Please review my possible solar installation

smkettner: X2

BFL13: X2

I have 2 60watt on roof, and 100 watt portable. We do lots of dry camping in federal and state forests and parks. Lack of sun on sites is almost a constant problem. Even with 200 feet of cable it is often a problem. The SolarBlvd package includes 2 100 watt panels, you might mount one, and use one portable(actually, I'd get the 2 100 watt panel kit, and another 100 watt panel to use portable).

Regards,
Doug

Hi,

Not really enough wattage and a low cost controller. AGM has a specific voltage that is best for long life. Possibly quite over priced. They say it will charge in moonlight--but offer no data to prove that.

Here is a simple flow chart.

Budget-->Energy Audit-->Battery bank size-->number of watts-->PWM or MPPT. What ever type of controller is chosen, make sure it has adjustable set points and a temperature probe that is on the battery.

One rule of thumb is between 60 and 150 watts of panels per 100 amp-hours of storage. The smaller the battery bank the higher the wattage needed (per 100 amp-hours). Here is a link to the rather special spreadsheet which includes an energy audit, that N8GS has created to help size solar battery charging systems!

Solar Spread Sheet N8GS

For a nice explanation of solar, try this link:

Golden rules of solar

At $600 to $700 it seems like a high price to pay.

Zamp on Google Shopping

200 watts shipped $370 at SolarBlvd

The 6-volt batteries will yield 220 AH total when connected in series, as you will do, not 440, if that is what you are thinking.

Looks like a good system, depending on cost.

Hard to say without knowing the price and the cost of installation. Usually horrendous if done by your friendly RV dealer.

You can get or make up a nice solar set in the 140-160w range for under $250 if you do your own work.

If camping in the forest, some people find it best to place the solar panel away from the rig to get it in the sun while the rig is in the shade of trees. Can't do that if it the panel is nailed to the roof.