smkettner wrote:
johnm1 wrote:
I'm trying to figure out how much battery I "need" and then size the solar to recharge them.
What do you have now and how does it work for you?
ALL solar or generator backup?
Here goes the spreadsheet. Why calculating when you can ask at Rv.net :)...
I agree, not enough input data provided. Generator for high-current loads changes the picture. N8GS spreadsheet gives a good ballpark figure for all-solar system.
Today panels are cheap, and the cheapest per watt are the biggest ones, over 220W each. The cost of controller jumps abruptly when you cross over 300-400W because at this point you need more expensive MPPT controller. Then it's pretty much proportional to panel wattage.
Get as much panel wattage as you can, unless you are a minimalist and can live without MW and other high-current loads (and then you could stay within 300W range and low-cost PWM controller).
