Dougcole
Guru
Hi All,
In the process of installing a Gen 3 Starlink Standard and planning on adding solar panels to our bimini to offset its power draw.
Starlink says the Gen 3 draw is 75 to 100 Watts AC (it draws mroe power than the Gen 2), but some internet testers are seeing more like 55 watts once it is up and running, a little less than that when it is idle. Apparently the 100 watts is only when it is in snow melt mode.
I have three 100 watt Bouge RV "arch" flexible panels on the way, which I am going to run through a Bouge RV 40 Amp "sunflow" MPPT. Our house bank is 660 AH FLA, in good condition, so probably 290 usable AH. The Starlink will be powered by a 1500 watt inverter.
We primarily use the boat in the Bahamas in the summer, so long days, but some cloud cover and rainstorms at times. We plan to have the starlink on for about 8 hours a day when the genset is not running. We won't be on the internet that entire time, but I envision turning it on in the morning and leaving it on until bedtime.
We run the Genset at night to run the Air Conditioner, so I have no thoughts of 300 watts of solar offsetting our entire power needs. I know it won't do that. Some extra juice from solar would be nice, but mainly I just need to offset the Starlink.
I have room for a fourth panel. Do you think I will need it?
Thanks,
Doug
In the process of installing a Gen 3 Starlink Standard and planning on adding solar panels to our bimini to offset its power draw.
Starlink says the Gen 3 draw is 75 to 100 Watts AC (it draws mroe power than the Gen 2), but some internet testers are seeing more like 55 watts once it is up and running, a little less than that when it is idle. Apparently the 100 watts is only when it is in snow melt mode.
I have three 100 watt Bouge RV "arch" flexible panels on the way, which I am going to run through a Bouge RV 40 Amp "sunflow" MPPT. Our house bank is 660 AH FLA, in good condition, so probably 290 usable AH. The Starlink will be powered by a 1500 watt inverter.
We primarily use the boat in the Bahamas in the summer, so long days, but some cloud cover and rainstorms at times. We plan to have the starlink on for about 8 hours a day when the genset is not running. We won't be on the internet that entire time, but I envision turning it on in the morning and leaving it on until bedtime.
We run the Genset at night to run the Air Conditioner, so I have no thoughts of 300 watts of solar offsetting our entire power needs. I know it won't do that. Some extra juice from solar would be nice, but mainly I just need to offset the Starlink.
I have room for a fourth panel. Do you think I will need it?
Thanks,
Doug