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electrical:solar:gentle_intro [2022/04/12 21:15] frater_secessus [Your approach to solar] |
electrical:solar:gentle_intro [2022/05/13 10:56] frater_secessus [solar ready] |
Solar is not a magic bullet; it is a compromise like anything else. **Solar has very high startup costs for the amount of power you get out of it.** It could cost several thousand dollars to get the same amount of reliable power one might might get from [[electrical:shore_power|a residential (or campsite) outlet]] with a $20 extension cord. Over time, though, the power is "free". | Solar is not a magic bullet; it is a compromise like anything else. **Solar has very high startup costs for the amount of power you get out of it.** It could cost several thousand dollars to get the same amount of reliable power one might might get from [[electrical:shore_power|a residential (or campsite) outlet]] with a $20 extension cord. Over time, though, the power is "free". |
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Getting //some// power from solar is easy. Getting //reliable// power from solar alone is challenging (and expensive) because solar harvest is greatly affected by [[electrical:solar:output|real-world conditions]]: latitude, season, shade, temperature, battery voltage, etc. A crude rule of thumb might be meaningful solar harvest is possible only when the sun is throwing well-defined shadows on the ground. | Getting //some// power from solar is easy. Getting //reliable// power from solar alone is challenging (and expensive) because solar harvest is greatly affected by [[electrical:solar:output|real-world conditions]]: latitude, season, shade, temperature, even battery voltage. It's bit harsh but you need to hear it early on: //you won't be getting 100w out of a 100w panel//, and //you won't be getting it for 8 hours a day//. |
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| A crude rule of thumb might be meaningful solar harvest is possible only when the sun is throwing well-defined shadows on the ground. |
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===== How solar power works ===== | ===== How solar power works ===== |
==== Why daily? ==== | ==== Why daily? ==== |
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Power requirements are assessed as **daily** because solar power feeds the batteries((and [[electrical:12v:loads|loads]])) only in daylight. Then at night the 'dweller pulls power back out of the batteries. So a **minimal solar configuration** will | Power requirements are calculated **daily** because the solar feeds the batteries((and [[electrical:12v:loads|loads]])) only in daylight. Then at night the system pulls power back out of the batteries. This is natural rhythm of a solar-powered system. |
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| A **minimal solar configuration** will |
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* meet your daytime needs | * meet your daytime needs |
* then get you through the night without running out of power | * then get you through the night without running out of power or overdischarging the battery |
* meet your needs again the next day **while also recharging the battery** | * meet your needs again the next day **while also recharging the battery** |
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People who are off-grid for longer stretches will also have to think about [[electrical:solar:sizing#your_reserve_needs|reserve power]]. It's not so much an issue for recreational campers who will likely camp only in good weather, and can return home to charge in any case. | People who are off-grid for longer stretches will also have to think about [[electrical:solar:sizing#your_reserve_needs|reserve power]]. It's not so much an issue for recreational campers who will likely camp only in good weather, and can return home to charge in any case. |
==== solar ready ==== | ==== solar ready ==== |
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RVs that are sold as "solar ready" typically have a connector and wiring from Zamp. It is more apt to call it "Zamp solar kit ready" as normal panels cannot be attached to the Zamp port. Here is [[https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f221/a-frame-solar-ready-71071.html#post740529|Zamp's description of Solar Ready]]. | RVs that are sold as "solar ready" typically have a connector and wiring from Zamp. It is more apt to call it "Zamp solar kit ready" as normal panels cannot be attached to the Zamp port. Here is [[https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f221/a-frame-solar-ready-71071.html#post740529|Zamp's description of Solar Ready]], which uses panels with built-in controllers. |
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It is been judged harshly by some users: | It is been judged harshly by some users: |