Solar connectivity

Thanks for the replies.
Don't want to do much just want to run maybe 1 or 2 fluro globes(14watt each) & recharge phone batteries , also charging a laptop would be good.. I may also add a 12v fridge for camping further down the track 35l waeco or similar.

Mainly want to do this as a learning exercise , if turns out good I'll add extra batteries & panels at a later stage..

Are you aiming in the longer term for a domestic setup or a camping one? Either way you may find some useful ideas in our article Electricity for Camping.

A few thoughts -

Lighting - LEDs or flourescents are probably the most efficient but suggest have a look at 12V dichroic halogens (5W, 10W, 20W) too. Not as efficient, but far better quality light.

Recharging batteries - 12V chargers are available for most small batteries and are a much more efficient way of charging them than using an inverter. Cheap inverters are not always suitable for running the 240V chargers.

Laptop charging - strongly recommend getting a 12V charger ( < $50 at Jaycar, Dick Smith, etc) rather than using an inverter to power the 240V one. It can be done using an inverter but it would be prudent to use only a sine wave one, which will be far more expensive than the low voltage charger.

Fridge - In our camping rig, the fridge (39 litre Waeco) accounts for 2/3 or more of electricity consumption. See the above article for details.

120W of solar capacity and a 100 Ah battery - good sizing for the needs you've outlined, maybe a bit small for a comprehensive camping rig. As Mandrake says, it would be better if the controller was at the battery, rather than the panel, but for now it should work ok with it at the panel.

Suggest read the blog and come back with some more specific questions.

HTH

John

Wow thanks John, this is a great read & I can't think of anything else to ask !!

Even answered something I was also wondering, if the output from an inverter was as lethal as a standard 240 domestic outlet :)