Question about solar panel specs
I wonder if some of you folks who understand solar power, controllers, and the like would mind having a look at the following specs. I'm going to get a 50 watt solar panel (& controller, etc.) fo...
Forum Discussion
Some 'water under the bridge' since my last post on this. Have now wired up a 100 watt panel so it's easily plugged into my camper's electrical system, using this charge controller...
I've replaced my old battery, too.
Tried the new panel and controller at home with lots of sun, and it easily handled the camper's needs. Ran the furnace motor, pump, lights, etc, extensively through the day and evening, and the panel brought the battery up to full charge quickly and easily. I thought my problems were solved.
We just went away for five days and our spot was under a heavy forest canopy during really crappy weather. The best the panel could output in this spot, was 0.3 amps and the battery lost ground. The panel couldn't recharge the battery sufficiently. If I'd had two 100 watt panels, that would have been 0.6 amps, probably still not enough charging power. I didn't take the genny, so had to charge the battery with the truck.
So solar panels are great if you have enough exposure and sunlight to run them. If you don't, you still need an auxiliary charger of some kind.
I've replaced my old battery, too.
Tried the new panel and controller at home with lots of sun, and it easily handled the camper's needs. Ran the furnace motor, pump, lights, etc, extensively through the day and evening, and the panel brought the battery up to full charge quickly and easily. I thought my problems were solved.
We just went away for five days and our spot was under a heavy forest canopy during really crappy weather. The best the panel could output in this spot, was 0.3 amps and the battery lost ground. The panel couldn't recharge the battery sufficiently. If I'd had two 100 watt panels, that would have been 0.6 amps, probably still not enough charging power. I didn't take the genny, so had to charge the battery with the truck.
So solar panels are great if you have enough exposure and sunlight to run them. If you don't, you still need an auxiliary charger of some kind.
