solar question

mike-s wrote:

kerrlakeRoo wrote:
The Yeti instructions warn not to exceed 22 volts on solar charging but give no maximum wattage or amperage.
Whether he is adding other batteries for storage has never been mentioned by him, it has been recommended.
Watching to see how this works out for him may be interesting.

This, from their web site.

Yeti wrote:
Charging port (input, 8mm): 14-22V, up to 10A (160W max)
Power Pole Charging port (input): 14-22V, up to 30A (360W max)

Sounds like a PWM controller to me - if they'd used an MPPT, they would have upped the voltage limit so it could at least handle 2 12 V panels in series.

So, sounds like he's already trying to push 45A into a 30A input (or smaller)? Actually, that many panels does extend the useful day, even if it doesn't add to peak. I assume that the internal controller will current limit itself.

He may be just using using DC part of the Yeti (and he's talking about DC appliances), so after mentioning batteries, when he says "a dedicated inverter for the solar..." he means "solar controller." If you read it that way, it makes a lot more sense.

they could do with better marketing. it has several inputs, the simplest being the proprietary 8mm plug they use for the Goal Zero branded solar panels(seriously overpriced). also, the 8mm severely limits the input. right next to the 8mm is an Anderson power pole, which supports 360w on PWM and 350 on the MPPT, and can be used all at the same time giving 700w charging capacity(impressive for sure for such a small unit). I have it just about maxed out, and want to use it as backup int he future and am building standard RV electric inside. I ran 15 or 16 new circuits, some 12v some 120v and they are just waiting for the converter.