How much solar power do you need?
If you are unable to go "boondocking" in order to determine how many amp-hours you consume on the average day, then the following "Rules of Thumb" from the folks at AM Solar works fairly well:
1. Use a minimum 65 watt solar panel for basic battery maintenance on trailers and fifth wheels
2. Use a minimum 100 watt solar panel for basic battery maintenance on motorhomes.
3. For the more conservative consumers of electricity: Allow 200 amp-hours of battery storage capacity and 150 to 250 watts of solar panels.
4. For the more liberal consumers of electricity: Allow 400 amp-hours of battery storage capacity and 300 to 500 watts of solar panels.
5. For "hard core" boondockers with mobile offices: Allow 600 amp-hours of battery storage capacity and 500 to 800 watts of solar panels. We also encourage the use of an M.P.P.T. Current Boosting Controller.
Bear in mind that you can start with one or two solar panels and add more later if needed.
The RVers Solar Primer Learn how to use solar energy to generate electricity for your RV. Solar power experts Greg and Deb Holder explain the basics of solar power and solar battery charging systems.
1. Use a minimum 65 watt solar panel for basic battery maintenance on trailers and fifth wheels
2. Use a minimum 100 watt solar panel for basic battery maintenance on motorhomes.
3. For the more conservative consumers of electricity: Allow 200 amp-hours of battery storage capacity and 150 to 250 watts of solar panels.
4. For the more liberal consumers of electricity: Allow 400 amp-hours of battery storage capacity and 300 to 500 watts of solar panels.
5. For "hard core" boondockers with mobile offices: Allow 600 amp-hours of battery storage capacity and 500 to 800 watts of solar panels. We also encourage the use of an M.P.P.T. Current Boosting Controller.
Labels: Solar power
posted by Chuck Woodbury at
7:06 AM
2 Comments:
Another fine just in time article, Chuck. I'm refurbishing my '77 Vogue MH and have been trying to figure out how much solar to get and even if I wanted to go solar. I have a book and was still confused about where to start, and with how much power. Thanks
desertratdan
By
desertratdan, at January 24, 2008 8:16 AM
desertratdan, you need to start with at least 100 watts of solar and use heavy cable to run it to the controller. Get a controller that will allow you to make adjustments to it. Use at least 2 6 volt batteries. As you add panels you can add batteries and will already have heavy cable. Do not scrimp on cable size.
Dan
By
Dan & Teri Gregg, at January 24, 2008 7:14 PM
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