Knowledge Base : Tools : Solar Calculator

Solar Calculator

For help using this calculator please read thought our detailed instructions.

 

  Calculation Type Description Units  
Estimated Watt demand
3 Total Watts Per Hour (DC) DC Amps x 12 Watts
Hours per day
6 Hours Equip is expected to run (24hr) as per application Hrs d-1
Watt-Hours per day
9 Total daily usage Watts x Hours Watt-Hrs d-1  
Amp-hour calculation
10 Total watts Daily requirements Watt-Hrs d-1  
11 Corrected for battery losses Assumes static average loss Watt-Hrs d-1  
12 System voltage DC voltage only Volts
13 Amp-hours per day Watts divided by Volts Amp-Hrs d-1  
Battery bank calculation
14 # of days backup power required Average 24 hour periods days
15 Amp-hour storage Raw capacity you need Amp-Hrs  
16 Depth of discharge Assumes 50% fraction (enter decimal) 0.5
17 Required amp backup Prevents excessive discharge Amp-Hrs  
18 Battery Amp Rating (20 hr) Battery Capacity in Amps fraction
19 Actual # batteries wired in parallel Raw number number  
20 Batteries wired in series Relates to system voltage number  
21 Rounded number of Batteries Always rounded up number  
Solar Panel Array calculation
22 Sun hours per day (Direct only) Be realistic! Hrs
23 Worst-weather multiplier* 1.55 default fraction 1.55
24 Total sun hours per day Assumes average sun Amp-Hrs  
25 Select panel size (Watt rating) Watt hour rating Watts
26 Nominal Panel Voltage Approximate Solar output Volts 16
27 Amps required from solar panels Total daily consumption Amps 15
28 Peak amperage of solar panel Watts divided by Volts Amps  
29 Number of solar panels in parallel Raw Number number  
30 Number of panels in series (12 V) it is 1 for 12v, 2 for 24v, etc number  
31 Rounded number of solar panels Always rounded up number  


Written on January 20, 2012 a 12:27 pm
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3 Responses

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  • I‘m not an expert when it comes to this. Didn‘t even know this was possible. Useful read, appreciate your posting this.

    Back Pain Relief
    January 24, 2012 a 6:25 pm
    Reply

    • what size solar trickle charger would I need for at jeep wrangler. It is the tow vehicle for my class a motorhome

      Mike
      January 30, 2012 a 3:18 pm
      Reply

      • Trickle Chargers generally keep batteries maintained when not in use for prolonged periods of time. For a full sized automotive battery, I would recommend at least a 15 watt panel. Battery MINDer makes the SCC015, a very nice unit that also de-sulfates and restores batteries.

        James
        January 30, 2012 a 3:39 pm
        Reply
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