new solar user

[pzed]

I am pulling up roots and heading west and have some questions about how to power my c-pap machine all/every night and recharge all day. How do I determine wattage needed and what type of equipment do I need. It can operate in DC mode if that will help. thanks

[Naptown]

hi and welcome
Someone here has that exact same problem and will be along to help.

[Mike90250]

here's a thread about CPAP

http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?3317-Trying-to-Understand-the-Basics&highlight=cpap

What I do for 1 overnight, is I have a automotive battery jumper pack, that has a 12V outlet, and 2x the watt hour capacity I need for 1 night.

I have a couple posts in that thread that cover what I did

Mike

[pzed]

overnight

I am also considering running a fan with the c-pap machine. How do I calculate the wattage of solar panels. If that is an equipment list I'd appreciate it written in a more understandable format as I rode the little bus.

thank you, Paul

[Mike90250]

I am also considering running a fan with the c-pap machine. How do I calculate the wattage of solar panels. If that is an equipment list I'd appreciate it written in a more understandable format as I rode the little bus. thank you, Paul

1) get a Kill-a-watt meter, plug in your fan and cpap, and let it record data for a week. That will give you a good 7 day recording of the power used/needed. Record from Noon <day1> till Noon <day 7>.
Write down the Watt Hours Divide by 7 = WH needed for 1 day.

Give us that daily number, and then we can calculate the battery and inverter needed.

Unless storms take out your power on sunny days, PV won't help a lot, a regular battery charger is better.

[pzed]

PV

Explain PV. Also, where would I get a killawatt meter and are they expensive? Also isn't DC power created by solar panels? Why would I need an inverter - my c-pap is AC or DC with a different cord and I believe I can purchase a DC powered fan?

thanks

[russ]

Explain PV. Also, where would I get a killawatt meter and are they expensive?

PV means a solar panel etc

A Killawatt can be found on line or at any big box store I expect - I just saw 16$ on the net

[pzed]

another question please

Explain PV. Also, where would I get a killawatt meter and are they expensive? Also isn't DC power created by solar panels? Why would I need an inverter - my c-pap is AC or DC with a different cord and I believe I can purchase a DC powered fan?

thanks

[Mike90250]

Explain PV. Also, where would I get a killawatt meter and are they expensive? Also isn't DC power created by solar panels? Why would I need an inverter - my c-pap is AC or DC with a different cord and I believe I can purchase a DC powered fan?
thanks

PV = Photo Voltaic solar panel. (not a thermal heating solar panel)

Kill-a-watt meter

http://www.amazon.com/P3-International-P4400-Electricity-Monitor/dp/B00009MDBU

You will have to research for yourself, if you obtain better efficiency, or better performance, with a DC or AC fan. YOU need to measure the draw both ways, and decide what You want.