solar panel and batteries recomendations

[mbrunner]

Hello,
We have a 2014 Ford E150 Sportsmobile and we are looking into purchasing new batteries and portable solar panel. We have a Norcold 3.6 refrigerator, microwave, water pump, water heater and lights that we would use when dry camping. (only the fridge will be on all the time) Does anyone have any personal experience on what portable solar panel worked well and what watts would work the best with this type of a set up? We also need new batteries and we heard that we should have AGM due to gases that other batteries let off. Any recommendations on batteries? Thank you for your time!

[marret]

Congrats.

There is a lot of info in the Electrical and Electronic forum. You could run a couple searches.

AGM is what most use. Various brands.

Some threads...
Solar
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...els-26428.html
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...lar-26453.html
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...els-26429.html

Batteries
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ion-26535.html
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ons-20804.html

[boywonder]

mbrunner: Where are you located in CA?



Yes, AGM batteries are a good choice. Portable solar panels are going to be limited to around 100-150w or so.


You need to increase the solar panel wattage as you increase the capacity of your house battery bank....and the battery amp-hours (AH) are driven by your consumption.

[UsavanLife]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/133568414565

[Twoxentrix]

You can use more than one portable panel at the same time using a “Y” splitter at the end of a cable (cable needs to be hefty enough to accommodate the load and the distance). I use two 120 watt panels at the end of my cable - 100ft long to ensure a reach to the sun.

[ctb]

I think it was you Two that stated you have to park in sun when they are attached to van...a "duh" moment I had and laughed at myself for NEVER thinking of that part...so I have 3 solar panels with one attached to roof. I am now looking for portable too, so we can 'park' in the shade and get our power...thx Marret for the links!