Solar panels

Oldpop55,

Welcome to the forums.

Start with an energy audit. Or install 600 watts of panels with the Grape 40 amp controller. Portable is a poor solution, with storage being the number one issue, followed by having to strike and set them up, time after time after time.

You need enough to replace what you are using plus roughly 10%

azrving wrote:
You need enough to replace what you are using plus roughly 10%

How much was that for you? I'm about to install 400 watts on my rig to get started.

400 watts is probably fine for most people. My 675 works fine on my 26' trailer.

Sometimes going big from the start is lower cost and better for ease of use.

A patchwork of small panels so that you eventually just barely have enough can turn solar into a multi year project that never really just works so you can mostly ignore the battery charge level.

I have 360 watts of panels, Zamp 30 amp controller, and it works fine for me. I am careful to try getting the best solar exposure I can, don't waste power, and enjoy what you get. I'm not in Canada, so that can make a difference too though. I only have two 6 volt batteries though, I would like to up that but my 30 foot trailer runs out of room for all the toys.

Mike

I like pianotuna's advice. I started with two 160 watt panels then added one more. I only have a 30 amp MPPT controller so it's now at it's limit. I wish I had 600 watts. Just double what you think you will need and you should be good.

Hi,

I have 256 watts. It is fine for once a month trips of 4 to 5 days, or every weekend, but not nearly enough for full time.

time2roll wrote:
400 watts is probably fine for most people. My 675 works fine on my 26' trailer.

Sometimes going big from the start is lower cost and better for ease of use.

A patchwork of small panels so that you eventually just barely have enough can turn solar into a multi year project that never really just works so you can mostly ignore the battery charge level.

How many amp controller are you using? The kit that is being delivered tomorrow has a 40 amp kit. 400/12 = 33, so not much cushion there and the next biggest controller was pretty expensive.

twodownzero wrote:

azrving wrote:
You need enough to replace what you are using plus roughly 10%

How much was that for you? I'm about to install 400 watts on my rig to get started.

1000

When you say get started that means you need to plan and research further so you don't box yourself in or buy components a second time.

I did pretty good with my original 520 watts of cynergy panels and four GC2. When I went to a resi fridge I added a second bogart controller and three 160 w cynergy. Both controllers work well with the bogart trimetric but if I knew that the system would be this large I would have used MPPT controller. 12 volt panels to work out good on my FW because they are on the edges and provide walking paths.