Portable solar for limited current draw
I want to be able to generate enough power to run my laptop and keep a couple of lights inside the RV lit. 1. Will a 100 watt portable solar array do it? Or will I need 200? (Let's assume that I'll...
Forum Discussion
Almot wrote:
Classical case of incomplete information in the post #1. What lights, what fan, how many hours on fan, how many hours on laptop, what is the fridge daily draw? He'll get 10 answers from 10 people, all different. The fan alone can easily consume all that 100W would harvest, and more.
Having said this, - solar does have an inherent inaccuracy in estimates, and it's better to err on the higher side and install more than you "think" you need. I would go for at least 200W, preferably 300W. On the roof - because it's a pain dealing with more than 100-120W portable.
Classic case of unwarranted assumptions. The fridge would run on propane, like it's designed to do. While I may run the fan occasionally, it won't be that often or that long. The hours I will use the laptop and the lights will vary, as I said. Therefore, to state one definitive amount or duration would be meaningless.
Roof solar has a number of disadvantages. One is difficulty of access for cleaning. The worst, though, is that you cannot park in the shade. Also, you can't easily adjust the tilt or angle of a roof-mounted panel. There is the positive aspect of the panel charging while you're driving during the day, but your rig's alternator is doing that anyway.
Now that I recall, my parents had a single 100 watt panel on the roof of their Midas and it appeared to be sufficient for them.
