Solar panel questions again
I have a good friend that is a camp host all summer in Wyoming. Next year he wants to get a solar panel setup for his bumper pull camper. I don’t know enough to help him get started. He is running 2...
Forum Discussion
Meaningful runtimes of microwave and air conditioning off solar/battery is a pipe dream for a first time solar installer with a budget of only $700 (with which to buy panels, inverter, wiring, controller, mounting solution, and more). Most deep cycle batteries don't appreciate the kind of enormous, fast power a microwave wants, too; the whole thing is kind of dicey.
Your friend can make a decent system off $700, but the system will be useful for keeping the deep-cycle batteries charged and using moderate amounts of low-wattage electricity during the day.
Many, many people, even those with larger budgets, use the 12v system (the batteries and the panels) for almost everything during the day, and then turn on the 120v system (generator or shore power) when they need the microwave, electric water heater, air conditioning, or coffee maker.
Slap some decent panels up. They're easy to wire. And then see about a remote start for the generator!
Your friend can make a decent system off $700, but the system will be useful for keeping the deep-cycle batteries charged and using moderate amounts of low-wattage electricity during the day.
Many, many people, even those with larger budgets, use the 12v system (the batteries and the panels) for almost everything during the day, and then turn on the 120v system (generator or shore power) when they need the microwave, electric water heater, air conditioning, or coffee maker.
Slap some decent panels up. They're easy to wire. And then see about a remote start for the generator!
