Solar Question

Ok I have 2 x 80watt solar panels going on the roof of my Nav and plugging into a (soon to be) 120amp hr AGM battery in my ArkPac.Firstly is this enough to charge that battery in reasonable time if in the sunlight as a trickle charge or do I need to go bigger? (panel power wise)

Having absolutely no idea with this auto elec stuff,does this sound like an ok setup for say a few nights out camping with just the usual basic power needs of light(led's) and a 45L engel and maybe the the air pump?

Appreciate your thoughts

Pjw

Forget the air pump, it'll use say 4-5A for a couple of minutes and cost less than half an amp hour in total.

Let's say your light budget is 10A and fridge is going to draw 0.5 * 24 * 3 (worst case) = 46Ah per day - that's what the solar panels are going to have to replace.

80W panels should be able to supply 6A for around 5 hours each day - that's 30Ah per panel (this is winter time, I'm referring to). With 2 of them, your power input is 60Ah, you're using (at worst) under 50Ah so you're 10Ah in the clear.

As Tony said, but a big thing to keep in mind is being aware of any shade that may encroach. This will have a large impact on the charge rates and you won't get near enough to cover the use.

^ good point, and panel choice is a factor there. I've found that polycrystalline panels aren't as tolerant of shade (trees, clouds) as monocrystalline panels.

Yep got the mono panels.Thanks for the replies guys ..it's a learning curve for me this auto elec stuff.

pjwooly said:

Yep got the mono panels.Thanks for the replies guys ..it's a learning curve for me this auto elec stuff.

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Hi pjwooly, was just wondering which brand you went with for the panels and where you got them?

Cheers,

-Scott

Hi scott can't answer that mate cos they were on the car when I bought her....sorry and can't see a brand name.