Solar for Newbies

[sirhk100]

Is there a thread anywhere to read on the basics of a solar setup and trying to figure out what exactly is needed to keep a system going?

Essentially I'm looking to setup a small like 17-20" screen and a dvd player in my van eventually down the road. I'm not quite ready to start building but I'd like to start a materials list and I can slowly start purchasing the parts as I stumble on deals. So I'm trying to figure out what I need.

Obviously coach battery/batteries, inverter, Solar panels and the charge controller. But how do I figure out how many panels and how big of panels I'd need? How do I figure out if I want two 6V batteries, a single 12v battery, two 12V batteries? What about over charging? Or does the charge controller handle that? Can the controller also be wired to the engine batteries to keep those topped off and fresh for starting duties?

Basically, is there a solar planning for idiots type thread or webpage that anyone has found useful I could read? Like I said, just looking to power a TV/DVD combo for evening entertainment and occasionally maybe a stereo for some tunes.

Also, it's not a daily use type thing. Maybe a weekend or two out of the month. Do you just cover up the panels when needed or do you just rely on the controller to do it's thing?

I've been following this thread and the prices on some of the links look very reasonable, especially that amazon link and it's tempting for me to pull the trigger on a setup eventhough I'm not ready to install but just to have it on hand and ready to go for when the time comes would be nice...

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Solar-Panel-cost


Thanks,
Khris

 

[Willy]

There are quite a few threads on solar here.. just gotta search. I'll put my $0.02 though.. 200W (1 or 2 panels), 1 or 2 deep cycle 12v batteries (Costco $50 ea), and a PWM charge controller will probably do ya. I run a 12v fridge/cooler, LED lighting, fans, and all my electronics stuff of 180W and 2 deep cycles (1 for lights/electronics and the other for the fridge w. a dual battery charge controller) and I've been doing this, living full time, for years. You NEED a charge controller for your batteries or you'll cook 'em. ..Willy.

 

[sirhk100]

Is this type of setup the type where it's better to go a bit overkill on the components then just designing specifically for your needs typically?

Where do I even start? Figure out the usage of all my components, then work my way backwards to the inverter and batteries then controller and panels?

Thanks!

 

[SternWake]

It is really hard to have too much solar.

Remember the panels only really do 85% of their rating, and only for around 90 minutes around solar noon if mounted flat on the roof

I'd start by taking a measurement of the available space on your roof.

If you can easily exceed 200 watts, only then perhaps back off on the more is better clause.

I now have 200 watts, and in wintertime, it is not enough, but more than enough in summer.

If you are going to take baby steps, by adding more panels and batteries if you find you need them, then make sure the wiring from the panels to the charge controller is thicker than it needs to be just for 1 panel.

Rewiring is expensive and a PITA.

Also a charge controller which can handle everything you could ever shoehorn on your roof is wise too, unless you have a schoolbus or something which can fit 1500 watts.

Lots of solar threads all around the net, read up.