Forum Discussion

Geocritter's avatar
Geocritter
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015

Solar Power for Dummies

I’m toying with the idea of installing a solar system on my 33’ Class A RV so I can spend more time boondocking. I’m a full-time RVer and all I’m looking for at this time is the recommendation of a good general manual covering solar power systems to help me climb the learning curve. I’m both blessed and cursed with a high IQ and mechanical aptitude (and not many $$$) so I’ll be installing and servicing any system I purchase myself, hence the need for a good general solar power manual to expand my basic system knowledge. Can anyone be so kind as to recommend such a manual (Solar Power for Dummies)?

This board has been a wonderfully helpful resource and I’d like to give thanks in advance for any and all solar power manual recommendations.

Steve
Class A
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Feb 20, 2015
    Hi,

    I don't like the handybob site. Too many words for too little (some times dubious) information.

    Here is a simple flow chart.

    Budget-->Energy Audit-->Battery bank size-->number of watts-->PWM or MPPT. What ever type of controller is chosen, make sure it has adjustable set points and a temperature probe that is on the battery.

    One rule of thumb is between 60 and 150 watts of panels per 100 amp-hours of storage. The smaller the battery bank the higher the wattage needed (per 100 amp-hours). Here is a link to the rather special spreadsheet which includes an energy audit, that N8GS has created to help size solar battery charging systems!

    Solar Spread Sheet by N8GS

    For a nice explanation of solar, try this link:

    Golden rules of solar

About Motorhome Group

38,705 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 23, 2025