First post! Sorry for the long topic, just wanted to explain the situation in detail for an accurate answer.
I'll be living in my van soon to save/invest money while I continue to work full time for the next 2-4 years. I've fully insulated my van in effort to not have to run the A/C very often.
I will be driving no less than 1 hour per day, will this be sufficient enough to restore my battery bank if driven off the alternator, or an additional alternator?
I will run the generator approx. 1 hour per day for microwave usage & a/c usage.
If possible, the best outcome would to be able to supply enough energy per day from my generator and alternator, as it would save the cash on solar.
My energy usage plans: Laptop/phone charging, occasional xbox360/tv, wifi, interior lighting (small led lighting), speakers, rare a/c use for under 1hr max. (Primarily at night after work)
Total estimated energy usage per day: 500-1,200watts. (Less usage on weekdays, more on weekends)
Major Appliances
1x 4kw Generator (To charge battery & run high-energy applications based upon need -- mounted in custom roof cover/box)
1x 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner (500-600W -- mounted in custom roof cover/box)
1x 1,250W Microwave (Only used with generator)
1x Propane Mini-Fridge (Seems to be more energy-efficient than using electricity 24/7?)
Energy Plans W/Solar
4x 12v 100ah AGM battery bank [ 400AH Total ]
2x 250W Solar Panels [ 500W Total ]
1x 1kw Inverter
1x 50A 12v Solar Panel Charger/ Controller
For 50% max usage with a 400AH bank, I will have 2.4 kw/h of energy usage available on a full bank.
My solar panels will be able to charge my bank from 50% to 99% in approximately 1-2 days if weather permits, correct?
Q1: Are solar panels worth purchasing, or will I be able to generate enough electricity with my standard alternator or an additional alternator + my generator? recommendation?
Q2: If I'm able to get by without solar, what would be the best way to setup charging through my alternator &/or my generator (when it is running)? I have very limited electricity knowledge.
Q3: If solar is a requirement for my power demands, is 500W overkill or sufficient?
Thank you in advance!
I'll be living in my van soon to save/invest money while I continue to work full time for the next 2-4 years. I've fully insulated my van in effort to not have to run the A/C very often.
I will be driving no less than 1 hour per day, will this be sufficient enough to restore my battery bank if driven off the alternator, or an additional alternator?
I will run the generator approx. 1 hour per day for microwave usage & a/c usage.
If possible, the best outcome would to be able to supply enough energy per day from my generator and alternator, as it would save the cash on solar.
My energy usage plans: Laptop/phone charging, occasional xbox360/tv, wifi, interior lighting (small led lighting), speakers, rare a/c use for under 1hr max. (Primarily at night after work)
Total estimated energy usage per day: 500-1,200watts. (Less usage on weekdays, more on weekends)
Major Appliances
1x 4kw Generator (To charge battery & run high-energy applications based upon need -- mounted in custom roof cover/box)
1x 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner (500-600W -- mounted in custom roof cover/box)
1x 1,250W Microwave (Only used with generator)
1x Propane Mini-Fridge (Seems to be more energy-efficient than using electricity 24/7?)
Energy Plans W/Solar
4x 12v 100ah AGM battery bank [ 400AH Total ]
2x 250W Solar Panels [ 500W Total ]
1x 1kw Inverter
1x 50A 12v Solar Panel Charger/ Controller
For 50% max usage with a 400AH bank, I will have 2.4 kw/h of energy usage available on a full bank.
My solar panels will be able to charge my bank from 50% to 99% in approximately 1-2 days if weather permits, correct?
Q1: Are solar panels worth purchasing, or will I be able to generate enough electricity with my standard alternator or an additional alternator + my generator? recommendation?
Q2: If I'm able to get by without solar, what would be the best way to setup charging through my alternator &/or my generator (when it is running)? I have very limited electricity knowledge.
Q3: If solar is a requirement for my power demands, is 500W overkill or sufficient?
Thank you in advance!
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