How Many Batteries Are Needed To Boondock
Question:
I have this Go Power 190 watt over lander system dealer installed on my Jayco 12SRK with the basic 30 amp PWM controller dealer also installed a basic lead acid combo battery. Only running a 12v compressor cooler/fridge, lights, charging mobile devices, and CPAP at night for 2-3 nights between moving off grid camp sites charge while driving at a time. CPAP will need to run for 6-8 hrs at night. I’m guessing I’ll be best to run two batteries, maybe even AGM, due to not much load. Does this sound like it would work?
asked by: Ric M
Expert Reply:
The Go Power Overlander Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller # 34282181 in peak conditions is going to recharge approximately 50-60 amp hours a day so you would need to gauge the amount of power you're going to use. To do this you would need to know the wattage needed per day for each item you plan on using and can then get the correct amount of panels and batteries to meet the need.
Typically I recommend just boondocking in your driveway, if possible, to get a more accurate gauge of how much energy you use without the risk of running out. Follow these simple steps to determine how much power, on average, you consume in a day:
Step 1: Settle out in the boondocks for a couple of days and use your RV as you normally would—don't try to conserve power any more than you usually would, and don't use your generator. Just camp normally.
Step 2: Use your voltmeter or a battery monitor to keep track of your battery level. Note that lead-acid batteries should never be discharged below 50%. Going below this mark will shorten the battery's lifespan.
Step 3: Do the math to determine how much power you typically consume in a day. Let's say after two days, your 200 amp-hour lead-acid batteries are at 50%. This means you used 100 amp-hours in two days, or 50 amp-hours a day.
NOTE: If you can't even make it through a day without draining your battery, consider adding to your RV's battery bank. All the solar panels in the world won't help if you don't have enough battery capacity to store the power you require. Ideally, you should be able to go at least 2-3 days before your battery is depleted.
I've attached some Solar Power articles below that offer a ton of useful information that I highly recommend reading. IF you have any further questions please feel free to reply back.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Go Power Overlander Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller - 200 Watt Solar Panel
- RV Solar Panels
- Roof Mounted Solar Kit
- Rigid Panels
- 200 Watts
- 5.1 - 10 Amps
- AGM
- Flooded Lead Acid
- Gel
- Lithium - liFePO4
- 59-1/8L x 26-5/16W Inch
- 1 Panel
- Go Power
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: go power
- Article: What Does it Mean When an RV is Solar Ready?
- Article: How Much Solar Power Do I Need For My RV?
- Shop: Go Power DuraCUBE Portable Power Station - LiFePO4 battery - 500 Watt
- Shop: Go Power DuraLite Portable Solar Panel Expansion - 100 Watt
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Go Power Solar Cable Entry Plate with Red and Black MC4 Cables
- Shop: Go Power Solar Flex Charging System with MPPT Solar Controller - 550 Watt Solar Panels
- Search Results: go power solar charge controllers
- Article: 4 Reasons Not to Use RV Solar Power (And 4 Reasons You Should)
- Shop: OptiMate Roof Mount Solar Charging System with Controller - 80 Watt Solar Panel
- Search Results: atwood propane
- Search Results: at36681
- Shop: RV Interior Lighting
- Shop: Go Power MC4 Output Cable with Male and Female Connectors - 10' Long
- Shop: 12V RV LED Puck Light - Surface Mount - 4-1/2" Long - Bright White
- Shop: Go Power Solar Cable Entry Plate with Red and Black MC4 Cables - 7' Long
- Video: A Closer Look at the Go Power DuraLite Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller
- Video: Feature Review OptiMate Solar Duo Roof Mount Solar Charging System with Controller
- Search Results: rv dinette booth
- Video: Checking Out the Go Power MC4 Output Cable with Male and Female Connectors
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the OptiMate Roof Mount Solar Charging System with Controller
- Video: How to Install the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller on a 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: roof sealent
- Q&A: Replacement Nut Parts for Connecting MC4 Cables
- Q&A: 10 Foot Extension Cables to Go With Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit
- Q&A: Can MC4 Connectors be Used with Go Power Solar Cable Entry Plate with Red and Black SC4 Cables
- Video: Feature Breakdown: LaSalle Bristol XTRM Universal Non-Sag Sealant for RVs
- Shop: RV Roof Membrane
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
on RV Solar Panels
