Sizing a solar power system

[Alan_B]

I am starting to plan a solar power system for our Bighorn 3570RS fifth wheel.

Any suggestions on the overall capacity of a system? The size (wattage) of the solar panels as well as the battery bank.

The fifth wheel has a residential refrigerator, convection microwave and LP cook top. We are also planning on installing a generator.

We want to be able to dry camp with the Bighorn for a couple of weeks at a time (I expect the water tanks to be the constraint here).

Any and all input would be appreciated.

thanks

 

[avvidclif]

We had a presentation last Sat at our Ham club meeting about solar. While it was geared more toward residential he did talk a bit abt RV's. He recommended the below book to answer all our questions.

https://www.amazon.com/Photovoltaic...&qid=1502825650&sr=8-1&keywords=photovoltaics

I haven't read it.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

I can help...we've been through this and I documented some of it on my Blog. Read these two post on what to expect for wiring and items needed.

https://www.rvwiththetanners.com/single-post/2017/05/25/test

https://www.rvwiththetanners.com/single-post/2017/05/06/Power-AC-Power-While-Dry-Camping

Then you can watch my video on how to wire in a transfer switch, by using this link.
https://www.rvwiththetanners.com/si...Power-TS-50-Transfer-Switch-Install-in-our-RV


In summary, you'll want the most battery capacity you can carry (in Amp hours...estimate 3-4 for now). You'll need a good MPPT controller and around 500w (or more) and 80v (or more) of solar power coming in.


The last thing I would also recommend is a portable solar panel. I just created a blog/video on this (Go Power loaned me the device) and it was AWESOME for adding power during our last trip. You can't always rely on having direct sunlight on the top of your trailer and being able to move a portable solution to where the sunlight is...is priceless for us boondockers.

Link to portable solar solution blog page
https://www.rvwiththetanners.com/single-post/2017/08/13/We-Need-More-Power-Scottie-Star-Trek-Humor

Once you have all that information, let me know and I can provide you anything else you might need.

 

[Silverado23]

Morningstar corp has a string calculator and extensive documents and tools on sizing your system.
The site is more product oriented but has tons of tech notes that are very informative.
http://support.morningstarcorp.com/search/?document_section=&search_product=96

I used the tristar MPPT charge controller for my system. Although I currently do not have an inverter in my system, I do run 100% of my 12v system from solar.


http://support.morningstarcorp.com/

The string calculator is very useful.
http://string-calculator.morningstarcorp.com/