solar Q: 2 small vs 1 large
Greetings; I have a Rialta; not much room to store solar panels. I figure I need about 150 watts of solar to keep my batts happy (maybe less - I don't use much power) I am not interested in a "...
Forum Discussion
Getting the biggest possible solar wattage makes sense. Those extra watts will help you on dark days when solar output drops 5-6 times compared to normal.
But, if you plan to use generator regularly for that initial "boost" (and then - solar), then extra solar wattage won't matter. 9 times out of 10 using generator is a choice, not a necessity. Solar can handle anything but fulltime A/C. The borderline wattage where you can leave your genny home, is 180-200W for a minimalist and/or in sunny climates, and 250-300W for other people. You are in the ballpark already. I would go for 2*100 or even 2*120.
A single 230-250W panel, while cheaper per watt and more efficient than 2*120W due to more efficient MPPT controller, is a 40 pound monster and it's huge 40"x65". I have 2 of them and couldn't be happier, but they are permanent on the roof.
But, if you plan to use generator regularly for that initial "boost" (and then - solar), then extra solar wattage won't matter. 9 times out of 10 using generator is a choice, not a necessity. Solar can handle anything but fulltime A/C. The borderline wattage where you can leave your genny home, is 180-200W for a minimalist and/or in sunny climates, and 250-300W for other people. You are in the ballpark already. I would go for 2*100 or even 2*120.
A single 230-250W panel, while cheaper per watt and more efficient than 2*120W due to more efficient MPPT controller, is a 40 pound monster and it's huge 40"x65". I have 2 of them and couldn't be happier, but they are permanent on the roof.
