Solar Panel - what size for 13' Casita?

[Julianne]

Greetings,

We have just purchased a 1997 Casita Patriot. It is wired for solar but the previous owner retained his panels. I read the post by 'Jim' on this site about solar and have some question about the appropriate size panel we'll need to keep our battery charged.

Jim suggests a 75 amp. One of the outdoor shops here in town is suggesting a 5 amp.

What are you using or do you suggest?

Thanks!

Julianne
Bend, OR

[kevin61]

Hi there,

Check out this link for information

http://www.amsolar.com/

You will probably need to go with the 75 amp or higher. I would stay away from the 5 amp.

[Byron Kinnaman]

Ahh, I think you're confusing Amps and Watts.
Actually somewhere between 75 Watts and 5 Watts is a pretty good choice for most of us. Most solar panels are rated in Watts.

If you check the left you'll see under Tutorials, Solar. That's a good place to start. If you follow the calculations there you'll get an idea of what you'll need.

You might not even need a solar panel if don't stay in one place for more than 3 or 4 days. Your tow vehicle should recharge the battery between camping locations.

FYI
A 75 Amp solar panel would be 75 Amps x 17.5 Volts = 1,312.5 Watts. or 1.3 Kilowatt.