What can you run on a 100W Solar Panel?

What can you run on a single 100W Solar Panel?
Mercedes Sprinter Campervan Conversion.

Working backwards from a single 100W monocrystalline solar panel we work out how much power that will generate during a single day to see what devices we will be able to use in our van.
For our example this worked out to be 231Wh of power.

We go on to size the correct AGM deep cycle leisure battery to go with the 100W Solar Panel and arrive at a single 90Ah battery.

To select a suitable charge controller you simply take the rated output of the panel and divide by the nominal voltage of the battery. So 100W / 12V = 8.33 Amps. Therefore a 10A solar charge controller will do the job and will typically have a power range up to 130W for 12V system.

I have designed a solar panel mounting system that allows me to tilt the panel at different angles to match the position of the sun.
Sprinter Campervan solar tracking roof mount system.

If you are interested in purchasing these items I have placed some search links below:-
100W Monocrystalline Solar Panel -

Disclosure - As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase using the above affiliate link. Thank you for supporting our channel.

If you would like to purchase one of my T-shirts to support the channel and help raise funds for future videos please go to -

Thank you very much for watching. #gregvirgoe #vanlife #tinyhome

0:00 What Devices
1:44 Daily Sunshine
2:37 System Losses Dirty Solar Panels
4:33 Battery Sizing
7:21 Panel Tilt Angle

[GregVirgoe]

To select a suitable charge controller you simply take the rated output of the panel and divide by the nominal voltage of the battery. So 100W / 12V = 8.33 Amps. Therefore a 10A solar charge controller will do the job and will typically have a power range up to 130W for 12V system.

[fvrrljr]

Certified Photovoltaic / Solar Thermal Technician here. i loved my classes back in the day. wish this is what they should've started instead of months into it. this tutorial cuts thru the chase, goes straight to the jugular. well done i Like, OLE'!

[Lsarsozo]

What I love about your videos is that you respect your audience's intellectual abilities. Your logical, clear descriptions are excellent yet not patronizing nor "dumbed down." Thank you.

[Stecoleman]

After deciding to install solar on my van i knew the only persons videos i could trust was Gregs, and of course he never fails to deliver. I have oversized everything 4x for longer off grid/no solar. A lot of things i didnt think about until i watched this video. You should seriously consider creating an in person paid course for this Greg, you are one hell of a teacher. Thanks again for everything.

[sandh]

Just came across this video by accident while struggling to get to sleep.
I can't say for sure but I think I dozed off into a coma after about 56 seconds of viewing and woke up 7 months, 1 week, 3 days and 4 hours later.( which is now ).
Thank you for the vid. There comes a time when one can tolerate so much snooker repeats to get some sleep.
Thanks to you I have now reduced my intake of medication and am feeling much better

[aleksandarlukic]

This video was amazing. You have a huge talent for teaching and explaining complex stuff in a very simple and logical way. Thank you very much!

[chrisw.]

Extremely well done, easy to understand and no fluff at all. Great job, thank you Greg! It is people like you who make YouTube a better place!

[DIY-ryso]

I am a newbie to solar panels. I've just started experimenting with a 20watt panel and there are so much useless information on the internet except for this video.
Thanks for your time making this video. This is really a good video to watch and it is easy to understand as well. 🙏🏼👌🏼

[jcqrdw]

Wow, so clear in his explanation, illustration, voice, speed. Love his style.

[kquitberg]

Such a clear explanation. I’ve really enjoyed your van build series. My dad was a mechanical engineer. He was meticulous like you are. He would have appreciated you!

[wmluna]

I actually understood this without my brain stopping and my eyes rolling back into my head (and I've watched a number of videos thus far). Thank you!!

[kjhaz]

Clear and concise without annoying music - it doesn't get any better! Thanks. I've subscribed.

[Jin-Ro]

Channel must be broken. No 30 second heavy metal intro, followed by a Skillshare promo.

[george]

We're building our van this year and your videos are now the main source of information. Thank you.

[thetravellingcarpenter]

I love watching your videos, it reminds me of watching 'open university' on BBC2 at 3am in the morning in the 1970's
Nice, clear and concise explanations!

[justsayingthis]

171 dislikes? I found it very informative, clear and concise.

[simon]

As an engineer and a maker I have to say your videos are fantastic. Your attention to detail is becoming a lost art. I had a thought about your panel tilt system. Use gas struts with adjustable pre marked stay straps, it would save a lot of roof climbing and time. Just park, pull the pin and watch as they glide into place!

[edged]

I enjoy your engineering approach to the van build. So many other van build videos seem to consist of large amounts of hand waving and cheesy music.

[nathanmoor]

Greg, love your videos, I am a heating/electrical engineer and think you do a excellent job in giving detailed information on all of your topics.

[geordiekidd]

This technical aspect is lost on many. Excellent information Greg. Thanks!