As you know from previous posts, I just love the details!! Especially electrical details!!
One thing that people occasionally point out is that I have never posted an energy budget for Missy.
It’s true… sadly.
What’s an energy budget? Read this. The one I did for my Newmar Dutch Star is here.
The problem has been establishing “the norm.” I don’t seem to have one. So, you can see why the budget below has all sorts of totals. Likely – worst possible – summer – winter… etc.
I also have both a 12 volt system and a 24 volt system. So, that has to be factored in.
Adding to the confusion, there are some things that I run only when I have an excess of power. Meaning, the battery bank is fully topped off, the sun is shining, and the solar panels are just dying to have something to do. When that happens, I’ll flick on the water heater (for example). So, that power isn’t ‘budgeted’ – it’s just available so I put it to use.
I’ve probably said it a dozen times but having a Kill-A-Watt meter is valuable – maybe essential – for this type of work. Get one and use use it on a variety of things. You will quickly get a feel for how it works and see some patterns in energy usage.
Here it is – I hope it is useful to someone. It will never be finished – I could probably revise it every day.
I suppose some caveats are worth mentioning….
- I often go months without satellite television. Depends on a bunch of factors.
- I don’t use the NuWave cooktop all that often. During the summer, the BBQ gets some use. A lot happens in the microwave. Some happens in a George Foreman/Panini Grill type thing. Those are often ran when I have an excess of solar power.
- When I am in ‘conservation’ mode, there are a few things that just don’t get used. The television, the extra monitor for my laptop, etc.
Leave a Reply