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electrical:solar:sizing [2021/06/21 14:08] frater_secessus [your daily power needs] |
electrical:solar:sizing [2021/06/21 14:15] frater_secessus [Sizing a solar installation] |
- whether or not you have access to other forms of charging: [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]], [[electrical:12v:alternator|alternator]], [[electrical:generator|generator]] | - whether or not you have access to other forms of charging: [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]], [[electrical:12v:alternator|alternator]], [[electrical:generator|generator]] |
- the kind of [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery|battery chemistry]] - some((lithium, for example)) charge more efficiently than others | - the kind of [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery|battery chemistry]] - some((lithium, for example)) charge more efficiently than others |
- These factors will tell you size of the system needed. If the system you need will not physically fit on/in your vehicle, you will have to take [[electrical:solar:sizing#maxxed_system|a different approach]]. | - the kind of camping you do. Full-timers will need more robust systems. Weekenders can [[https://mouse.mousetrap.net/blog/2020/07/04/agm-for-weekenders/|"get by" then recharge batteries fully at home]]. |
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| These factors will dictate the system capactity you will need. If the system you need will not physically fit on/in your vehicle, you will have to take [[electrical:solar:sizing#maxxed_system|a different approach]]. |
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===== solar panel array ===== | ===== solar panel array ===== |
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Pick a solar panel array output on battery bank capacity. A common **rule of thumb for matching panels to battery bank** is that there should be 1-2 panel watts per amp-hour of nominal bank capacity. | Pick a solar panel array output on battery bank capacity. A common **rule of thumb for matching panels to battery bank** is that there should be **at least** 1 panel watt per amp-hour of nominal bank capacity. |
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> "...the person draining their batteries to the 50% range regularly would do much better with a 2 watts to 1Ah ratio, or even 3 to 1." -- SternWake((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-How-much-solar-do-I-need?pid=278438#pid278438)) | > "...the person draining their batteries to the 50% range regularly would do much better with a 2 watts to 1Ah ratio, or even 3 to 1." -- SternWake((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-How-much-solar-do-I-need?pid=278438#pid278438)) |
There are two general rules: | There are two general rules: |
- voltage from panels must not exceed controller voltage, ever. | - voltage from panels must not exceed controller voltage, ever. |
- controller rating should be the panels' output plus a safety margin, unless you are [[electrical:solar:overpaneling|overpaneling]] on purpose. | - controller rating should be the panels' output plus a safety margin, unless you are [[electrical:solar:overpaneling|overpaneling]] an [[electrical:solar:charge_controller#mppt|MPPT controller]] on purpose. |
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===== augmenting solar ===== | ===== augmenting solar ===== |