Reddit reviews Victron Energy Battery Monitor, BMV-700

I think that 2 100 watt panels and a MPPT charge controller that has temperature compensation is a good start. I recommend MPPT as it means that you can add on more panels in series if you decide you want more power.

that will use 15-18 amps on the controller, so 30 amp or 40 amp will work. the 40 amp will give you more options for expansion.

I generally recommend starting modestly, but making sure you have a current monitoring shunt like this one:

https://www.amazon.ca/Voltmeter-Ammeter-Voltage-Current-Motorhome/dp/B07FGFFHC6/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=shunt&qid=1572507111&sr=8-11

or this one, if you can spend a couple extra bucks:

https://www.amazon.ca/Victron-BAM010700000-BMV-700-Battery-Monitor/dp/B01BVQR0V8/ref=sr_1_9?crid=ZBWAN561Q25B&keywords=victron+battery+monitor&qid=1572507173&sprefix=victron+ba%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-9

if you start with a small system and monitor it you can start to ask and answer questions like:

Do my batteries fully charge during the day?

Do my batteries last the night?

Can i survive a cloudy day?

What devices are really expensive to run?

How can i modify my behavior to draw less power?

paperwork and measuring are a good start and will give you a good idea, but if you plan for a small system you can start to monitor the real world performance of it all and expand the system in the right area for your needs.

final note, you say you currently have batteries. make sure they aren't car batteries, and are designed for deep cycle use... otherwise they will pooch out very quickly.

Yes. You can pick up a monitor, that you "ought" to have anyway and just mount it near the gaming center.

I use a Victron Energy Battery Monitor, BMV-700, but they're are bunches out there that do about the same thing.

I have mine mounted a ways away from the battery bank. It comes with a long cable just for this reason.