Solar or Wind or Both

As I have read in many blogs having a solar panel array mounted on the roof of your RV is the best way to ensure true boondocking independence.  Of course, solar only works when the sun is shining but solar does provide a great source of electrical energy that can easily be stored in a battery bank.  Although, at this time I do not believe that I will use a tremendous amount of electricity while I travel I should have a more self reliant source of electricity other than relying on a generator.

So I am planning on installing either solar panels, a wind turbine or both to guarantee myself a source of power wherever I travel.  I understand solar fairly well and think I understand wind generated power as well but was wondering whether or not a wind turbine could be used while traveling down the highway in the RV.  If the turbine is securely fastened to the RV is it not then safe to allow it to work as I meander down the roads of North America?  I plan to limit my use of electricity to nighttime needs only and rely on daylight as much as possible to get things done during the day so that my power consumption at night and throughout the day for that matter is minimal.

While browsing the Canadian Tire website I came across a wind turbine called the AirX 400W Wind Generator and thought that I could perhaps securely mount this to my RV and let it go to work 24 hours a day should there be enough wind to move it.  They sell it for around $800 Cdn.  Of course, this is only one piece of the puzzle as batteries, inverters, charge controllers and wiring are needed along with it so it can actually do what I want it to do so the cost is much more than $800.  But anyway, this another item I am looking at to provide me with the independence I desire while traveling the roads of our continent.

This is all they have advertised on their website.  I see that a rod or pole will also be needed so that it can actually be mounted somewhere.  For some reason the image that comes to mind when I look at this photo is one where this is mounted on the rear corner passenger side of the RV.  This may be my only option when I look at the space available on the roof of the RV as I have three vent covers as well as the rooftop air conditioner that occupy space on the roof.  Since the RV is only 21 feet in length I have limited space on where I could possible mount a solar panel but I will not limit myself until I measure both the space available as well as the size of solar panels available that suit my needs.

Also, I am even more secure in my belief that RVing is both in my future and my destiny as I am filled with certain feelings that are deep in my soul that keep me from worry or fear that it will not happen.  It is as if it has already happened before and I am just reliving it.

But, I will move both cautiously and optimistically taking nothing for granted ensuring that I move forward prudently and with due diligence so that I do this the right way and not the rushed way.  I want to be secure and certain that everything is in its place and as it should be before I venture on down the highway.

See you later. . .