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electrical:solar:rationing [2017/11/19 20:04] frater_secessus [unusual conditions] |
electrical:solar:rationing [2019/09/28 17:09] frater_secessus [minimizing loads] |
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+ | [[lifestyle: | ||
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====== Rationing solar power ====== | ====== Rationing solar power ====== | ||
- | Sometimes normal awareness is not enough to keep a solar setup functioning with usable power. | + | Sometimes normal awareness is not enough to keep a solar setup functioning with usable power. |
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+ | Here are some examples: | ||
+ | * a stretch of rainy days | ||
+ | * a forest campsite with no good access to sunlight | ||
+ | * smoke from forest fires | ||
+ | * very short winter days | ||
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* size the inverter to meet the needs of your biggest loads. | * size the inverter to meet the needs of your biggest loads. | ||
* use MSW unless your intended uses need PSW; MSW have lower parasitic draws. | * use MSW unless your intended uses need PSW; MSW have lower parasitic draws. | ||
- | * open your refrigerator as little as possible after sundown | + | * open your [[food: |
* [[food: | * [[food: | ||
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===== maximizing solar harvest ===== | ===== maximizing solar harvest ===== | ||
- | * ensure the panels are not shaded by natural obstructions: | + | * 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. | + | * ensure the panels are not shaded by // |
* tilt panels if possible | * tilt panels if possible | ||
* ensure no tarps, awnings or other obstructions are preventing cooling breezes from passing under/over the panels; | * 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. | * framed panels (mono and poly) should be mounted with some space underneath them for cooling airflow. | ||
* clean the solar panels. | * clean the solar panels. | ||
- | + | * [[electrical: | |
+ | * invest in [[electrical: | ||
+ | * install [[electrical: | ||
+ | * use [[electrical: | ||