for someone getting started in Solar Power for their RV. I haven't found any newer texts that cover this subject as thoroughly as the Kirkby's have. Other 12 Volt Boat/RV texts I've found barely touch on the subject of solar charging systems for deep cycle batteries.

Our travel trailer is now equipped with three solar panels (225watts) and twin 6 volt golf cart batteries and I love them. Before I bought and installed them myself along with all the very necessary wiring, brackets, controllers and monitors I read two very good books. The first one is RVers' Guide to SOLAR BATTERY CHARGING by Noel and Barbara Kirkby available via amazon.com from about $7.00 used . It has everything one could want to know about solar for the RVer. They also sell solar setups and components as well as give great free advice to those in need. I have read the book cover to cover at least 8 times and talked to Noel and his family several times and could not be happier for it. The second book is The Complete Book of Boondock RVing Camping off the Beaten Path by Bill and Jan Moeller available via amazon.com from about $9.00. This book dedicates about 90 of its 170 pages to all sorts of Rv power sources as well as charging methods like solar,
wind, and generators, as well as discussions on conservation, chargers, inverters, battery types and much more are all covered in great detail and depth. In our little camper we have removed one one lamp/bulb from all double fixtures and replaced with LEDs with 5 lights on we don't draw a full amp per hour and have plenty of light. We also installed two Fantastic Fan/Create a Breeze 3 speed 14 inch vent fans with one in bath so we get by without AC just fine ( 1.1 to 3 amps per hour). I receive nothing from the sale of these books lol but it would be nice, they are just that good.

The principles of how solar battery charging works never ages, and this resource does a good job of explaining how it works, and how to set it up. A must read for any one interested in setting up their own off grid rv, or even a off grid home.

There are two types of reviews. First is the shipping. It was fast and flawless and I highly recommend the seller. The second aspect is the book and its subject. I am finding the information of great help as I begin my research with the idea of adding solar panels to my motorhome. I want to add solar energy to charge my RVj batteries while boondocking and avoid using the generator whenever possible. The book may be a bit dated (copyright 1993) on some aspects due the fast changing world of photovoltaics. For example the charge controller technology and battery charge function of newer devices are much better. However, this is still a great book with a great deal of information in one source.

The copyright on this book is 1993. The basics are there, but things like 3 stage charger/converters are not really discussed.

This book was first published in 1987, and updated in 1993. Much of the info included is badly out-of-date.