What do I really need for solar?

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Dustysprinter

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I'm installing a Dometic CR-110 Coolmatic in my Sprinter Average power consumption: 45 watts (3.75 amps), other than the fridge I just have a water pump LEDS and laptop. I'm thinking 200 watts of solar with a 100 amp hr Lithium battery should do the trick, any suggestions?
 
I think you be ok, remember that the refer will cycle and not run 24/7. others with more solar expertise will weigh in. highdesertranger
 
I just put a Dometic CFX-35US Average power consumption: (7amps) in the RV.  Have it set at 37deg.  
Have a O2 COOL® 10" Portable Fan running on low 24x7 and am recharged by around 9am CT. As long as it isn't to overcast.  Not in the RV currently just getting ready.
2 100watt Renergy Mono panels
2 6v Deep-Cycle Service Batteries

If you can find one get a 12volt power adapter for your laptop will save an amp or 2
YMMV
 
Boy, that CF110 must be HUGE! I have a 65 quart Whynter and I thought it was BIG!

Yes, 200 watts should be fine. I'd get a 4x8 sheet of Polyiso and cut it to fit on the walls, roof and underneath. I'll run a lot less.
Bob
 
Whether it is enough is entirely dependent on how much you plan on using the laptop.


That rather large fridge can have a wide range of battery consumption depending on ambient temperatures and how often you open it and ask it to cool warm items.

That fridge is more than 2x the size of my Vitrifrigo, and uses the same compressor, but run at a higher rpm.

Mine is extra insulated  with a very well ventilated cooling unit, and ranges from 6AH in 24 hours in 55f average  ambients, to 28 AH per 24 hours in 85F average ambients With 3 times a day opening and closing sessions.

I'd expect your fridge to double these numbers.

My older Dell laptop Laptop can eat upto 7AH per hour and be as little as 2.3AH per hour, depending on the task and if it has to recharge the battery or not.

I have 200 watts of Solar, and only 90AH of AGM capacity.  I Use  34 to 55 AH each night from sundown to sunup

Not quite enough solar in the winter, more than enough in summer at 32'N in a sunny environment.

If I drove more it would be enough.

If I used less laptop, it could be enough.

I 'd love another 100 watts.  I'd recommend as much solar as you can fit up there.


Lithium batteries are a different animal since they don't Have to be recharged fully as often as possible, and they don;t have 4 hour long absorption requirements like lead acid, and you can use ~80% of their capacity without worry.

I'd still say go for 250+ watts.  If I had to do it over I'd get a single large framed 300 watt+ panel
 

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