This one is for Maine Sail but feel free to offer up any suggestions.
I've bought an Isotherm 3.0 cf fridge/freezer, power draw is 3.5 amps at 12 volts. I currently have two Deep cycle 24 series batteries. I plan to switch up to series 27 AGM but not till after I recover from the expense of the fridge & panels.
My question is, how much solar panel power in watts should I reasonably consider to keep me powered and charged for extended offshore use. My lights are all LED and the only other thing I power are the instruments, autohelm and stereo, when parked. I am very frugal with use (and no, I won't be using a toaster or coffee maker...)
Here in Ontario we have several firms manuf. solar panels and the prices have fallen. One of the problems though is that larger panels ie: 185 watts and up are 24 volt (I don't have) and require a step-down controller to bring down to 12 V (which I do). The cost of one 185 -24V watt panel incl. charge controller + shipping for instance is significantly less than two 100 -12V panels. Would 185 be enough? I think so but my math might be wrong, given my current (no pun intended) situation.
As always, Thanks.
Norm
I've bought an Isotherm 3.0 cf fridge/freezer, power draw is 3.5 amps at 12 volts. I currently have two Deep cycle 24 series batteries. I plan to switch up to series 27 AGM but not till after I recover from the expense of the fridge & panels.
My question is, how much solar panel power in watts should I reasonably consider to keep me powered and charged for extended offshore use. My lights are all LED and the only other thing I power are the instruments, autohelm and stereo, when parked. I am very frugal with use (and no, I won't be using a toaster or coffee maker...)
Here in Ontario we have several firms manuf. solar panels and the prices have fallen. One of the problems though is that larger panels ie: 185 watts and up are 24 volt (I don't have) and require a step-down controller to bring down to 12 V (which I do). The cost of one 185 -24V watt panel incl. charge controller + shipping for instance is significantly less than two 100 -12V panels. Would 185 be enough? I think so but my math might be wrong, given my current (no pun intended) situation.
As always, Thanks.
Norm
Last edited: