12v Solar and Battery Requirement Calculator
So you want to set your rig up for Solar but you are not sure what size of set up you need? This blog is designed to give you the tools needed to be able to work out exactly what are you are drawing from your rig's batteries and what type of solar set up you need. Knowledge is key when setting up your rig for solar so the more information you have on each and every one of those home comforts devices you plan to take away with you the better.
If anyone has a question pop it in the comment section below or send us a message via the contact us page.
Head to the base of the page to use the calculator. For those who are curious on how it works, read on.
HOW TO WORK OUT WATTS, AMPS AND VOLTS
A larger solar panel will collect more energy in less time, but just how big does the solar panel need to be?
The power consumption of appliances is usually given in Watts. To calculate the energy you will use over time, just multiply the power consumption by the hours of use. For example:
10 watt device used over 3 hours equals 10 x 3 = 30 Watt
HOW TO CONVERT AMPS TO WATTS
The energy in Watts is equal to the electric charge in Amps times the voltage in volts:
Watts = Amps × Volts
EXAMPLE
If your device doesn’t have the Watts labelled on it, then it should at least have the input Volts i.e. 240V and the Amps AC it draws such as 240V – 1.5A. You can then use the equation Watts Volts x Amps so 240v x 1.5amps = 360 Watts.
WHAT SIZE SOLAR PANEL DO I NEED TO CHARGE A 100AH BATTERY?
100AH Lithium Battery x 12V = 1200WH
1200WH / 8H = 150W of solar panels.
WHAT SIZE SOLAR PANEL WILL CHARGE A 120AH BATTERY?
To calculate the solar panel required to charge a 120AH lithium battery, use the following calculation:
120AH Lithium Battery x 12V = 1440WH
1440WH / 8H = 180W of solar panels.
WHICH SOLAR PANEL SIZE TO CHARGE A 200AH BATTERY?
If you have a large 200AH lithium battery, the calculation would be as follows:
200AH Lithium Battery x 12V = 2400WH
1440WH / 8H = 300W of solar panels.
Our rule of thumb with solar is that you can never have too much; there will be times of the year when you will not get 8 hours of sunlight, there will be overcast days and other factors that prevent you from getting a full day of solar.
Using the above calculation will give you a rough guide as to what you need at a minimum; however, it is recommended that you always have more than the minimum.
Another consideration is how much of your battery power do you use in a 24 hour period, if you are only using 50% of the capacity then your solar requirements reduce by 50%.
Click the following link to view www.stayingsimple.com solar range designed specifically to charge lithium batteries the most effective way.