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electrical:solar:pvwatts [2023/06/16 17:51]
frater_secessus [GET STARTED] 		electrical:solar:pvwatts [2025/04/05 22:39] (current)
frater_secessus [PVWatts]
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   - find out how much panel is required to make a certain amount of Watt-hours (Wh) daily; or   - find out how much panel is required to make a certain amount of Watt-hours (Wh) daily; or
   - find out how much power your existing solar setup can make   - find out how much power your existing solar setup can make
 +  
 +**IMPORTANT:**  if you are depending on solar the system wattage **must be sized for location and least-sunny month** in which you will be camping.  For full-timers in the northern hemisphere this is **wherever you will be in December**.  
  
 +**Caveats:**  the estimation method describe below assumes **the panels will have a clear view of sky**.  No shade from trees, buidings, or [[opinion:frater_secessus:beginner_mistakes#mounting_or_deploying_panels_where_they_will_be_shaded|other things mounted on your van]].  No snow build-up on the panels, etc.  
 ===== how much panel do I need to make X watt-hours? ===== ===== how much panel do I need to make X watt-hours? =====
  
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 ==== SYSTEM INFO ==== ==== SYSTEM INFO ====
  
- +Change TILT to 0, and accept the other defaults on this page.  The other settings won't make a difference for what we want (Hours of **F**ull **S**un **E**quivalent (FSE), which will be given on the next page). 
-Accept the defaults on this page, as it won't make a difference in this case.  All we want is Hours of **F**ull **S**un **E**quivalent (FSE), which will be given on the next page. +
  
  
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 This page shows you the location it selected. Accept the default unless it needs correcting.  This page shows you the location it selected. Accept the default unless it needs correcting. 
-==== system info ====+==== SYSTEM INFO ====
  
 We need to make a couple changes to the defaults here: We need to make a couple changes to the defaults here:
  
   * your array size in **kW**.  A kilowatt is 1,000w, so a 200w = 0**.**2kW (zero-point-two)((the calculator is set up like this because it is designed to model large residential and commercial installations that are measured in kW))     * your array size in **kW**.  A kilowatt is 1,000w, so a 200w = 0**.**2kW (zero-point-two)((the calculator is set up like this because it is designed to model large residential and commercial installations that are measured in kW))  
-  * accept the default losses for MPPT systems.  PWM systems should use something like 30%+  * accept the default losses for MPPT systems.  PWM systems should use something like 30%((PWM doesn't really have 30% losses in the system;  on average it leaves ~30% unharvested.  The end result is the same, math-wise))
   * if your panels are flat (most are) adjust tilt to zero   * if your panels are flat (most are) adjust tilt to zero
  
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-==== results ====+==== RESULTS ====
  
 The second column is kWh/square meter/**day**, AKA Hours of Full Sun Equivalent (FSE).   The second column is kWh/square meter/**day**, AKA Hours of Full Sun Equivalent (FSE).  
electrical/solar/pvwatts.1686937868.txt.gz · Last modified: 2023/06/16 17:51 by frater_secessus

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