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How big of a solar panel do I need?
09-20-2013, 00:38 (This post was last modified: 09-20-2013 00:40 by DMurdock.)
Post: #1
How big of a solar panel do I need?
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 Smile

thanks!

İmage

DuWayne & Shannon Murdock
Cedar Park, Tx.
1984 FC35RB
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09-20-2013, 01:12 (This post was last modified: 09-20-2013 01:16 by Arcticdude.)
Post: #2
RE: How big of a solar panel do I need?
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?

John Mace
06 450LXi bigger bird
living in the wild hinterlands of the north
free to roam without the man getting me down
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09-20-2013, 08:04 (This post was last modified: 09-20-2013 08:05 by DMurdock.)
Post: #3
RE: How big of a solar panel do I need?
No A/C Power available...

DuWayne & Shannon Murdock
Cedar Park, Tx.
1984 FC35RB
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09-20-2013, 10:10
Post: #4
RE: How big of a solar panel do I need?
(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. Smile


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?

david brady,
'02 Wanderlodge LXi 'Smokey' (Sold),
'04 Prevost H3 Vantare 'SpongeBob'

"I don't like being wrong, but I really hate being right"
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09-20-2013, 22:06
Post: #5
RE: How big of a solar panel do I need?
I'm going out there Monday to work on the barn/cover..I'll find out then! Smile

DuWayne & Shannon Murdock
Cedar Park, Tx.
1984 FC35RB
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09-26-2013, 00:36
Post: #6
RE: How big of a solar panel do I need?
232 x 20hr?

These are the batteries I have (there are 4 of them, 2 banks of 2x6v

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_eS...olt%7C3%7C

DuWayne & Shannon Murdock
Cedar Park, Tx.
1984 FC35RB
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