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+--- Thread: How big of a solar panel do I need? (/showthread.php?tid=10005)
How big of a solar panel do I need? - DMurdock - 09-20-2013 00:38
I want to maintain my batteries in storage (this is NOT for boondocking). I disconnect the house (4x6v) and then gen (1x12v) so the only loss is what happens when they are just "sitting there".
Here's how I plan on wiring it (45w panel is just a guess but you get the idea).
FYI - the panel will not be mounted on the bird (mounted on the roof of storage barn once I get it finished)..
I plan on tapping into the charging lines next to the xantrex and installing quick disconnects. If any of this looks fishy let me know...I'm an electrical amateur
thanks!
RE: How big of a solar panel do I need? - Arcticdude - 09-20-2013 01:12
I don't know if 45W will be enough to keep all 3 banks up. You've only got 3.75A at maximum ( if its a 12V output), splitting that 3 ways and accounting for inherent losses will leave maybe 1A per bank. Is that enough? I don't know. One of the smarter folks will be along shortly to more thoroughly answer your question.
Maybe a better question is why bother with the solar? With 3 decent smart tenders, you'll draw less than 1A of 120V most of the time. How long will it take to just recoup the cost of the solar panel, much less a decent controller?
RE: How big of a solar panel do I need? - DMurdock - 09-20-2013 08:04
No A/C Power available...
RE: How big of a solar panel do I need? - davidbrady - 09-20-2013 10:10
(09-20-2013 01:12)Arcticdude Wrote: Is that enough? I don't know. One of the smarter folks will be along shortly to more thoroughly answer your question.
John, pending one of the smarter guys, I'll take a swing.
Hi DuWayne,
What are the ampere-hour capacities of your battery banks?
What's the average daily sunlight that you expect to see?
What's the peak amperage of your solar panel?
RE: How big of a solar panel do I need? - DMurdock - 09-20-2013 22:06
I'm going out there Monday to work on the barn/cover..I'll find out then!
RE: How big of a solar panel do I need? - DMurdock - 09-26-2013 00:36
232 x 20hr?
These are the batteries I have (there are 4 of them, 2 banks of 2x6v
http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_eStore/Content.aspx?dsNav=Ntk~SearchGroup%7CRV6Volt%7C3%7C