====== Solar panels ======
Solar panels, also called photovoltaic (PV) panels, produce DC power from sunlight to cha... The panels can be used single or in [[electrical:solar:series vs parallel|series or parallel]] arrays.
... n oversimplification, admittedly)) a [[electrical:solar:charge controller|charge controller]] is placed b
t can affect that." -- Cariboocoot((https://forum.solar-electric.com/discussion/comment/152013#Comment_152013))
====== Factors affecting solar panel output ======
For various reasons **it wil... under great conditions, and much less under poor solar conditions. And about half of that in winter.
=... location and season both have profound effects on solar harvest. [[opinion:frater_secessus:panelsizesfori
voltage to specific charging voltage [[electrical:solar:charge_controller_setpoints|setpoints]] and limit... ion as it might seem since lead-acid [[electrical:solar:status#in_absorption|current acceptance drops sub... ach day.)) This is where [[electrical:12v:alt_and_solar|a bit of solar helps with the long-duration duties]].
DC-DC chargers are often triggered by the IGN cir
ne but you don't know it. Example: "[[electrical:solar:status#setups_with_no_float|my charger isn't char... ltage, float voltage, charging amps, etc))
==== solar panels ====
[[electrical:solar:panels|Solar panels]] are usually pretty obvious if you have them. They may be mounted on a rack, adhere
|DIY LiFePO4 Battery Banks subforum]] over on DIY Solar. You can also see the [[electrical:12v:lifepo4_b... al heaters.
The [[https://diysolarforum.com/|DIY Solar Forums]] are a good place to check for updated in... hought)) Upsides include:
* greater [[opinion:solar:sizing.walkthrough#days_of_autonomy|autonomy]] when charging is absent or limited due to poor solar conditions
* supporting larger discharge curren
return to the [[electrical:solar:output|solar harvest]] article or [[electrical:solar:output#insolation|insolation subsection]]
====== PVWatts ======... ps://pvwatts.nrel.gov/index.php|PVWatts]] to find solar harvest estimates for a particular place, month,
o automate the process of turning it on.
===== solar fitment =====
[[http://www.promasterforum.com/for... c2f267932_b.jpg?300|RW and VJ's 159" with 810w of solar}}]]
The PM roof is quite wide at the top and larger, [[electrical:solar:panels#panel_voltage|higher-voltage residential/c... in makes [[https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/solar-solar-solar.88755/page-2#post-700318|custom hardw
====== Solar generators ======
Words of wisdom: "These aren't aimed at people that know what they are do... dwellers/comments/dr387z/500w_aimtom_rockpals_500_solar_generator_review/f6jc7lz/|LastTreeStar]]
===== T... azon.com/images/I/51ug3IIF-zL._AC_US218_.jpg}}]]
"Solar Generators" ([[https://amzn.to/2E7EG71|power stat... electrical:inverter|inverter]]
* A [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|solar charge controller]]
The
onsumes **29,000**Wh of power per day.
- A 100w solar panel on an MPPT [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|controller]] will harvest an average of:
* Chi... ter kettles
* electric space heaters
* [[hvac:solar_ac|air conditioners]]
* electric coffee makers
... nvested thousands of dollars in battery banks and solar, or run a [[electrical:generator|generator]]
Ele
ase
===== must I use the PS brand's proprietary solar panels? =====
No. Read the power station's [[lifestyle:faq_solar_generator#solar_charging_limits|solar ("PV") input specs]] and buy panel[s] whose [[electrical:solar:panels#specificatio
rged by a combination of [[electrical:12v:alt_and_solar|solar+alternator charging]].
==== charging from alternator ====
The simplest case will be charging LF... ciggy port (480Wh / 120w).
==== charging from solar ====
Charging from [[electrical:solar:gentle_intro|solar]] is predictable //on average// if one knows w
me the standard way to chill food in [[electrical:solar|solar]]-equipped vans. The main types of compressor fridges common in 'dwelling setups are:
* [[http... nds include:
* [[http://amzn.to/2rO1sIQ|Grape Solar]] used by bcbullet((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/... ion ===
Peltier cooling doesn't get used much in solar setups because it uses a lot of power and does so
fair amount of the bulk charging done and let the solar finish it off the rest of the day. -- jimindenver... ]] batteries healthy, so [[electrical:12v:alt_and_solar|combining with solar]] is common
[[opinion:frater_secessus:pareto|about these summaries]]
===== overvi... eply discharged
* when [[electrical:12v:alt and solar|combined with solar]] or some other higher-voltag