I'm looking to set up a solar system to charge my four 100Ah AGM batteries in my RV. I'm running a 5000W inverter with a typical load of around 1500W throughout the day, which includes things like an air conditioner and a fridge. I'm based in the Pacific Northwest and have a 100V 30A solar charge controller. Can anyone help me figure out how many watts of solar panels I'll need for this setup?
2 Answers
What's the voltage rating of your batteries? Knowing that helps to figure out your solar needs better!
Wow, that sounds like quite a setup you have! With a constant load of 1500W, you'll drain those batteries really quickly—probably in about 3 hours if you push them hard. If you're looking at using 1500W for just two hours daily, you’d need a solar array of around 3750W to cover your usage. Just make sure you're considering peak sunlight hours in your area too!
Exactly! Don't forget that the efficiency of your panels and how much sun you actually get in the Pacific Northwest will also impact your output. So planning for excess capacity is a good idea!
They’re 12V 100Ah AGM batteries, and I've got a 30A RV system. The inverter is 5000W, but I know that might be overkill.