Hey everyone! I'm considering installing a solar power system in my traveling work vehicle to power my Xbox, a 160-watt laptop charger, and a monitor. I need it running for about 4 to 6 hours over a two-day period. I've been doing some research but I'm feeling a bit lost on what type of solar panels and batteries to get. Can anyone recommend what specifications I should look for in terms of watts and amps? Thanks a ton!
2 Answers
You might want to consider one of those all-in-one solar setups with foldable panels; they’re compact and easy to store. For a DIY option, you can go with the standard setup: panels, wiring, a controller, fuses, a battery, and an inverter. If you find a 12v car power supply, you could skip the inverter to avoid extra energy loss. If you want to install permanently, lightweight flexible panels would be best, as regular ones can be heavy for a vehicle. You could also think about using a DC-DC charger to keep your battery charged while driving, totally skipping solar if that suits your needs better!
Definitely look into Power Stations. You should calculate the total capacity you need (in watt-hours) to run your devices for 6+ hours and match that with solar panel capacity. On average, you can expect about 6 hours of charging on sunny days, so keep that in mind when choosing your setup.
I’ve seen those Power Stations, they do look like a solid option, though they can be pricey. Any specific brands you’d recommend?
Good point about the foldable panels being practical! They may cost a bit more, but convenience is key.