1. What is Car Solar Capacity Calculation?

The Car Solar Capacity calculation determines the battery capacity needed to store energy from solar panels for car applications. It converts solar panel output (watts) over time (hours) to ampere-hours (Ah) at 12 volts.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• Car Solar W — Solar panel wattage (watts)
• h — Hours of operation or sunlight
• 12 V — Standard car battery voltage

Explanation: The equation converts watt-hours to ampere-hours by dividing by the system voltage (12V for most cars).

3. Importance of Solar Capacity Calculation

Details: Proper capacity calculation ensures your solar system can meet your car's energy needs and helps in selecting appropriately sized batteries.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter solar panel wattage in watts and hours of operation. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 12 volts for the calculation?
A: Most car electrical systems operate at 12V, making it the standard reference voltage for these calculations.

Q2: What's a typical solar panel size for cars?
A: Common sizes range from 100W to 300W for car applications, depending on energy needs and available space.

Q3: How many hours should I use in the calculation?
A: Use either the hours of sunlight available or the hours you need the system to operate, depending on your specific needs.

Q4: Does this account for system inefficiencies?
A: No, this is a theoretical calculation. Real-world systems should account for about 20-30% inefficiency in charging/discharging.

Q5: Can I use this for other voltages?
A: For other voltages, simply replace the 12V in the formula with your system voltage (e.g., 24V for some RVs).