Questions and Answers for Grape Solar 300-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit

A:  The 300W kit can be connected to two 12V deep cycle batteries.

A:  The comet 40 charge controller (that is included in the 300 Watt Off-Grid kit) could handle five 100 watt panels in a parallel configuration. Don't hesitate to contact Grape Solar at support@grapesolar.com for assistance in sizing components for a 500 Watt system.

A:  You will need a deep cycle battery bank, either 12 or 24V. If you are planning to use AC power you will need an inverter as well.

A:  Yes, Battery and inverter.

A:  Assuming a 120 volt AC unit, it would run continuously at 3600 watts. Assuming ideal mounting conditions and that your panels are in direct sunlight, you could power your AC unit for approximately 15 minutes per day, which is probably insufficient. Don't hesitate to contact Grape Solar at info@grapesolar.com to get assistance in sizing an off-grid kit for your RV.

A:  Inverter sizing depends on the peak wattage being used and not solar input.

A:  The Comet 40 charge controller included in the 300-Watt Off-Grid kit can charge Flooded Lead-Acid, Sealed Lead-Acid, Gel or Lithium deep cycle batteries.

A:  The product dimensions are listed as: Product Depth: 7.75 in Product Height: 3.25 in Product Width: 6.13 in

A:  No, this kit does not come with any inverter. Please disregard any comments saying otherwise.

A:  Yes, it comes with a pure sine inverter.

A:  All of these systems require deep cycle batteries to function. This kit should produce approx. 900 watt-hours per average day (more in summer, less in winter). Compare that to your usage to determine if it is sufficient. To properly size an off-grid system or battery backup system, we would need to know the following: 1. Your estimated daily power usage in watt (we need exact daily watt-hour numbers from customers because many standard appliances and devices have widely variable power consumptions). Energystar’s yearly kWh ratings for fridges and freezers are also helpful to have. 2. Maximum inverter wattage and voltage required – what is the most power, in watts, that the inverter will need to produce, and are you using any 220 volt appliances? 3. Location or zip code of where the panels will be mounted. 4. Months of the year that the system will be needed (winter, summer, year-round, etc.). Please note that battery-based solar requires 2 to 4 times as many panels for winter production.

A:  No, this kit will not work with a pool pump.

A:  It is not currently feasible to run air conditioners, space heaters, grow lights, or pool pumps with off-grid solar. In general, you need 500 watts of panel power per hour of the day that a standard (1500 watt) heat/AC unit (or 1 HP pump ) is operating, in addition to the cost of charge controllers, batteries, cables, and an inverter.