A 100 Watt Solar Power System is large enough people who only need to power basic electronics like laptops, cellphones, cameras, and LED lights. In this article you’ll learn how to build a small solar system for your Camper or RV.
You could build a system like this for less than $450, and on clear sunny days, you’ll produce around 42 Amps of green energy. That much energy can easily power personal devices for two people all day and overnight.
Project Components
Solar Array
- 100 Watt Glass Solar Panel (Recommended – Longest Life span)
- 100 Watt Flexible Solar Panel (Install on curved surfaces)
- 100 Watt Foldable Solar Panel (Portable/Non permanent Installations)
- 10 AWG Precrimped Solar Cables
- 50A DC Circuit Breaker (Used as manual disconnect for safety/maintenance)
- 10A MPPT Solar Charge Controller from Victron (Recommended)
- 10A PWM Solar charge Controller from Renogy (Budget)
Batteries
- 50Ah LiFePo4 Battery (Best for vehicle installs – Lightweight)
- 100Ah AGM Battery (Shorter life span/heavier – cheaper upfront cost)
- Battery Disconnect – Large switch for disconnecting the batteries
- Battery Monitor – Optional but highly recommended
Everything Else
- Clamp on Inverter – For powering small 120V appliances
- 10 AWG Wire
- 60A Fuse with fuse holder
- 12 Volt Fuse Panel
- Assorted Blade Fuses
Installation
The battery must be installed in a safe place with good air circulation. Pick a location that also offers protection from shifting loads to prevent battery damage.
Mount your solar charge controller, fuse panel, and the DC Circuit Breaker in a convenient-to-reach location.
It’s practical to mount them to a plywood board like in the picture. Doing it this way allows you to install all of these individual components as one single unit, saving you time and headache…trust me.
Solar Charge Controller and Fuse
Before installing your solar charge controller, check the manufacturer’s instructions on wire sizing and fusing. At the time of this writing, the solar charge controller recommended in this article can be installed safely with a 15A fuse.
For fuse placement, you have two options.
Option 1
Install an inline fuse and connect the solar charge controller to the main positive and negative terminals on the fuse panel.
Option 2
Use one of the built-in fuses on the fuse panel to accomplish the same thing. This is the preferred method, it saves you from buying a separate inline fuse. Remember that option 2 only works for small solar systems as the maximum fuse size per slot is 30A.
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Connect the Battery
Next, you’ll connect your battery/batteries. In general, you need to always make sure the battery is connected before the solar panels. The reason being is that solar panels generate electrical current, and there needs to be a place for that current to go and be stored.
When wiring up your battery, the fuse needs to be placed on the positive cable, as close to the battery as possible. You can install a 60 Amp Fuse in this system.
If you are installing a Shunt/Battery Monitor, now is the time to install it on the negative cable. You might also want to install a battery switch too, this helps you disconnect the battery quickly and safely if you ever need to. You can find more information about battery monitors here.
Connect the Solar Panel
At this point everything should be in it’s place and all connections tight, now you can connect your solar panels and start creating energy.
Any components you wish to use should be wired through the fuse panel with the appropriate sized fuse. Below you’ll find a list of components that should help make your build much smoother.
Looking for an easier option?
A Solar Generator might be exactly what you need. These All-In-One devices require no tools or assembly. Here are a few options that cover small, medium, and large energy requirements.
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