Minimum solar power for a small cabin, motor home, boat, or weekend retreat. A very conserving person can start with 60 – 125 watts of solar to power a few 12V lights and stereo. Closer to 250 watts of solar allows a lot more lighting, a 12V TV, 12V water pressure system and a small modified wave inverter for some power tools and non-sensitive electronics. Northern winters will require backup charging with a generator. One or two pairs of 6V deep cycle golf cart batteries make a 12V set.

Solar Panels
60-300 Watts – Using smaller 60W to 100W, 12V module(s)

Mount/Racking
Roof, Ground, or Pole Mount

Charge Controller
12-35 Amp PWM Controller

Inverter/Charger
None or a mid-range inverter like the Samlex 1200W 12V EVO-F SineWave Inverter

Hardware
QO DC Breaker box or MidNite Inverter disconnect, solar and inverter fuses and connecting wires, as needed

Meters
Trimetric Battery Meter, optional but recommended

Batteries
Up to 6 Trojan T-105s or 1-2 Eclipse Lithium 12V-100ah batteries and cables

Recommended Generator
Honda EU3000 

Approximate cost of a system this size is $1,200 – $4,800 (not including generator).

Backwoods Solar is Here to Help

Your home solar electric system is an important decision and something you will appreciate for years to come. Contact Backwoods Solar if you have any questions or need assistance in determining what parts to get and how they all work together.