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FMCA Nov 2004 Inverter Article

Yahoo Message Number: 12636
Hi Folks,

There has been interest from time to time in solar panel requirements.
The subject article starting on page 74 has some good content. I liked the table on page 77 as it gives an approach to calculating battery requirements and hence solar panel requirements. My approach, as covered in a recent thread, is five 125 watt panels, or about 600 watts divided by 12 vdc provides 50 amps, but divide by 1/3 giving an average of 15 amp hours over a long period. This gives about 100 amp hours a day. Now compare this to the table on page 77. You will need more more solar panels, use the generator, and/or change your ways of using energy. The Table provided is a good start but needs to tailored to your needs.

Remember amp-hours and watts are used. Batteries need to be purchased knowing the amp-hour capacity not CCA. Inverters and Converters produce Watts for a purely resistive load like a toaster, but Volt-Amps (VA) is just as important as it provides the parameter for inductive loads like a microwave or motor. An inverter with a 5000 VA rating generally can deliver 3000 watts.
Fred Kovol