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electrical:solar:sizing [2018/05/19 07:33]
frater_secessus [charge controller] 		electrical:solar:sizing [2019/02/08 12:21]
frater_secessus [Sizing a solar installation]
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 ====== Sizing a solar installation ====== ====== Sizing a solar installation ======
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 +In **normal, non-vehicle off-grid solar configurations** the sizing is done for your power needs in the worst case scenario (December in your geographical area):((https://web.archive.org/web/20110906013732/http://www.solarpowerforum.net/forumVB/solar-energy/1793-basic-off-grid-solar-design.html))
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 +  - worst case scenario loads (the max loads you will apply in any 24hr period)
 +  - worst case scenario sunlight, usually December in your geographical area
 +  - these factors will tell you the **cost of the install**
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 +This also works for 'dwellers building relatively minimal solar power systems where one is not using all the available roofspace for panels.
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 +In **'dweller solar configurations** the order of sizing calculations may be different due to space limitations.  Few of us will be able to fit all the solar panels we need to run every [[electrical:12v:loads|load]] on our wishlist. In this case we size our systems for the maximum amount of panels we can fit in the space allowed.  This might be what fits in open space on our roof, or how much portable panel we are willing to deploy. 
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 +  - max solar wattage you can install (or afford)
 +  - whether your have access to other forms of charging: [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]], [[electrical:12v:alternator|alternator]]
 +  - max battery capacity you can charge fully/consistently (or afford, or install)
 +  - these factors will tell you what kind of loads you can run. 
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 The first step in (and difficult part of) designing a solar setup for your camper is to **understand your real power needs**.  For most people running on solar power only (as when [[camping:dispersed|boondocking]]) will require a **resetting of expectations**.   The first step in (and difficult part of) designing a solar setup for your camper is to **understand your real power needs**.  For most people running on solar power only (as when [[camping:dispersed|boondocking]]) will require a **resetting of expectations**.  
  
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 Reserve days of power is also known as //days of autonomy//.((https://duckduckgo.com/?q=days+of+autonomy&t=ffab&ia=web)) Reserve days of power is also known as //days of autonomy//.((https://duckduckgo.com/?q=days+of+autonomy&t=ffab&ia=web))
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 +It is safest and simplest for solar newbies to assume a day of poor solar harvest = zero solar harvest.  In actuality zero harvest is highly unlikely; more experienced or risk-tolerant RVers can run with [[electrical:solar:slim reserve|less reserve or no reserve at all]]. 
 ===== your battery bank ===== ===== your battery bank =====
  
electrical/solar/sizing.txt ยท Last modified: 2023/08/31 19:54 by princess_fluffypants

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