I have a 2000w inverter and currently have a small panel on the roof to keep the batteries from topped up I guess when not plugged in. I have a home business so I've not really considered this until now. I need my computer and *want* my tv much of the day. Are my calculations right? With a 28" LCD tv and a laptop and a few lights and a refrigerator (which could switch to propane) I would need a 350 or 400w. panel?My neighbor has one 100w panel.I checked out his setup. I think that's something I could install myself.What about lighter weight panels? Not terribly excited about theweight as I live in I full-time and it's a heavy enough rig as it is.Found the lighter-weight panels. I'd like to mount them in a way that would keep them secure but also be removable. Ideas? Don't want them flapping around in the wind.

What would you do on days when there is little or no sun to provide power ?You still need a generator for reliability if nothing else.Does your inverter show what the load on it is when it's in use ?If so, connect everything you will be needing to it and see what it pulls.Like you, my guess is that 400 would be enough to SUSTAIN your usage. But what about recharging the batteries from overnight use PLUS your normal daily usage ??

A 24V nominal solar module of 250W weighs 40 lbs or so. Don't sweat the weight.

I would prefer a more substantial frame 4 brackets screwed to the roof and dicor'ed. Mine haven't moved or leaked. 100w panel weighs 20-30lbs. Not even enough to worry about. They don't flap in the wind can be tilted or removed if you desire with the proper brackets. Don't reinvent the wheel :) look at a few installs and just mount them. 400 watts should do what you want easily .. besides the panels you also need a controller. Your gas refer shouldn't run via the inverter unless you wired it differently gas refers use more energy on electric than a residential.

Why is it that they say a satellite dish (I have a winegard carryout 1518) uses as much power as a tv? Most of the time it's powered on but not moving or doing anything, unless I need it to change to a different satellite. That seems strange.

If you have 300 to 500 watts on the roof you are in pretty good shape.If you need portables for certain conditions I recommend just getting some additional panels. Probably could share the same controller if purchased accordingly. > Members Solar Installations With Pics

Thinking of going solar... | Good Sam Community

54 Replies

cannesdo
Explorer
Jan 27, 2017
Why is it that they say a satellite dish (I have a winegard carryout 1518) uses as much power as a tv? Most of the time it's powered on but not moving or doing anything, unless I need it to change to a different satellite. That seems strange.
jorbill2or
Explorer II
Jan 26, 2017
I would prefer a more substantial frame 4 brackets screwed to the roof and dicor'ed. Mine haven't moved or leaked.
100w panel weighs 20-30lbs. Not even enough to worry about. They don't flap in the wind can be tilted or removed if you desire with the proper brackets. Don't reinvent the wheel :) look at a few installs and just mount them.
400 watts should do what you want easily .. besides the panels you also need a controller. Your gas refer shouldn't run via the inverter unless you wired it differently gas refers use more energy on electric than a residential.
westend
Explorer
Jan 26, 2017
A 24V nominal solar module of 250W weighs 40 lbs or so. Don't sweat the weight.
Sam_Spade
Explorer
Jan 26, 2017
What would you do on days when there is little or no sun to provide power ?
You still need a generator for reliability if nothing else.

Does your inverter show what the load on it is when it's in use ?
If so, connect everything you will be needing to it and see what it pulls.

Like you, my guess is that 400 would be enough to SUSTAIN your usage. But what about recharging the batteries from overnight use PLUS your normal daily usage ??

Forum Discussion

Thinking of going solar...

54 Replies

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Another solar question.

hey, do you think outrigger pads are useful for a truck?

Going Solar!

Thinking about going to 2024 Calgary Stampede

Front end bounces horribly when going over 55 mph