Just Starting Solar Research
Man, there's a lot to read and digest with possibly installing a small solar panel. I very recently replaced my original 1-stage converter/charger with the Progressive Dynamics PD4600 series conve...
Forum Discussion
Hi Mitch,
Yes, when camping there are always some loads on the battery. As mena suggested--measure first thing in the morning.
My fantastic fan is about 3 amps going flat out.
Parasitic loads such as fridge, and detectors are about 1 amp per hour.
Water pump is 7 amps but 15 to 20 minutes of use would drain the water tank.
You can "mix" the wire, but so long as you only have one panel #12 is overkill. It would not hurt for any new wire to be #10, but use what you have for now--and it may be long enough to meet your needs.
Yes, when camping there are always some loads on the battery. As mena suggested--measure first thing in the morning.
My fantastic fan is about 3 amps going flat out.
Parasitic loads such as fridge, and detectors are about 1 amp per hour.
Water pump is 7 amps but 15 to 20 minutes of use would drain the water tank.
You can "mix" the wire, but so long as you only have one panel #12 is overkill. It would not hurt for any new wire to be #10, but use what you have for now--and it may be long enough to meet your needs.
mitch5252 wrote:
I'm working on my "audit" right now.
My overhead lights are 0.9W (LEDs)
My sconce lights are 2.16W (LEDs)
Need to figure out the fridge and the water pump and the MaxxFan. Oh, and the CO detector.
So, since the fridge is running all night, does that mean the battery will never be "at rest" ?
If I wanted a 30' extension cable (instead of the current 10') for the solar panel, would I need to go from 12 gauge to 10 gauge?
Is it possible to "mix" the gauge (connect a 12 to a 10)? (I just bought a 20' 12 gauge and hate to waste the money, cheapo that I am...)
What would be the maximum length for using 12 gauge before having to go to 10 gauge?
