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electrical:solar:gentle_intro [2020/04/13 21:38] frater_secessus [AC, DC, Amps, and Watts] |
electrical:solar:gentle_intro [2020/04/13 21:52] frater_secessus [AC, DC, Amps, and Watts] |
The details of Bill's logic and math has been [[electrical:solar:daily-gentle|moved to its own page]], but for now we will stipulate he came up with a daily requirement of **91Ah** of usable battery capacity for each 24hr period. On average he will consume that much power each day, and will have to replace that amount((and a little bit more due to charging inefficiencies)) from the sun. | The details of Bill's logic and math has been [[electrical:solar:daily-gentle|moved to its own page]], but for now we will stipulate he came up with a daily requirement of **91Ah** of usable battery capacity for each 24hr period. On average he will consume that much power each day, and will have to replace that amount((and a little bit more due to charging inefficiencies)) from the sun. |
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**A peak ahead:** for reasons that will be explained later, this requirement means he will need about 200Ah of lead battery (flooded or AGM)((or 100Ah of lithium)), and 200w+ of solar panel, depending on [[opinion:frater_secessus:panelsizesforinsolation|where the camper will be used]]. [[electrical:12v:alt_and_solar|Adding]] in [[electrical:12v:alternator|alternator charging]] will reduce solar panel requirement somewhat. | **A peak ahead:** for reasons that will be explained later, this requirement means he will need about 200Ah of lead battery (flooded or AGM)((or 100Ah of lithium)), and 200w+ of solar panel, depending on [[opinion:frater_secessus:panelsizesforinsolation|where the camper will be used]]. |
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For now, let's consider some common kit-based installations. The terms used will be discussed later in the page in case you don't recognize some of them. | For now, let's consider some common kit-based installations. The terms used will be discussed later in the page in case you don't recognize some of them. |
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* [[http://amzn.to/2ztSSoO|200W kit]] + a [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery#chain_store_batteries|wally world learner battery]] is about $450 at late 2017 prices. This is about $1.75 per solar watt produced((actually going out of the controller into the battery)) and would cost **~$750 over 5 years**, including expected battery replacement. | * [[http://amzn.to/2ztSSoO|200W kit]] + a 100Ah [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery#chain_store_batteries|wally world learner battery]] is about $450 at late 2017 prices. This is about $1.75 per solar watt produced((actually going out of the controller into the battery)) and would cost **~$750 over 5 years**, including expected battery replacement. |
* 200W kit + 2 x [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery#v_golf_cart_batteries|6v golf cart battery]] bank is about $550 at late 2017 prices. This is about $1.75 per solar watt, and would cost **~$550 over 5 years**. Flooded lead acid golf cart batteries are the most tolerant of beginner mistakes, and will take the most abuse. | * As above but with AGM: [[http://amzn.to/2ztSSoO|200W kit]] + a 100Ah [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery#agm|100Ah Renogy AGM or similar]] is about $550 at late 2017 prices. This is about $1.75 per solar watt produced((actually going out of the controller into the battery)) and would cost **~$950 over 5 years**, including expected battery replacement.((MPPT suggested for AGM, which would add another $75 or so)) |
* [[http://amzn.to/2zrtTR5|200W kit w/MPPT controller]] + 2 x 6v golf cart batteries is about $675 at late 2017 prices. This is about $2.37 per solar watt, and would cost **$675 over 5 years**.((using a locally sourced 24v panel with the MPPT controller would bring the cost down to $1.25/solar watt)) | * 200W kit + 2 x [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery#v_golf_cart_batteries|6v golf cart battery]] bank (200Ah+) is about $550 at late 2017 prices. This is about $1.75 per solar watt, and would cost **~$550 over 5 years**. Flooded lead acid golf cart batteries are the most tolerant of beginner mistakes, and will take the most abuse. |
* 200W kit w/MPPT controller + [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery#agm|AGM battery]] bank is about $875 at late 2017 prices. This is about $2.37 per solar watt, and would cost **$965 over 5 years**~. Note: AGM batteries are not particularly well suited for solar-only charging.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-How-much-of-an-issue-is-battery-off-gassing?pid=144704#pid144704)) | * [[http://amzn.to/2zrtTR5|200W kit w/MPPT controller]] + 2 x 6v golf cart batteries (200Ah+) is about $675 at late 2017 prices. This is about $2.37 per solar watt, and would cost **$675 over 5 years**.((using a locally sourced 24v panel with the MPPT controller would bring the cost down to $1.25/solar watt)) |
* * 200W kit((no MPPT required)) + drop-in lithium bank is about $1350 at late 2017 prices. This is about $1.75 per solar watt, and would cost **$1350 over 5 years**. //But// with proper treatment LiFePO4 batteries can last up to 10 years, **bringing the 5 year cost down to $675**. | * 200W kit w/MPPT controller + [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery#agm|AGM battery]] (200Ah+) bank is about $875 at late 2017 prices. This is about $2.37 per solar watt, and would cost **$965 over 5 years**~. Note: AGM batteries are not particularly well suited for solar-only charging.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-How-much-of-an-issue-is-battery-off-gassing?pid=144704#pid144704)) |
| * * 200W kit((no MPPT required)) + drop-in lithium bank 100Ah((roughly equivalent to 200Ah of lead)) is about $1350 at late 2017 prices. This is about $1.75 per solar watt, and would cost **$1350 over 5 years**. //But// with proper treatment LiFePO4 batteries can last up to 10 years, **bringing the 5 year cost down to $675** if one sticks with it that long and treats the battery well. |
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