Solar Panels: How many watts?
How many watts of solar panels would I need to keep two 12-volt batteries charged? I don’t know the specs on the batteries. I’m looking for a ballpark number. What about portable panels vs those mo...
Forum Discussion
I know everyone wants you to do complicated formulas. And even after you do that, the answer will still be different for each individual situation. Nothing wrong with doing the surveys, but you just want some point of reference to get your planning started. The geeks just love to overcomplicate stuff.
So here is my suggestion. Go with a minimum of 1 watt solar panel per 1 AH battery capacity. And figure a maximum of 2 watts solar panel per 1 AH battery capacity. Lean toward the smaller side if budget is important to you. Lean toward the larger side if you like a little overkill, and if you want a good charge on a less than good solar day.
But whatever you do, make sure you have a plan for adding more panels in the future.
400w solar is doing a great job on my 230AH battery bank, which is a pair of 6V. I could add another 200 to 400, because I planned the layout that way, but I've found that I don't need any more. At least not unless I add more batteries.
So here is my suggestion. Go with a minimum of 1 watt solar panel per 1 AH battery capacity. And figure a maximum of 2 watts solar panel per 1 AH battery capacity. Lean toward the smaller side if budget is important to you. Lean toward the larger side if you like a little overkill, and if you want a good charge on a less than good solar day.
But whatever you do, make sure you have a plan for adding more panels in the future.
400w solar is doing a great job on my 230AH battery bank, which is a pair of 6V. I could add another 200 to 400, because I planned the layout that way, but I've found that I don't need any more. At least not unless I add more batteries.
