Newbie needs help with a new system design

I inherited a old Class B RV that included parts to put together a small solar power system for off line power augmentation. There are three BP350 50watt panels, a Morningstar Sunsaver-10 and a Morningstar Sunsaver-5. That's it - no plans, no wire, no connectors.
Right now I do not want to do a roof mount, but rather have a ground system that I can move around and plug in. I think I want something I can use to charge the "house" battery, the "car" battery, and maybe the trolling motor battery on occasion. My thought was to use a couple of 20amp cigarette plugs for the "in vehicle" connections, and maybe simple clips for the trolling motor
I am looking for help with everything from wire size and length, fuse/ breakers needed, and connectors to make it all simple to put together. I think I know that the controller should be close to the battery end of the wire. The panels each have a diode in the connection box, not sure why. I am comfortable wiring in the vehicle with a diagram but my 12V integrated RV system design knowledge is somewhat limited
Thanks
Stephen
Right now I do not want to do a roof mount, but rather have a ground system that I can move around and plug in. I think I want something I can use to charge the "house" battery, the "car" battery, and maybe the trolling motor battery on occasion. My thought was to use a couple of 20amp cigarette plugs for the "in vehicle" connections, and maybe simple clips for the trolling motor
I am looking for help with everything from wire size and length, fuse/ breakers needed, and connectors to make it all simple to put together. I think I know that the controller should be close to the battery end of the wire. The panels each have a diode in the connection box, not sure why. I am comfortable wiring in the vehicle with a diagram but my 12V integrated RV system design knowledge is somewhat limited
Thanks
Stephen
Comments
- 150 Watt array * 0.77 panel+controller derating * 1/17.5 volt Vmp = 6.6 Amps @ 12 volts from array (for PWM charge controller)
- 6.6 amps * 1/0.05 rate of charge = 132 AH @ 12 volt max suggested battery for off grid usage
- 6.6 amps * 1/0.10 rate of charge = 66 AH @ 12 volt "nominal" battery for full time off grid
- 6.6 amps * 1/0.13 rate of charge = 77 AH @ 12 volt "suggested minimum" battery for off grid
How much energy you can harvest depends on where you are located and the tilt of your panels. For example Washington DC, south facing array, tilted to face noon time sun (more vertical in winter, flatter in summer):Washington
Measured in kWh/m2/day onto a solar panel where the angle is adjusted each month to get optimum sunlight.Average Solar Insolation figures
Washington
Measured in kWh/m2/day onto a horizontal surface:Average Solar Insolation figures
- 150 Watts array * 0.61 panel+controller derating * 4.5 hours of sun per day = 412 Watt*Hours per day
- 412 Watt*hours per day * 1/12 volts = 34 AH @ 12 hours per average summer day
You should plan on using about 1/4 to 1/2 of your battery's storage capacity per day: