Step 1: Configure Your Project
Start by entering a project description and selecting your system voltage. 24V is recommended for most camera installations as it balances efficiency with component availability.

Step 2: Add Your Devices
Click "Add Device" to add cameras and equipment. Use the templates for common devices or enter custom wattages. The calculator totals your continuous power load automatically.

Step 3: Review Results
The calculator recommends the optimal number of solar panels, batteries, and MPPT controller size. Connection diagrams show how to wire your panels and batteries.

Step 4: Check the Parts List
The Example Parts List provides component specifications you'll need. Use this as a reference when ordering equipment.

Advanced Options
Click "Advanced Options" to override the automatic panel wattage selection if you have specific panels in stock, or to change the battery size.

Save Your Work
Use the Save button to store projects locally in your browser, or Export to download a JSON file for backup. The PDF button generates a printable report.

The size of solar panel you need depends on your total daily power consumption and the peak sun hours in your location. As a rule of thumb, your solar panel wattage should be able to produce at least 1.25× your daily consumption to account for system losses. Use this calculator to input your devices and it will recommend the appropriate panel size and quantity.

Battery charging requires higher voltage: A "12V" battery system actually charges at 14.2-14.8V, a "24V" system at 28.4-29.6V, and a "48V" system at 56.8-59.2V. Your solar panel's Vmp (voltage at maximum power) must exceed these charging voltages for the MPPT controller to work effectively.

MPPT overhead: MPPT controllers need 5-10V above battery voltage to operate efficiently and perform their voltage conversion.

Heat derating: Solar panels lose approximately 0.4% voltage for every degree Celsius above 25°C. On a hot day (60°C panel temperature), a 36V panel might only produce ~31V. This must be factored into your design.

Recommended panel Vmp minimums:
• 12V system → 18V panels (standard "12V nominal" panels)
• 24V system → 36V panels (standard "24V nominal" panels)
• 48V system → 72V+ (typically 2× 36V panels in series)

This calculator uses these recommended voltages by default. You can override the panel voltage in Advanced Options if you have specific panels with different specifications.

Series connection: Voltage adds up while wattage stays the same. For example, 2× 400W 36V panels in series = 400W @ 72V.

Parallel connection: Wattage adds up while voltage stays the same. For example, 2× 400W 36V panels in parallel = 800W @ 36V.

Series connections are typically used to reach the required input voltage for your charge controller, while parallel connections increase the total power output.

MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking. It's a type of charge controller that optimizes the power output from your solar panels by continuously adjusting the electrical operating point. MPPT controllers are 20-30% more efficient than PWM controllers, especially when panel voltage is significantly higher than battery voltage. For camera systems requiring reliable power, MPPT controllers are strongly recommended.

For most camera projects, 3 days of autonomy is the standard recommendation. This accounts for cloudy weather and reduced solar production. However, you may want to increase this to 5-7 days for critical installations, remote locations where maintenance access is difficult, or regions with extended periods of poor weather. Fewer days (1-2) may be acceptable for easily accessible locations with reliable weather patterns.

Depth of Discharge refers to how much of the battery's capacity is used before recharging. This calculator uses 75% DoD, meaning you use three-quarters of the battery's total capacity. This provides a good balance between usable capacity and battery longevity. LiFePO4 batteries can safely handle up to 80% DoD while maintaining good cycle life, making 75% an optimal choice for most camera installations.

12V systems: Best for small loads under 500W. Simple and compatible with many devices but requires thicker cables for higher currents.

24V systems (recommended): Good balance for most camera projects. Handles 500-2000W loads efficiently with reasonable cable sizes.

48V systems: Best for larger installations over 2000W. Lower current means thinner cables and less power loss, but requires more batteries in series.

Peak sun hours represent the number of hours when solar irradiance averages 1000W/m². This is different from daylight hours. In the US, peak sun hours typically range from 4-6 hours per day on average. Use resources like the NREL Solar Resource Maps or PVWatts Calculator to find accurate data for your specific location. When in doubt, use a conservative estimate (4-5 hours) to ensure adequate system sizing.

LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate): Recommended for most installations. They offer 2000-5000 cycles, lighter weight, better performance in extreme temperatures, and can handle deeper discharge. Higher upfront cost but lower total cost of ownership.

AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat): Good budget option with 500-1000 cycles. Maintenance-free and good for moderate climates. Heavier and less efficient than lithium but more affordable initially.

It's not recommended to mix panels with different specifications. When panels are connected in series, the lowest-performing panel limits the entire string. When connected in parallel, voltage mismatches can cause current imbalances. For optimal performance and longevity, use identical panels from the same manufacturer and production batch. If mixing is unavoidable, use separate MPPT inputs or multiple charge controllers.

Install surge protection devices (SPDs) at multiple points: between solar panels and charge controller, between charge controller and batteries, and on any connected equipment. Use proper grounding for all metal components including panel frames and mounting structures. Consider installing a lightning arrestor for installations in lightning-prone areas. Fuses or circuit breakers should be installed on both the solar input and battery output of your charge controller.