How many solar panels do I need?

This question is best answered by asking, how much do you use?

By building a load profile that outlines all the power you intend to consume during a day and estimating the duration of each device and its power draw you can build a power profile. A power bill is similar but not to the same level of detail as it only shows a total for the month which you divide by the number of days in that month. That gives you a kWh value. That number is sometimes referred to as the number of units. It's what you are charged for on your power bill. i.e. 500 units for the month at 20 cents per unit (1 kWh) would be $100. 500 units divided by 31 days equals 16.12 units per day. So that's 16kWh, and in New Zealand, the peak sun hours over winter are only 2 hours. So you'd need an 8kW solar array which will produce on a clear day 8kW per hour and with the 2 hours of usable sun energy in a day you'd generate 16kWh of power.

This would generate enough power to offset your consumption, but it's not all at the right time. You use power at night from the grid so you'll be charged for importing power to your house. But during the day while you aren't at home or your power usage is low you'll be exporting to the grid which may result in you receiving a small credit to your account.

You can see how the real way to benefit from solar is to utilise the sun's energy during the day and limit your need for it at night. This is where batteries can help as they store the day's energy for you to use at night.

Which is better Optima or Odyssey

The choice between Optima and Odyssey batteries depends on your specific needs and preferences, as both brands offer high-quality batteries with their own unique features and advantages.

Optima Batteries:

  • Optima batteries are known for their distinctive spiral-wound design or different coloured tops, Yellow, Red & Blue
  • They are designed to deliver a high burst of energy, making them suitable for starting applications and providing strong cranking power.
  • Optima batteries are also spill-proof and maintenance-free AGM design with pure lead.
  • These batteries are known for their reliability and are often used in performance and enthusiast vehicles and are lighter weight than the same sized Odyssey because of the lower capacity (Ah).

Odyssey Batteries:

  • Odyssey batteries are recognized for their robust deep cycle capabilities because of the increased Ah, making them suitable for applications that require continuous and deep discharging, such as RVs, boats, and solar systems.
  • They too are designed to deliver a high burst of energy, making them suitable for starting applications and providing strong cranking power because they are pure lead AGM.
  • Odyssey batteries are known for their long service life and strong performance in demanding conditions.
  • They are versatile and can be used for both starting and deep cycling applications.

The choice between Optima and Odyssey batteries depends on your specific needs. If you require a battery primarily for starting applications in vehicles and prefer a unique spiral-wound design, Optima batteries might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you need a battery that excels in deep cycling and can handle sustained discharging, Odyssey batteries are a strong option. Consider the requirements of your particular application and select the battery that aligns with those needs. Both brands are known for their quality, so you can't go wrong with either choice.

Robust and Reliable with Odyssey Batteries

Odyssey batteries are renowned for their exceptional robustness and reliability. These high-performance batteries are engineered to meet the most demanding power needs, excelling in various applications such as automotive, marine, and industrial equipment. Their design incorporates Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology, ensuring superior vibration resistance, shock tolerance, and long-lasting endurance. Odyssey batteries are built to endure a wide range of environmental conditions and extreme temperatures, making them a trusted choice for off-road enthusiasts and those seeking reliable power sources in challenging scenarios. With impressive deep cycling capabilities and quick recharge times, Odyssey batteries consistently deliver dependable and long-lasting performance, earning their reputation as a top-tier choice in the world of battery technology. Whether you're looking for a reliable source of power for your vehicle or equipment, Odyssey batteries have proven time and again to be a robust and trustworthy choice.