Solar Rule Of Thumb....
I was wondering with so many variables is there a rule of thumb on how large of a solar system you need to keep your batteries charged so not having to run the generator. The factors I would includ...
Forum Discussion
First I would look at increasing battery capacity, either 4 GC-2 or another configuration depending on your carrying/storage capacity.
How long do you want to go without charging from another source? A weekend trip or a 2 month stay? If your solar can get you back to 90% then you start the next day at 90% instead of 100% and you likely will end the next day at 80%. You cant blanket say, "this will do it" too many variables. Weather, daily usage, and they compound on each other. If you have a really rainy day, not only do you make less with solar, but you likely will use more from your batteries because you will watch more TV run more lights and other things more.
One of the nice things about solar is that you can add to it.
Start with 200-300 watts and a 40 amp controller, use it a while and see how well it covers your needs. Then, if it is insufficient, add one or two more panels as needed to reach your objective. A 40 amp controller should let you expand to fit your needs without buying a replacement.
How long do you want to go without charging from another source? A weekend trip or a 2 month stay? If your solar can get you back to 90% then you start the next day at 90% instead of 100% and you likely will end the next day at 80%. You cant blanket say, "this will do it" too many variables. Weather, daily usage, and they compound on each other. If you have a really rainy day, not only do you make less with solar, but you likely will use more from your batteries because you will watch more TV run more lights and other things more.
One of the nice things about solar is that you can add to it.
Start with 200-300 watts and a 40 amp controller, use it a while and see how well it covers your needs. Then, if it is insufficient, add one or two more panels as needed to reach your objective. A 40 amp controller should let you expand to fit your needs without buying a replacement.
