Sizing a battery bank. Ah VS wh?
Hi again! So, I'm trying to size out the battery bank I will need for my husband and I to live off grid in a camper. We don't have tons of time or money, so that's a bit of a factor. We plan on usi...
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If you are on a budget, in a hurry, and are really planning on being mobile. Start with a pair of GC2 6volt batteries, four would be better. If you don't want to get the residential panel, get at least 2, 100 watt panels, a 40 amp mppt controller, and if you foresee yourself wanting to run a rooftop AC, add a generator, inverter units are more expensive, but much quieter.
GC2 batteries Sams club $90 each
mppt controller Renogy/amazon $140
solar panels typically $1 per watt Amazon or others if you dont want the residential panel
3500 inverter generator predator/harbor freight $899
The oversized mppt will allow for adding panels up to 400 watts without having to replace the controller.
along with these items add for a cut out switch for the panels, wire, connectors etc.
When you are travelling, the batteries should be charging from the tow vehicle. As well as the solar.
The items I listed are among the cheaper versions while still getting decent quality.
As to an inverter to power other items You likely will want 2000 watt continious with a 4000 watt surge, you can rewire one or two of the existing circuits to run from the inverter instead of shore power. The limitation at that size will be that items such as a microwave, hairdryer, etc, will have to be used , one at a time, but multiple small items can work while a large one is in use.
Hope this helps.
GC2 batteries Sams club $90 each
mppt controller Renogy/amazon $140
solar panels typically $1 per watt Amazon or others if you dont want the residential panel
3500 inverter generator predator/harbor freight $899
The oversized mppt will allow for adding panels up to 400 watts without having to replace the controller.
along with these items add for a cut out switch for the panels, wire, connectors etc.
When you are travelling, the batteries should be charging from the tow vehicle. As well as the solar.
The items I listed are among the cheaper versions while still getting decent quality.
As to an inverter to power other items You likely will want 2000 watt continious with a 4000 watt surge, you can rewire one or two of the existing circuits to run from the inverter instead of shore power. The limitation at that size will be that items such as a microwave, hairdryer, etc, will have to be used , one at a time, but multiple small items can work while a large one is in use.
Hope this helps.
