How to measure how much solar we need?
(hope this is right section) Brought home TT last month and now have basics taken care of and RV is road ready. Now starting to think about bigger long term projects. One project is, we would like...
Forum Discussion
Almot wrote:
Same as Steve, I don't feel like I need more solar (with my 490W). But I constantly see people with same size solar running generators 6-7 hours a day, on the same camp in the same weather. First I asked, for curiosity, then stopped. They either can't provide any explanations, or mumble something about the wife that "wants to do many things at the same time" - have no idea what this could mean. None of them bothered converting lights to LED, none have proper 12V fans for hot weathe, and most of them spend many-many hours in front of their TV sets (which are usually also not the most modern and efficient).
You sound like Handy Bob. :)
Maybe their controller was a long way from the batteries, with thin wire from there.
I'm finishing up my roof install now. The process has showed me that there are so many ways a solar package could be screwed up, it's not funny. It's one thing to read about solar here. It's another to figure out exactly what to buy and where to put it in the tight confines of a small Class C with batteries in the step well. Despite how mature the solar industry is becoming, there is still a lot of adaptation, trips to the hardware store, and problem-solving needed for RV installs.
Mostly I'm talking about specifying/purchase decisions. Plus poor installation. Panels too close to objects on the roof. Wire size & length. Lossy circuit breakers. Poor connections. Poor controller or settings on same.
