Solar Power for SHTF!

[Dutch3]

Amps x Volts = Watts


For instance, how much of a solar panel array would I need to run a 120vac device that uses 1500 watts of power?

So that's about 13 amps. How long do you want to run it?

There are losses everywhere. In the cabling between the array and the charge controller, in the controller itself, in the batteries and the inverter as well.

You can analyze the efficiency down to the nth of a watt and publish a paper on it, or you can hook up some components and develop a "real world" set of expectations. You could determine that an array of Xwatts charging a battery of Xah would run your loads for Xdays, but 3 weeks of heavy fog would force some "recalculations". It is what it is and nothing more.

[therealsundance]

I bought one GoalZero's 7watt folding panels and it has been an excellent purchase. It can charge my cellphone (and the wife's), my iPod, my Kindle, and for the wife: her portable DVD player. You can simply plug in a USB cable that would normally act as a charger and set it out in some sunlight. Just realized that her new Coolpix uses one; add the digicam!

I got it at the Costco for $20 less than their website price last year.

I like that it has the nylon wrap with the loops for tying it to a backpack or something while on the move to keep it in the sun.

[GrizzlyGuy]

For instance, how much of a solar panel array would I need to run a 120vac device that uses 1500 watts of power?

See here for how you would go about estimating what you would need: Basic Off-Grid Solar Design.

[Californio]

We run a 320 watt system at anchor with two 24/7 Norcold 12v mini refrigerators (very small freezer), 3.5 kw inverter, 110v coffee maker, 110v cell phone chargers, 110v TV and DVD player, 12v stereo with xm or iPod players with 6 speakers, 12v LED lights and one 110v CF light. 12v water and shower sump pumps, very little 110v microwave. We need a 2KW Honda Generator for 45minutes a day for 110v hot water.

So all of the above except for hot water works for a week without a problem on 4x80watt panels.