Portable solar for limited current draw
I want to be able to generate enough power to run my laptop and keep a couple of lights inside the RV lit. 1. Will a 100 watt portable solar array do it? Or will I need 200? (Let's assume that I'll...
Forum Discussion
Harvey, I have never used a generator when camping BEFORE I installed solar; have never plugged, either. Because it was a tent in a kayak. :)
Classical case of incomplete information in the post #1. What lights, what fan, how many hours on fan, how many hours on laptop, what is the fridge daily draw? He'll get 10 answers from 10 people, all different. The fan alone can easily consume all that 100W would harvest, and more.
Having said this, - solar does have an inherent inaccuracy in estimates, and it's better to err on the higher side and install more than you "think" you need. I would go for at least 200W, preferably 300W. On the roof - because it's a pain dealing with more than 100-120W portable.
Classical case of incomplete information in the post #1. What lights, what fan, how many hours on fan, how many hours on laptop, what is the fridge daily draw? He'll get 10 answers from 10 people, all different. The fan alone can easily consume all that 100W would harvest, and more.
Having said this, - solar does have an inherent inaccuracy in estimates, and it's better to err on the higher side and install more than you "think" you need. I would go for at least 200W, preferably 300W. On the roof - because it's a pain dealing with more than 100-120W portable.
