1 Year Review - 200-Watt HQST (Renogy) RV Solar Panels

This video is a 1-year review of a DIY installation of a 200-Watt HQST (Renogy) RV Solar Panel Kit on my camping trailer. It was a great decision to install this system myself, as it was quite affordable ($400) and really not very difficult. I also replaced my incandescent light bulbs with 12 SMD LED bulbs, which are about 9 times as efficient. Check out the two videos below to find out more. Thanks for watching!
Solar Panel Install Video • Solar Panel Kit RV DIY...
RV LED Light Replacement - 12 SMD • RV LED Light Replaceme...

[@Sanwizard1]

Nice job, and thanks for posting! Glad all is still working well for you. I imagine you simply used the same batteries your RV came with. Have you thought of Lithium Lifepo4?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

When I bought the trailer, it had junk 12V deep cycle batteries. I upgraded to two 6V Costco golf cart batteries in series. I think they work much better and I imagine that this solar system will extend their life. Once they do finally kick the bucket, I definitely will consider lithium. They are lighter and last much longer. Thanks for watching!

[@livingwithrob]

Good morning. Just watched this. I have a Dodge Grand Caravan that I travel with. I am planning to upgrade to one of the DC powered refrigerator/cooler style boxes. I read they draw about 30 watts when compressor is on. I have a 300w pure sinewave Rockpals battery that I use on the road now. As this has a solar input and can be charged with solar, I thought about just putting a solar panel on top of my van to let it charge the Rockpals. I noted you have two batteries on your RV and you state that they run everything. Given my limited requirements, I wonder if I could either use the Rockpals or a single battery with a charge controller installed in line. What size are the batteries you use in your video?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

I'm using two 6-volt Costco golf cart batteries in series to make 12V. Here are the specs www.costco.com/interstate-6-volt-golf-cart-battery.product.100476406.html
I'm guessing one 12v battery would keep your fridge going with the solar panel. Good luck.

[@PintlerMedia]

I can't figure out why no one is using the 200-watt panels. Were they not shipping at the time or is there some other reason?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

I just installed 200W panels on my sister-in-laws trailer. She has an inverter, so she needed the extra power.

[@nikkifunke4597]

Did the batteries come with the system? Or did u buy them separately

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Got them separately. For lead acid I prefer the 6V golf cart batteries from Costco. I put two in series.

[@AskIveSolar]

Greetings, I'm a little confused. Are they Renogy panels or HQST?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

The brand is HQST, but they seem to be identical to Renogy. Some of the boxes said Renogy.

[@williamwonser3525]

What type of batteries did you use ?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Two 6V golf cart batteries in series.