SJ-Chris wrote:
1.5yr Update, Test:
One Question: Is it reasonable to be getting 25-26v from my solar panels? Here is the spec sheet:
Maximum Power: 250w
Open circuit Voltage: 37.6v
Voltage at Pmax: 30.3v
Short Circuit Current: 8.85a
Current at Pmax: 8.27a
Regarding Voltage as seen at my solar charge controller:
The wire run from my panels to my solar charge controller is about 35' and is 10AWG wire. Using an online voltage drop calculator with 35', 10AWG, 30v, and 16amps, it says my voltage drop should be 1.3v (4.4% loss, which seems fine to me). Do you think I am not seeing closer to 28v at my solar charge controller because the sun is not directly overhead? Just curious.
As mentioned in my original post, I only really needed/wanted 200w of solar but ended up putting up 500w (because it was so inexpensive with used panels). I'm not trying to squeeze more charging out of my system as it is overkill for my needs already. I just find it fun to tinker around with it. Solar is fun and addictive!
Happy Camping!
Chris
if we were talking a new system I would expect higher, but seeing as you started with 10 year old panels it seams reasonable, maybe it just wasn't as good of a solar day out side also.. if it is meeting your needs then all is good.
