solar charger power needed?

[Kicker]

I'm trying to figure out what kind of solar power I should buy that will recharge my battery. I will be using cabin lights, galley lights, fantastic fan and sometimes I will be watching DVD's on my laptop.(I know this will probably take up a lot of juice) Any recommendations?

[mikeschn]

You'll need to run your numbers through a solar calculator...

Then once you know that, you can pick the correct solar panel, charge controller and battery(ies).

This question comes up often enough I think I'll get some information together and post it on a page...

Meanwhile Steve T. has a lot of what you are looking for right here...

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... 280#316280

Mike...

[SlyTerry]

For the past four years we have been using a 15 watt 2 amp panel to charge our battery during the day....If we get a good sunny day it will allow about four hours of laptop or TV viewing before the voltage drops too low to continue. We put our panel on a camping chair and follow the sun around... Even when the laptop wont function any more, the lighting will last another week because they arer LED's and can work until we are down to about 8 volts...In the four years we have be teardropping we have never been on the grid and in previous years we have lived in our for about 8 weeks every season. Do get the recommended voltage controller. Hope this give you a base to start with..