How many solar watts should I get?
Thinking of investing in some portable solar panels but once again, I'm confused by the amount of product diversity out there. And my knowledge on the topic is minimal. :h So to understand what I'...
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Hi,
I did not read what everyone else wrote.
I have a "E-Meter" that carefully measures the amperage going in and out of my battery bank. It shows I use about 0.8 amps when the refrigerator is not calling for cooling, and 1.2 amp when it is cooling. So basically the RV will consume 35 AH dialy just to run the CO and propane detectors and refrigerator.
That is about what one 7.5 amp 120 watt solar panel will put out on a sunny day. So start with a minimum of 120 watts and go up to 300 - 350 watts if you want that much.
I would stick with smaller panels, say 100 to 185 watts, anything larger and you will find it difficult to locate them on the roof, and still be able to walk past them to do maintenance.
SunElec.com sells some panels for less than $1.50 per ratedwatt. If you see something on the web page that says $1.22 per watt - 4 panel minimum, call them and ask for the single or 2 panel price.
You would also need a controller and wiring.
I used #10 wire - UV rated direct burieal wire from Home Depot. I ran the wire down the back of the refrigerator. Then to the controller, then those wires to the battery.
Fred.
I did not read what everyone else wrote.
I have a "E-Meter" that carefully measures the amperage going in and out of my battery bank. It shows I use about 0.8 amps when the refrigerator is not calling for cooling, and 1.2 amp when it is cooling. So basically the RV will consume 35 AH dialy just to run the CO and propane detectors and refrigerator.
That is about what one 7.5 amp 120 watt solar panel will put out on a sunny day. So start with a minimum of 120 watts and go up to 300 - 350 watts if you want that much.
I would stick with smaller panels, say 100 to 185 watts, anything larger and you will find it difficult to locate them on the roof, and still be able to walk past them to do maintenance.
SunElec.com sells some panels for less than $1.50 per ratedwatt. If you see something on the web page that says $1.22 per watt - 4 panel minimum, call them and ask for the single or 2 panel price.
You would also need a controller and wiring.
I used #10 wire - UV rated direct burieal wire from Home Depot. I ran the wire down the back of the refrigerator. Then to the controller, then those wires to the battery.
Fred.
