Off Grid Solar – Why a 100W panel is not enough for me

Off Grid Solar – Why a 100W panel is not enough for me

My solar power system is in a state of constant change as I learn more and as I get more money to expand it. This is just a quick look at the state of my system after I’ve been away for close to two weeks. It’s interesting to note that of the 4.9kWh usage for the two weeks that the clock/radio used about 1.8kWh (5.8W constant load/.140kWh/day). This means that the fridge and the tankless water heater (it’s propane but has an electrical connection for anti-freeze protection) used .238kWh per day. So for the 13 day test, the appliances used 0.377kWh, relying on a 100W panel to keep the batteries charged. Doable on fine days, but after a week of rain, the batteries were showing it.

So watch out for those ghost loads, because as this shows, they sure do add up. Right now I’ve got the fridge and the tankless water heater running for another 13 day test.

Thanks for watching and please click on the like button and subscribe to my channel if you haven’t already.

Music: Born Barnstormers by Brian Boyko. The full track is available at freepd.com. This music is in the public domain and is free to use.