Panels don't run things

The charge controller like the converter, does 12v loads first and anything left over goes to the battery if the battery wants any.

If the solar can't run the loads all by itself then the battery has to make up the difference.

So yes, the solar can and does run things.

That is why you need a battery monitor to show only what the battery gets and not go by what the controller's display is saying-- some or all of that is going to loads other than the battery.

The real question, as asked on here before (true!) is what happens to all that solar output when there are no other loads and the battery is full? :)

DrewE wrote:
A helpful (but not too extended) reply could be something like "over the course of a sunny day, they generate about 2 kWh of energy, which is enough to power my fridge and television and lights" or whatever the details may be for you and your solar setup. The power does ultimately come from the solar panels, after all.

the best answer IMHO.
bumpy

I think next time I'll just say 'my TV' or something like that. If there are no further questions, I'll consider it answered.

DrewE wrote:
The fact that the power is temporarily stored in a battery is likely not all that relevant

Agreed

I try to be nice, and explain things to those who are looking for knowledge, but sometimes its difficult.

Recommend wind power... Free charging as you drive!! Got my popcorn ready!!

"I guess that's why I see so many dry campers running generators. Generators are easy to understand. Solar, batteries, inverter.. not so much."

Many older people have "checked out," "mentally retired" and are not interested in any different way to recharge their batteries that requires learning, thinking, planning and implementing. Sometimes the cause is some level of dementia and sometimes it is laziness.

DrewE wrote:
A helpful (but not too extended) reply could be something like "over the course of a sunny day, they generate about 2 kWh of energy, which is enough to power my fridge and television and lights" or whatever the details may be for you and your solar setup. The power does ultimately come from the solar panels, after all.

The fact that the power is temporarily stored in a battery is likely not all that relevant in answering the casual question; it's just a detail of the implementation. If you ask the city how much water the municipal pump station supplies, you likely wouldn't care or need to know that it actually gets pumped to a water tower and the tower supplies the water to the city. Of course if they're thinking of putting together their own solar energy system (or you're setting out to design a large scale water supply system) then such details are well worth delving into.

Another thoughtful way of dealing with the question at hand.

A helpful (but not too extended) reply could be something like "over the course of a sunny day, they generate about 2 kWh of energy, which is enough to power my fridge and television and lights" or whatever the details may be for you and your solar setup. The power does ultimately come from the solar panels, after all.

The fact that the power is temporarily stored in a battery is likely not all that relevant in answering the casual question; it's just a detail of the implementation. If you ask the city how much water the municipal pump station supplies, you likely wouldn't care or need to know that it actually gets pumped to a water tower and the tower supplies the water to the city. Of course if they're thinking of putting together their own solar energy system (or you're setting out to design a large scale water supply system) then such details are well worth delving into.

My revised answer has become, "it depends", although I like pianotuna's response, as well.