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electrical:solar:rationing [2017/11/19 20:04] frater_secessus [unusual conditions] |
electrical:solar:rationing [2020/10/11 19:48] |
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- | ====== Rationing solar power ====== | ||
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- | Sometimes normal awareness is not enough to keep a solar setup functioning with usable power. | ||
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- | ===== minimizing loads ===== | ||
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- | * find and eliminate parasitic loads | ||
- | * make it a habit to turn off anything you don't need //right now// | ||
- | * timeshift charging of phones, laptops, etc [[electrical: | ||
- | * charge light sources during full sun and use them at night | ||
- | * go to bed with the sun, rise with the sun | ||
- | * use low-power entertaining like reading instead of power-hungry entertainment like TV, gaming console, etc | ||
- | * turn down screen brightness on phones, tablets, TVs | ||
- | * Inverters | ||
- | * minimize the use of inverters by using 12v appliances and adapters when possible | ||
- | * turn inverters off when not in use | ||
- | * size the inverter to meet the needs of your biggest loads. | ||
- | * use MSW unless your intended uses need PSW; MSW have lower parasitic draws. | ||
- | * open your refrigerator as little as possible after sundown | ||
- | * [[food: | ||
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- | ===== maximizing solar harvest ===== | ||
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- | * ensure the panels are not shaded by natural obstructions: | ||
- | * ensure the panels are not shaded by obstructions on your own RV: antennas, A/C units, vents, etc. One way to minimize shading is to park so that the **greatest expanse of panel is facing south** and any obstructions are on the north side of the van. | ||
- | * tilt panels if possible | ||
- | * ensure no tarps, awnings or other obstructions are preventing cooling breezes from passing under/over the panels; | ||
- | * framed panels (mono and poly) should be mounted with some space underneath them for cooling airflow. | ||
- | * clean the solar panels. | ||
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