minimum amount of solar
I am considering starting into the solar age. I currently have 4 group 27 batteries and have no problem going for weekends dry camping with our current battery capacity. All of our lights have been ...
Forum Discussion
My first solar install cost $1700.00 and was a splendid 30 watts. It kept the twin batteries in good condition. However, it is better to have at least 60 watts per 100 watts of storage because that allows the charge controller to equalize the bank.
The system I have now was $1700.00 in 2005 and because of bank switching is able to equalize the batteries. It was adequate to my needs until I started to full time and then it was woefully small.
Today that same $1700 would buy more panels than I have roof area to install on, and might be able to power the air conditioner.
If I were the OP, I'd set a budget--and then buy the greatest number of watts of panels with a temperature compensated charge controller that has enough capacity to allow me to expand the solar harvest.
As TomG and some others have said, any solar is better than no solar. But with panels available for under $1 per watt it may be desirable to have lots.
The system I have now was $1700.00 in 2005 and because of bank switching is able to equalize the batteries. It was adequate to my needs until I started to full time and then it was woefully small.
Today that same $1700 would buy more panels than I have roof area to install on, and might be able to power the air conditioner.
If I were the OP, I'd set a budget--and then buy the greatest number of watts of panels with a temperature compensated charge controller that has enough capacity to allow me to expand the solar harvest.
As TomG and some others have said, any solar is better than no solar. But with panels available for under $1 per watt it may be desirable to have lots.
