Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- electrical:solar:gentle_intro [2022/04/12 21:15]
frater_secessus [Your approach to solar]
+++ electrical:solar:gentle_intro [2022/04/12 21:39]
frater_secessus [Limitations of solar]
@@ Line 32: / Line 32: @@
 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".
-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//.
+A crude rule of thumb might be meaningful solar harvest is possible only when the sun is throwing well-defined shadows on the ground.
 ===== How solar power works =====
@@ Line 73: / Line 76: @@
 ==== Why daily? ====
-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.
+A **minimal solar configuration** will
   * 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**
 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.

RV and vandwellers wiki

User Tools

Site Tools

Differences

Page Tools