Newbie solar questions
Let me start out by asking the experts here if the system I'm planning will work. I'm not very good with electronics. Let me also state that I don't have a lot of funds so I am trying to do this on the cheap.
I am looking at the Chinese manufactured Tracer 20 amp MPPT controller here
My friend works for an electrical supply house and can get me a good deal on a SolarWorld 24v panel in the 250-280 watt range for about $200. here
I will use 8ga cable from the panel down to the controller and 4ga from the controller to the batteries (4-5 feet away).
I just upgraded to two 6v Interstate GC2's from Costco. The only spec I have on the batteries is that the Reserve Capacity is 107. These batteries have a new item number than the previous GC2's at our local Costco. The batteries weigh 60.2lbs. I'm guessing they have about 207ah capacity?
This will be installed on a Keystone Hideout 19FLB. I only have room for two batteries, but have room for 2 panels with no shading. We have all LED lighting. This is for a family of five with three teenagers and we boondock for 2-3 days at a time. Will this system work? If I decided to get two panels would the Tracer 30 amp controller be able to handle them?
I don't remember what the rule is for solar wattage per battery capacity, but I think it was to have about equal wattage per ah? Besides wasting energy, are there other negatives to having too many watts? We are very conservative with our electricity usage, but if we wanted to splurge would having a second panel be beneficial considering the small battery bank?
Lastly, this is our first travel trailer. We bought it new this summer and will be going on our fourth trip this weekend. We used to do a lot of tent camping. We love the trailer-especially having a toilet and shower! We don't even feel crowded in it (especially compared to a tent!). We opted for a trailer with a sofa instead of a queen bed and I think that is what helps it not feel crowded.
Thanks for any wisdom you can share,
Ken
I am looking at the Chinese manufactured Tracer 20 amp MPPT controller here
My friend works for an electrical supply house and can get me a good deal on a SolarWorld 24v panel in the 250-280 watt range for about $200. here
I will use 8ga cable from the panel down to the controller and 4ga from the controller to the batteries (4-5 feet away).
I just upgraded to two 6v Interstate GC2's from Costco. The only spec I have on the batteries is that the Reserve Capacity is 107. These batteries have a new item number than the previous GC2's at our local Costco. The batteries weigh 60.2lbs. I'm guessing they have about 207ah capacity?
This will be installed on a Keystone Hideout 19FLB. I only have room for two batteries, but have room for 2 panels with no shading. We have all LED lighting. This is for a family of five with three teenagers and we boondock for 2-3 days at a time. Will this system work? If I decided to get two panels would the Tracer 30 amp controller be able to handle them?
I don't remember what the rule is for solar wattage per battery capacity, but I think it was to have about equal wattage per ah? Besides wasting energy, are there other negatives to having too many watts? We are very conservative with our electricity usage, but if we wanted to splurge would having a second panel be beneficial considering the small battery bank?
Lastly, this is our first travel trailer. We bought it new this summer and will be going on our fourth trip this weekend. We used to do a lot of tent camping. We love the trailer-especially having a toilet and shower! We don't even feel crowded in it (especially compared to a tent!). We opted for a trailer with a sofa instead of a queen bed and I think that is what helps it not feel crowded.
Thanks for any wisdom you can share,
Ken
