System size

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  • AWS
    Member
    • May 2016
    • 31
    #1

    System size

    I see a number of posts on solar systems with 200/300 watts of panels and only a 30 ah battery. I have a single 100w panel and a two 35ah batteries that I might change out to a single 100ah battery. After a winter night of using the the cabin lights, charging phone/kindel and propane furnace my system goes into float mode around noon. I set up my system to be able to use the furnace for a couple days even winter camping in the PNW, think continuous rain for weeks.

    Should I have gone for more panels and less battery. I pretty much only use the system at night, I don't spend daytime in the camper I'm out hunting, fishing or prospecting during the day.
    Tags: None
    • littleharbor2
      Solar Fanatic
      • Jan 2016
      • 198
      #2
      If you're using FLA batteries, a 100 amp hour battery needs between 10 and 15% of its capacity to maintain healthy charging. So, Figure 10 to15 amps of charging. In your neck of the woods I would try to maintain a 15 amp PV array. so that on marginal days you still have a chance of meaningful charging. Sounds like a couple more 100 watt panels will take care of the battery/charging balance.
      2 Kw PV Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 460ah,

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        • SunEagle
          Super Moderator
          • Oct 2012
          • 15126
          #3
          Originally posted by littleharbor2
          If you're using FLA batteries, a 100 amp hour battery needs between 10 and 15% of its capacity to maintain healthy charging. So, Figure 10 to15 amps of charging. In your neck of the woods I would try to maintain a 15 amp PV array. so that on marginal days you still have a chance of meaningful charging. Sounds like a couple more 100 watt panels will take care of the battery/charging balance.
          I agree with you. Too many times people try to charge a battery system with a lot less amps then needed.

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