Large solar panels

This was my first stab at solar and I did considered large panels at first but after mocking it up with cardboard I decided on 12 volt 58" x 26" panels end to end on the curb side. Bigger panels were cheaper per watt but in the end I dont think I could have gotten as many amps up there as I can now. Or I may have gotten more but not had as easy access. I'm considering a residential frig but haven't researched it enough yet so I may add another string on the street side with pretty clear access down the center. There is enough room to step between the panels and ac or vents. No stepping over anything and I'm not walking near the edge.



While out west last winter with only 520 watts I had to tilt so small or large panel they would need to be tilted. When the wind was blowing dirt so thick that we couldn't see a half mile away and the rig was rocking I would have been worried about a big panel. I dont want to tilt or even go up there so I left them up for 2 1/2 months.

I run a 250 W 24 volt panel and love it. It was 5x3 ft but it fit well on the roof. I run an MPPT charge controller and it works well. I have seen 12 amps out of it but it's capable of 17. I don't tilt so I don't expect more than 12 amps. It's simply a case of space. If you can fit the bit one, do it. If not, go with smaller ones to fit to your roof.

Ryan

See signature. Would not change a thing. Prices are even lower today.

I'm going to do a residential as soon as my solar & battery bank is done. I'm not liking my dometic. I'm looking at doing 3 320w panels.

smkettner wrote:
See signature. Would not change a thing. Prices are even lower today.

I like the setup. I'm also planning on using the same controller.

2 x 315w and I would do the same again.

I run 2 300 watts 40 Vdc panels
2, 180 watts 40 Vdc panels
MPPT Controller
Max PV Array Current out 27 Amps - 8 Awg - to Controller
Max Current MPPT Battery 74 Amps - 4 Awg - to Battery

Howdy Firelime, I'm running two residential panels of about 60 volts (Sunpower E20-327) and a Morningstar TS-MPPT-45 charge controller. All is holding up very well and I love the performance. Link to the details in my signature. I would not change a thing - except maybe a 60 amp charge controller and one more panel! :-)

Just finished mine 2 255w 37.9 Voc. See Signature for the rest paid $300 for the 2 panels. The one draw back is they are big so you need the space. Now I am working on the inverter.

I just bought two 320 watt 24 panels panels at solar blvd for 109.00 each have not installed them yet. I am going to put one on the toy hauler and one on the motor home. They are big though can not wait to put them up knee replacement slowing me down on that at 8 weeks not ready to get on the roof.