Hi All,
I am looking for a cheap solution for camping with a
CPAP machine. I have a Resmed S9 Austoset with humidifier. I have only had the
CPAP for 6 months but a recent weekend away without the
CPAP proved to me it is now an essential part of my life.
I only go camping 2-3 times a year max at most at the moment, although I'd like to go more. I don't have a camper, just tents & a 4wd. The 4wd is a leased vehicle so I am not interested in installing a permanent 2nd battery and would prefer a separate system that can be used on the next vehicle or in a mates if we take his.
I've had a read of the Solar Blog and done a search on
CPAP and solar. In particular I have found some of the prices through searches to be way different to whats on ebay now, but at least in a good way.
What is limited at the moment though is my budget. So what are the bare essentials I would need to power the
CPAP, some Lighting (12m strip lights on a gazebo say), and recharge Iphones/Ipads (keep the missus happy) and a 7amp SLA battery (for my kayak's fishfinder).
From looking so far on Ebay and a few online stores it looks like I could get away with something like:
120w Ebay Solar Panel for around $175
100amp AGM Battery for around $175 (from Batteryvalue)
1500/3000w Inverter for around the $120 (ebay)
Do I need to add in a MPPT regulator for a simple system and relatively low load since I won’t be hooking up a fridge (I have a 3 way)?
Would I be able to get away with an 80w panel and smaller battery? Is the inverter big enough for those needs?
If I could keep everything below $500 the missus may not castrate me when it gets delivered.
Anyone with any tips before I go ahead with making some purchases on the above would be appreciated. As mentioned budget is limited. Most of my camping will be one place for 3 days to a week.