Solar & batteries ...

jornvango wrote:


Being illiterate when it comes to anything electrical related, I've been researching and created the following list to show all (I think) we want to be able to run on a given day.......

Funny calling yourself illiterate regarding electrical. You've done a great job of approaching this problem using the absolute most practical method you could use (although your amp draws may be a bit inaccurate). Sizing a system is ALWAYS about calculating the DRAW first, then sizing the battery bank second and finally sizing the solar panels for replenishment last. I used to have a spreadsheet I used for sizing systems used for off-grid living in Mexico and it worked perfectly. Don't forget to add inefficiency in wiring losses, charge controller, panel cleanliness/angle, etc. I used the panel wattage X 80% as a rule of thumb. You need to look at higher voltage panels (rather than 12V) and using an MPPT controller in order to get the power density necessary in a small(er) footprint. Also, if using multiple higher voltage panels, you can run them in series (for even higher voltage) and reduce the wire gauge size.

I'd recalc your draws (as others have suggested) and also look at "time of use" of those draws (daytime during recharging or nightime as a pure draw) in order to get a more accurate DoD of batteries. Don't forget to crank in a bit of inefficiency in DC wiring and general wear of appliances over time. If you have room for Trojan T-105's then you may have room for T-145's (just a bit taller) and get a bit more storage (if that's the way you're leaning).

You're on the absolute right track for "right sizing" a solar system - don't let anyone say any different with your approach. It is a practical, solid approach that just needs a little tweaking on the numbers. Please keep us appraised of your results.