How many solar panels would it take to run a microwave, apt.sized frig, a desk top computer, and maybe a TV ?

Question

to be mounted in a full size van for camping and traveling across the country.

Answer 1

Different solar panels have different wattage ratings.

Add together the wattage requirements of your devices, then find an appropriate panel.

If you run a fridge off a solar panel, it will only stay cool when the panel is in the sunlight and you would need a battery system to keep it running otherwise.

Answer 2

I run a 32 inch older tv, a desk top computer, computer network, a light, a 5000 btu A/C unit, a small 10" tv in the dinning room from 800 watts of solar modules. It has been running like this for the last week because we have had good sunny days. When it rains I normally powe by the grid because my system is a solar electric backup system. I just turn off the main breaker and the sytem thinks the utility has went down and will switch us to solar. It can run our double door with ice maker in the door while running the 5000 BTU A/C unit. We have used the micro wave while useing the A/C unit and the TV on with no problems.

Here is the system how to information http://www.oynot.com/off-grid-solar.html

Here is the link to the write up on it http://www.oynot.com/home_solar_project.html

Answer 3

I did a brief study and found that solar panels for sale currently are making about 1 watt for every 11.5 square inches.
so add up the power you need and multiply that number by 11.5 to get the area of panels needed. divide by 144 to get the area in square feet.