Amp hours
I'm trying to determine whether my current solar system is adequate or if I need to add more panels/batteries. Currently I have 2 6 volt lead acid batteries. I have 300 watts of panels 40 amp con...
Forum Discussion
There are 2 main ways to determine how much you use.
1. Get a battery monitor and let it measure actual use. There are hundreds of discussions here on battery monitors.
2. Try to figure out how long you use each device and multiply that by the load. This can get pretty hard and very detailed as your uses will vary. The CM detector and fridge electronics are easy, measure them if you can't find the load printed out. Water pump and USB will probably vary widely day to day. Furnace fan is a huge load, but dependant on temps, insulation and how often you open the door! There are some spreadsheets around to get you started (not sure if they are here or on other sites) but the more info you can get from your rig and your use the more accurate the estimate. Guesses by others will be all over the map!
I suppose there is one other method. I assume you have run out lately. If you can charge up what you use in a day, then you have enough solar and more battery is needed. If you only run dry at the end of a trip then more of either will help.
My solution to all this is a small generator to fill in as needed. More solar = less generator time. More battery = less frequent generator time.
1. Get a battery monitor and let it measure actual use. There are hundreds of discussions here on battery monitors.
2. Try to figure out how long you use each device and multiply that by the load. This can get pretty hard and very detailed as your uses will vary. The CM detector and fridge electronics are easy, measure them if you can't find the load printed out. Water pump and USB will probably vary widely day to day. Furnace fan is a huge load, but dependant on temps, insulation and how often you open the door! There are some spreadsheets around to get you started (not sure if they are here or on other sites) but the more info you can get from your rig and your use the more accurate the estimate. Guesses by others will be all over the map!
I suppose there is one other method. I assume you have run out lately. If you can charge up what you use in a day, then you have enough solar and more battery is needed. If you only run dry at the end of a trip then more of either will help.
My solution to all this is a small generator to fill in as needed. More solar = less generator time. More battery = less frequent generator time.
