Forum Discussion
PNW_Steve
Aug 10, 2014Explorer
Thanks for all of the input.
It looks like my original plan was just a little optimistic.
If I assume a 5 hour solar insulation value and derate the array by 25% then a 400 watt solar array should be a bare minimum to run only the fridge. And only on good sunny days.
I know from past experience that I can serve my house power needs (minus the fridge) with 30-45 minutes of generator run on a typical day.
If I were to bump the solar up to 500watts I should be able to get by with minimal generator run on most days and be able to leave the trailer for a few days without worrying about the fridge.
Unfortunately that adds a new issue. The 500 watt system will exceed the max charge current of
the batteries I am looking at. If I configure it as a 24 volt system I can overcome that problem but will have to come up with a way to accommodate my 12 volt loads.
It looks like my original plan was just a little optimistic.
If I assume a 5 hour solar insulation value and derate the array by 25% then a 400 watt solar array should be a bare minimum to run only the fridge. And only on good sunny days.
I know from past experience that I can serve my house power needs (minus the fridge) with 30-45 minutes of generator run on a typical day.
If I were to bump the solar up to 500watts I should be able to get by with minimal generator run on most days and be able to leave the trailer for a few days without worrying about the fridge.
Unfortunately that adds a new issue. The 500 watt system will exceed the max charge current of
the batteries I am looking at. If I configure it as a 24 volt system I can overcome that problem but will have to come up with a way to accommodate my 12 volt loads.
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