Extra Credit 4 - Size a Solar Energy System

Ever dream of living off the grid?  Want to use your RV in the backcountry?  Doing research in Antarctica?  Need internet in the mountains?  Want to drive a solar charged electric car?

1) Choose an application, any application that interests you personally.

2) Figure out how much power (kW) you will need for this application.  

3) Decide how much energy (kWh) you will need.  Consider the total amount of sun you can expect for your application, take into account night and dark/stormy days.

4) Size your solar system, and estimate either the area of the solar panels needed (larger applications) or the cost (smaller applications), or both.  How much solar panel?  How much battery?

5) What do you think?  Is this application in your future?

Reference Material to help you with this project:

Energy Use & Alternative Energy

Batteries & Battery Charging