How Many Solar Panels Needed
We have a 30' class A and we are definitely energy consumers with the (2) TVs as well as the satellite receiver, CPAP, sewing machine, Vita Mix blender, etc. I'm putting in (6) 6volt batteries whic...
Forum Discussion
TechWriter wrote:Racorman wrote:
I'm looking at 300 watt panels 77" x 38" that will fit on my roof. Do I need 3 or 4 of them?
As many as you can fit on your roof. Why?
Because your electrical needs will probably increase over time and there will almost always be some kind of derating factor -- shade, off-angle sun, clouds, etc -- unless you are always parked in the Southwest.
Also, take a look at MidNite's Classic 150. This is a 96A controller than can handle 4, 300W panels in parallel.
For further info, check out Jack Mayer's web site.
I sort of agree with TechWriter. We have 420 Watts of solar panels and 480 AH of battery. Started with 160 Watts of PV and 300 AH of Battery I'd like to add at least another 200 Watts.
Even where we park in Southern Mexico, where we are in full sun from about 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM, after 4 or five days the batteries need a good top charge. We have shore power available but it is unreliable and very expensive so I run on the batteries and activate the charger function of the Xantrex Inverter/charger overnight as needed. (When the solar panels haven't been able to bring the batteries up to 14.8V for a day or two.)
IF you can afford it, go with as big an array as you have room for.
Also make sure it is done right. There are a lot of installers that don't really know all they should. Big enough wire, controller CLOSE to the batteries unless the controller has remote voltage sense are two biggies. ASK HERE. There are LOT of very knowledgeable people on this board.
