How to Figure Out Solar Panel Needs for Camping on Cloudy Days
Published 11/23/2021
Question:
I have a 1200 w system with 6 - 110 amp gel batteries. This system is for grid down situations. I would like the ability to charge these batteries on a as needed basis, such as extended cloudy days. I have a 2kw a/c generator. I only intend to run the generator and charge the batteries on a as needed basis. What options do I have, and will they correctly charge those batteries as needed? Thank you
asked by: Ledair D
Expert Reply:
Since extended cloudy days can really affect solar panels and how much power they can draw what you'll need to do is try a couple of dry runs and see what you can do with your current system and what the limitations are. Aside from you doing some experimenting to see how cloudy days affect your current system the best I can recommend is buying the largest solar panel kit you can get, like the Go Power Solar AE-6 All Electric System # 342-75011, and hope for the best.
Since that's quite an investment to make I recommend doing the test runs like I mentioned above so that you have more of an educated guess as to how your current system will perform.
I'm attaching a review video of the large solar panel system as well as a link to our helpful articles on solar panel setups for you to reference.
