First time extended camping with my new panels and I would like to know what others think of their performance. I have two 140 watt panels and a Morningstar sunsaver duo charge controller. Highest amperage has been 12.25 which I think is pretty good. Most days peak is 7-8 amps. Highest voltage has been 14.2 volts, mostly in the mid 13's though. Controller is Programed for 14.8 volts max charge. Most mornings the batteries "rested" voltage is 14.3 to 14.4. 8 gauge wire from panels to charger and short run to bats. I read extensively and believe the install is good. Should I be getting more than 8 amps with full sun under these conditions? Plugged in back home I did see 15.0 volts at one time. Bats are watered, no shade, connections tight. Thanks for the input.

Hi Vach,Welcome to the forums.Try adding a load--such as an inverter. That will show you how much the panels can put out.

I would think those panels have an Isc rating of about 8 amps each.12.25 might be about it in the Winter. Hopefully summer brings 14 to 16 amps.With the sun fairly low have you checked for shade issues when looking for max?

I have added load, made bread today. Volts dropped to under 12 when heating element was on. Back up to 14.4 after load removed. No shade. Like I said I think the 12 amps was good but have averaged 8 since. 50 amp hours generated under fully sunny day about half that under clouds.

Hi,Resting voltage is normally 12.8 at the very most, and shortly after sunrise, the voltage can climb to 14 volts if it is slowly charging.Great system! You will enjoy it, I sure did! I could go through 120 amp hours in one day, and had a 415 watt solar system.Your RV will consume about 35 amp hours just to run the CO, carbon monoxide detectors and the refrigerator. I have a e-meter and measure the amps going into and out of my panels, and could keep great track of them. With a larger solar system, it really does not matter, as long as you consume less than it can make.Have fun camping!Fred.

I'd say your panel output is in the ballpark of acceptable. There are a lot of variables that effect output: sun angle to panel. time of year, atmospheric clarity, etc. Doesn't the Sunsaver Duo monitor have an AH counter? That is the best indication of daily harvest.

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18 Replies

Vach
Explorer
Feb 16, 2015
15 degrees cooler today and peak amps reached almost 11, nearly 20% higher than warmer days. I know temperature makes a difference but didn't think it was this much. Anyone know what the recommended distance between panels and the RV roof clearance should be?
2oldman
Explorer II
Feb 14, 2015
Vach wrote:
Just thought 8 amps typical max was on the low side.
It is low, probably because your panels are not catching rays at 90°. In summer with the sun overhead, or tilted panels now, you should see upwards of 15.
Vach
Explorer
Feb 14, 2015
The charge controller is showing 50 amps hours harvested on a sunny day. Just thought 8 amps typical max was on the low side.
westend
Explorer
Feb 14, 2015
I'd say your panel output is in the ballpark of acceptable. There are a lot of variables that effect output: sun angle to panel. time of year, atmospheric clarity, etc. Doesn't the Sunsaver Duo monitor have an AH counter? That is the best indication of daily harvest.
Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Feb 14, 2015
Hi,

Resting voltage is normally 12.8 at the very most, and shortly after sunrise, the voltage can climb to 14 volts if it is slowly charging.

Great system! You will enjoy it, I sure did! I could go through 120 amp hours in one day, and had a 415 watt solar system.

Your RV will consume about 35 amp hours just to run the CO, carbon monoxide detectors and the refrigerator. I have a e-meter and measure the amps going into and out of my panels, and could keep great track of them. With a larger solar system, it really does not matter, as long as you consume less than it can make.

Have fun camping!

Fred.
Vach
Explorer
Feb 13, 2015
I have added load, made bread today. Volts dropped to under 12 when heating element was on. Back up to 14.4 after load removed. No shade. Like I said I think the 12 amps was good but have averaged 8 since. 50 amp hours generated under fully sunny day about half that under clouds.
time2roll
Nomad
Feb 13, 2015
I would think those panels have an Isc rating of about 8 amps each.
12.25 might be about it in the Winter. Hopefully summer brings 14 to 16 amps.

With the sun fairly low have you checked for shade issues when looking for max?
pianotuna
Nomad III
Feb 13, 2015
Hi Vach,

Welcome to the forums.

Try adding a load--such as an inverter. That will show you how much the panels can put out.

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