Solar Boffins
Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 08, 2006 at 16:00
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phillowe
Hi Again,
Would anybody be qable to tell me what wattage solar panel I would need to add some extra running time to my fridge?
I have a Rav 4 with the satndard batery and can usually run the fridge for a day before I flatten the battery. I would like to be able to up this to 2 days...is this something I could do with a solar battery charger or should I look at fitting a larger battery??
I I go the way of the larger battery I can fit an N70 size in without any mods to the car.....any recomendations on a battery to suit and supplier/cost?
Thanks Again
Reply By: Notso - Tuesday, Aug 08, 2006 at 16:17
Tuesday, Aug 08, 2006 at 16:17
Those little solar chargers only put out about 5 watts or so and would make little difference to the duration of your battery,
If you want to do it right calculate how many AMPS per day the fridge is using and then look at getting a panel that will either cover that useage or at least replace a good part of the amps used. You are probably looking at a minimum of 60 watts or so.
AnswerID:
187868
Reply By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Tuesday, Aug 08, 2006 at 18:53
Tuesday, Aug 08, 2006 at 18:53
Hi Phil
You need a Power Pack with a 100 amp hour AGM to get 2 days without worries and no need for solar.
Our recommended Bi-fold for fridges is 100W and the poor Rav will be overloaded with the fridge and solar gear.
Best to go for a 'Flyer' Power Pack.
Regards Derek.
AnswerID:
187907
Reply By: snailbait (Blue mntns) - Tuesday, Aug 08, 2006 at 20:32
Tuesday, Aug 08, 2006 at 20:32
phillowe
you would not be able to aford the solar pannel
snailbait
AnswerID:
187944
Reply By: Mungo - Wednesday, Aug 09, 2006 at 09:02
Wednesday, Aug 09, 2006 at 09:02
power
mine with an 80w panel $600 and regulator $55 battery 100ah deep cycle battery $120
you dont say what size fridge you have. Our fridge is a 35 litre Waeco. very happy with the setup and power the fluoro light from battery
AnswerID:
188052
Follow Up By: phillowe - Wednesday, Aug 09, 2006 at 09:41
Wednesday, Aug 09, 2006 at 09:41
Hi Mungo,
I have a CF-50, so I may need to go slightly bigger...but this gives me a good guide.
Thanks
Phil
FollowupID:
445288
Reply By: Mainey (WA) - Wednesday, Aug 09, 2006 at 13:50
Wednesday, Aug 09, 2006 at 13:50
First you NEED a decent battery to run the fridge without worrying about how you are going to have to recharge it......
Get a sealed 120 a/h AGM Deep Cycle aux battery that is the exact same physical size as a usual N70 cranking battery, 318 cm wide from memory.
You will then have some days of use without recharge problems.
Available in
Perth, about $240, you will need a battery isolator also if you use it as an inderpendant second battery.
(my 'starter' battery is a Delkor DC27 Deep Cycle battery)
AnswerID:
188133
Follow Up By: phillowe - Wednesday, Aug 09, 2006 at 13:55
Wednesday, Aug 09, 2006 at 13:55
Hi Mainey,
I do not have room in the RAV to put a second battery, do you know if there is a large capacity deep cycle that I can use for cranking that will fit the N70 size?
Phil
FollowupID:
445360
Follow Up By: Mainey (WA) - Wednesday, Aug 09, 2006 at 14:12
Wednesday, Aug 09, 2006 at 14:12
I use a delkor deep Cycle battery as a starter battery, but I have two x 120a/h AGM's as my aux battery system, so I would sugest you talk to a battery
shop where you live about finding a Deep Cycle that will fit the space, my Aux 120a/h AGM's are same size as N70
FollowupID:
445367