The Tortuga has had a single source for energy for a long long time. DIESEL, nectar of the Over Landers. (I love the smell of diesel, in the morning). Well everyone has to go one mile more and that includes one mile more in technology.
It was time for solar panels.
The decision was made about a month before the National Forest trip. Capturing the energy of the sun was going to happen! The thought was that this would be the first foray into solar, so nothing too complex. The primary goal of the new sun catcher was to be a charger for the 440 amp hours of cabin batteries in a 24 volt system hidden deep in the Tortuga’s belly. With a system goal established Amazon was fired up and 30 minutes later parts were on there way.
2 each
1 each
TM-2030-RV TriMetric Battery Monitor
TM-2030-RV TriMetric Battery Monitor and
1 each
and the associated tools, cable and connectors.
With 2 each 137 watt solar panels, It was anticipated that close to 10 amps could be pushed into the cabin batteries while the Tortuga was rolling another mile down the road. If nothing else, if the panels would generate just enough energy to keep the fridge going without the use of batteries, that would be good too.
A cold beverage at the campsite is a must have, it is like an exclamation point on a long day of exploring.
The price of the panels were inexpensive (I guess that is what happens when the company goes bankrupt.) At 216 inches long it was a perfect fit for the top of the cabin. After combining two panels with the battery monitor and the solar charger controller, I got what I wanted. A cold fridge and an increased charge in the house batteries.
On a clear day, I watched 12 amps being pushed into the Tortuga Life Line house batteries and the battery monitor indicated an increase of 10%. Oh yea did I tell you that my beverage was nice and cold around the camp fire that night.
Upon return form the National Forest trip, it was realized that there was room for another panel (# 3) and it could not be resisted. Panel #3 is on, Testing will happen next month during a trip to Marfa, Tx. Marfa you ask? Yes Marfa, you will have to come back to read about Solar panels in Marfa, if it is not posted now.
