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
As can be seen, size and number of panels can vary by your usage.
If you move around much, remember that roof mounted panels can charge while you travel, portables will be stowed away.
For a TC your limited on rooftop space, so try a single 100-160 watt panel, leaving yourself a space for a second one or even a third to be added later if needed. Run wire large enough to allow for as many panels as you can hold, and upsize the controller by the same amount.
The differences in 20 to 30 amp controllers and the associated wiring is minimal so upsize them to start with.
You can energy audit some things , but life changes, a cold snap may increase your need beyond what you allowed for, so start with one or two panels, and plan the layout to allow for a future increase if you have to.
If you move around much, remember that roof mounted panels can charge while you travel, portables will be stowed away.
For a TC your limited on rooftop space, so try a single 100-160 watt panel, leaving yourself a space for a second one or even a third to be added later if needed. Run wire large enough to allow for as many panels as you can hold, and upsize the controller by the same amount.
The differences in 20 to 30 amp controllers and the associated wiring is minimal so upsize them to start with.
You can energy audit some things , but life changes, a cold snap may increase your need beyond what you allowed for, so start with one or two panels, and plan the layout to allow for a future increase if you have to.
