Solar Panel Replacement

[Stan.Birch]

Originally Posted by Doggy Daddy

One key requirement with solar to remember is to have a quality charge controller to keep from over charging and boiling the batteries.

You don't need a charge controller for a 15 watt solar panel.

[WheelingIt]

If you want a fully working solar system you'll need a lot more than 20 watts.

A very good, general average is that you need 100 watts of solar for every 100 amp hours of battery. So, if you have 440 amp hours of battery you need at least 400 watts of solar. This is for a good, working system. Mileage will vary depending on how many amp hours you actually use each day, but this gives you a start.

In our rig we have 440 amp hours of batteries and 600 watts of solar. We are a little big on the solar side, but that gives us headroom. We typically use computers, Internet all day long...sometimes TV too. Our batteries fully charge no problem each day and we have all the electricity we need. We've never had to use the generator unless it's been cloudy for multiple days. We boondock/dry camp pretty much all winter so our system is well used.

If you do go with a "full" system you will need thick wires and a good 3-stage, temp compensated controller.

[JESTIMATOR2]

Thanks everyone! A lot of great advice and information! I'll post an update after my system is installed.