I decided to start my renewable journey in 2025, that journey began by purchasing a small camping battery (1kwh storage) for keeping phones and other small electrical devices topped up, I was also able to keep a small travel fridge running without access to any mains power.
Paired with a 100w portable solar panel, and weekend of very sunny weather, the battery remained fully charged, our food was kept cool and or phones kept charged. Admittedly, my journey didn’t begin with off grid reliance and renewables in mind, it started with convenience, but I very quickly realised that if this battery could support our weekend endeavours, it could probably do a good job of supplementing our home use also, but that would mean a need for more than a 100w solar panel.
After getting back from camping, I spent a few days researching solar panels that were compatible with my battery power station, the battery I have supports a DC input up to 1000w / 20a / 60v.
I found many online retailers charged an additional pallet fee, which in most cases cost more than the panel itself, though I did find a reputable company that did not charge this fee.
I ended up buying a single 515w solar panel, the panel peaks at around 16 amps and 35 volts, just below the capability of my power station.
I could have possibly gone with a couple of lower panels that could have gotten me closer to the 1000w the power station is capable of, however this would have meant taking up more space in my garden that I really couldn’t afford to loose.
