Solar panels vs generator |
Post Reply | Page <12 |
Author | |
JScottHouse
Newbie Joined: 09 Aug 2016 Location: Maidens VA Online Status: Offline Posts: 12 |
Topic: Solar panels vs generator Posted: 26 Oct 2016 at 8:06pm |
I have two batteries, one 50w panel. My Rpod is pretty energy efficient. I can go 2-3 days with no sun, and then have the panel pick up the batteries. In six hours of sun, the panel can put 25-30 amps back in the batteries. For hot days, I use a portable fantastic fan. I also use a small 12v TV. Most of my camping is in national park campgrounds. If needed, I have a #10 charge wire from my tow vehicle. After three nights of camping, I never get home without fully charged batteries!
|
|
2016 RP-180
2013 Ford Explorer 4WD |
|
furpod
Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128 |
Posted: 27 Oct 2016 at 9:34am |
Please don't take this wrong, but a 50watt panel can in no way shape or form put that kind of amperage into your batteries. Maximum current on a top end 50watt panel is 3A. In actual use, half of that is probably a good solid figure to work with.. BTW, if using your truck as a back up, and nothing wrong with that at all, get some high quality jumper cables. Your #10 charge wire is only rated for 30A and many trucks don't send that much anyways. BUT jumper cables can send the full output of your alternator if needed.. less run time to charge. |
|
JScottHouse
Newbie Joined: 09 Aug 2016 Location: Maidens VA Online Status: Offline Posts: 12 |
Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 9:55am |
Correction ... I am wrong. My panel can put out about 2.5A not 5.0A. I got confused because I am considering adding another 50A panel. Still, with 10 hours of direct sunlight, I can get 25A back into the batteries. Bottom line ... If you don't use much power, you don't need a huge panel.
|
|
2016 RP-180
2013 Ford Explorer 4WD |
|
furpod
Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128 |
Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 11:00am |
That's the answer there.. the less you use, the less you have to replace.. We have been out a solid week, with no recharge and still 75% SOC. But conditions were perfect. If adding a second panel, it doesn't have to be the same size.. Your controller may be a 10A controller, go with a 100watt and you will triple your charge. Less time fiddling with getting the panel "just right" and moving it to track the sun.. More time for camping.. |
|
techntrek
Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062 |
Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 8:06pm |
Figure on getting about 12 amps usable at 12 volts over a good day from a 50 watt panel.
50 watts / 12 volts = 4.16 amps 4.16 amps * 4.5 solar insolation factor (rough US average) = 18.75 amps 18.75 amps * 0.65 (charging losses, line losses, no inverter in use) = 12.1 amps 18.75 amps * 0.5 (all losses including an inverter) = 9.4 amps
|
|
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
|
|
techntrek
Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062 |
Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 8:08pm |
For Nowakgolden - if you usually will camp in the sun and don't care about A/C and microwave, a 100 watt PV panel will work well. Any shade at all and the output drops steeply.
|
|
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
|
|
JScottHouse
Newbie Joined: 09 Aug 2016 Location: Maidens VA Online Status: Offline Posts: 12 |
Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 9:18pm |
I bought a 50w panel because it was a size I could easily handle and store. Thought about swapping for a 100w, but the 50w tucks neatly in my storage compartment. I have room for two 50's. The charge controller will handle up to 30A. Every time I think I need a second panel, this little one proves I don't really need it. I bypassed the Zamp connection at first, and ran my charge controller direct to the battery. After a week with the sun closer to the Zamp connector, I reversed the polarity on the Zamp battery wires, and connected them to my controller. I had used MC-12 connectors. Now I can plug the panel into either the front or rear of the camper, or use two panels. My Renogy panel has a 20' cable to help keep it in the sun.
|
|
2016 RP-180
2013 Ford Explorer 4WD |
|
Post Reply | Page <12 |
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |