โSep-29-2017 08:07 AM
โSep-29-2017 04:33 PM
โSep-29-2017 04:27 PM
โSep-29-2017 04:16 PM
rjxj wrote:
You were probably on the low energy use side of things until you mentioned microwave.
SoundGuy wrote:
It's interesting how often folks will come up with a shopping list of small draw items they want to power with battery / solar but then almost as an afterthought throw in a high draw appliance such as a microwave oven and think nothing of it. :R That tells me they haven't thought this through thoroughly, not realizing what a game changer any high draw device represents. Some solar aficiondos willing to throw their wallet at a project like this wouldn't agree but I see solar as most practical for those willing to actively manage their power consumption and restrict their usage to low draw devices.
BFL13 wrote:
Nope. High draw items are a matter of inverter size and battery capacity. Nothing to do with solar. Solar is just another way to recharge the batteries.
โSep-29-2017 03:49 PM
SoundGuy wrote:rjxj wrote:
You were probably on the low energy use side of things until you mentioned microwave.
It's interesting how often folks will come up with a shopping list of small draw items they want to power with battery / solar but then almost as an afterthought throw in a high draw appliance such as a microwave oven and think nothing of it. :R That tells me they haven't thought this through thoroughly, not realizing what a game changer any high draw device represents. Some solar aficiondos willing to throw their wallet at a project like this wouldn't agree but I see solar as most practical for those willing to actively manage their power consumption and restrict their usage to low draw devices.
โSep-29-2017 02:28 PM
โSep-29-2017 02:24 PM
โSep-29-2017 12:47 PM
โSep-29-2017 11:46 AM
โSep-29-2017 11:43 AM
rjxj wrote:
You were probably on the low energy use side of things until you mentioned microwave.
โSep-29-2017 11:19 AM
โSep-29-2017 11:18 AM
eflyersteve wrote:
Microwave use is not an important requirement compared to all the other things I would like to be able to run, so optionally I can just plan to cook with propane instead in trips without shore power.
โSep-29-2017 10:47 AM
eflyersteve wrote:
Thanks for the replies everyone! I was thinking I would shoot for 400 watts minimum of solar. More curious how easy it is to get 400 watts on such a small roof. Probably isn't easy based on the size of panels. I was looking at 250-280 watt panels which are larger than the 100 watt panels (of course), but it actually might be easier to fit smaller, lower output panels on a small roof so this gives me some ideas.
I'll see if I can get on the roof of one and see what available areas I have. If needed, I could always try and install as much rooftop and then make up the rest with a portable setup that I would deploy in the mornings and stow before heading out. Second concern will be where to store batteries. I'll likely start with lead but move to a self-built lithium battery eventually.
Microwave use is not an important requirement compared to all the other things I would like to be able to run, so optionally I can just plan to cook with propane instead in trips without shore power.
โSep-29-2017 10:27 AM
โSep-29-2017 09:23 AM
โSep-29-2017 08:28 AM