Hey everyone. I've been lurking around here for long enough and trying to do research in my conversion, but I think that an actual conversation with experienced Sprinter folks is the next step. There are just so many options, it's hard to know whether I'm going down the right path. I want to get this solar thing figured out so I can start getting on the road as soon as possible.
So, if you'll indulge me, this is where I'm at so far. My needs for power:
I want to have enough buffer both in wattage from solar panels as well as amp hours in my batteries that I'm not going to worry about running out if I have a few cloudy days.
Though I have more knowledgable friends who are available to help with the install, I am not at all knowledgeable about electricity, wiring, etc. so I thought I would use a kit as a starting point. For example, this 300W Renogy kit seems reasonable in price, power, though 3x 100W panels seems someone inefficient when the square footage of the roof of a van is limited.
I would hook it up to roughly 400ah worth of sealed batteries (recommendations welcome).
Does the Renogy kit seem reasonable as a starting point? I can always swap out components in the future, but I'd like to get off on the right foot.
So, if you'll indulge me, this is where I'm at so far. My needs for power:
- 12v Fridge (Novacool)
- MacBook Pro laptop
- External hard drive
- Camera charger
- Phone charger
- Fan-Tastic Vent Fan
- Water pump for sink
- LED lights
- Bunk heater (Espar diesel) for cold weather/locations
I want to have enough buffer both in wattage from solar panels as well as amp hours in my batteries that I'm not going to worry about running out if I have a few cloudy days.
Though I have more knowledgable friends who are available to help with the install, I am not at all knowledgeable about electricity, wiring, etc. so I thought I would use a kit as a starting point. For example, this 300W Renogy kit seems reasonable in price, power, though 3x 100W panels seems someone inefficient when the square footage of the roof of a van is limited.
I would hook it up to roughly 400ah worth of sealed batteries (recommendations welcome).
Does the Renogy kit seem reasonable as a starting point? I can always swap out components in the future, but I'd like to get off on the right foot.