Hi, My husband & I are doing more & more free camping & was wondering what the general opinion is about how much Solar is needed & how big a battery is needed. We have minimal needs, only running a 50lt Waeco 24/12vlt & a Waeco Coolamatic fridge 135 lt. The problem is we mostly camp in the winter months & mostly the high country & also thinking of going to Tas next winter. Any advice is welcome.
Brrrrrrr..
Change your mind and come up here to t shirt country. It'll kill you down there.
Would me anyway, anywhere South of Rocky.
Trouble with where you going and solar. is temp's and limited sunshine.
Good for fridge (just leave freezer door open... Chuckle)
But pushing for other stuff.
Last van I has 320w of panels Waeco 110 ltr fridge. Lights. 240v fan TV and box etc.
2 x 110a AGM's.
That ran us Including coupla trips down to Melbourne. fine.
But I have 3.85 kva Genny and not scared to use it.
Specially for Air-cond. Microwave Oven etc.
A small genny IS a lifesaver where you can get lots of cloud or inclement weather.
No matter what some may say.
Basically 100a AGM or normal battery with say 2 x 80w. 2 x 120?a panels with a larger regulator so you can upgrade later IF required.
But, after a lot of yrs doing it. I wouldn't be without my genny.
Also.
When the "boooooo to genny" brigade Break down in middle of nowhere. and you front up with your Grinder. drill ect AND genny....
They don't decry it then.
They do have more uses than annoying the whingers.
Welcome to the gang Lyn, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Just my thoughts. I have 450w on the roof and a 120w portable if needed hooked up to 2x110aph batteries and does everything I want with power to spare. If I was to use a 12v fridge I would run with a minimum of 2x120amh batteries. I do understand you said you are mainly in the colder weather so no need to have fridge down as low as if in hot weather so the 110's might be enough.
Me, I would go with the 120's if you are buying now. You are covered both ways then.
__________________
Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
tassier is one of the best places in aust to use solar as the effency of the panels is far greater because of the cooler temps. Your fridge wont cycle as much so you don't need as much power for that.
I have 320 w of panels ( 4 x 80w fixed on the roof)and 2 x 120 amp batteries
cheers
blaze
Yes .. 350 to 450 watt / 200 AH batteries with some charging from vehicles alternator while traveling if your into staying only a few days at each place ? Gene for those 2 or 3 overcast days you get when free camping .
We have 5 x 80 watt panels on the van roof charging 3 x 100Ah AGM batteries.
Total overkill running Led lights and a water pump on demand.
However where you are heading it may be the right combination
