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TOWING AND TOURING TIPS !
POSITIONING SOLAR PANELS
For the highest yearly average of solar input , solar panels should face north and at the same angle as your latitude . For greater efficiency in winter , angle them so that they face into the sun at midday , i . e ., more vertical .
For typical ‘ following the sun ’ RV travelling , horizontal mounting should be fine . Anywhere north of Geraldton / Brisbane , this should actually result in higher output most of the year than if angled .
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
You might assume that there is higher solar input up north yearround , but this is true only of May to September , and even then it is only about that of a typical sunny Sydney day in spring .
In a northern summer , the humid atmosphere ( plus inherent solar module heat loss ) reduces output . Despite being exposed to the sun for much longer , the amount of energy captured is only 10 to 15 per cent greater than in winter .
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GENERATOR ETIQUETTE
Not everyone will appreciate your use of a generator at camp , even if that campsite allows them to be used within certain hours . The best advice : speak to your campsite neighbours , let them know when and for how long you expect to run your generator , and why not offer to charge their batteries for them ?
Given they let off fumes , try to position your generator well away from other campers . And while most reputable , modern generators are reasonably quiet , show some consideration and don ’ t use it after dark .