Solar Panels

Man, was a i naive about this subject before ,,,,,, 15W panel??

LOL!!

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

Here is a simple flow chart.

Budget-->Energy Audit-->Battery bank size-->number of watts-->PWM or MPPT.
One rule of thumb is between 60 and 150 watts of panels per 100 amp-hours of storage. The smaller the battery bank the higher the wattage needed (per 100 amp-hours). Here is a link to the rather special spreadsheet which includes an energy audit, that N8GS has created to help size solar battery charging systems!
Solar Spread Sheet N8GS

For a nice explanation of solar, try this link: Golden rules of solar

Hi,

did you get your Kit here??
http://www.lightharvestsolar.com/catalog/item/8768050/9945969.htm

thank you!

As far as pricing;
MPPT will extract more wattage.
24v panels tend to be lower cost per watt (try to pick up as shipping adds quickly on large panels)
MPPT allows panels in series saving the cost and complexity of a combiner box and heavier wire.
MPPT controllers often have more features such as adjustable voltage, absorption time and temperature compensation.

Best to price out both systems and decide how much you really save vs. the features.

Lots of great systems can be assembled with 12v panels and PWM controllers.

smkettner wrote:
I charge 4 golf batteries. Run the microwave, hair drier etc. as needed with the Prosine 1800 inverter. Small 300w inverter to run tv, laptop and charge small items.

Never out of battery power but if I need air conditioning I am looking for hookups.

okay, thank you!

Hi,

Here is a simple flow chart.

Budget-->Energy Audit-->Battery bank size-->number of watts-->PWM or MPPT.
One rule of thumb is between 60 and 150 watts of panels per 100 amp-hours of storage. The smaller the battery bank the higher the wattage needed (per 100 amp-hours). Here is a link to the rather special spreadsheet which includes an energy audit, that N8GS has created to help size solar battery charging systems!
Solar Spread Sheet N8GS

For a nice explanation of solar, try this link: Golden rules of solar

The other thing Ive learned is that the controller is going to last about 10 yrs. Still looking at that aspect. Don't want to pay for top dollar equipment if a less expensive will last just as long. Wouldn't mind hearing some opinions on that in here.

from everything Ive read and checked on 24v panels waste a lot because equipment more expensive and you have to step it down to 12v to charge batteries and power your 12v system. Im getting to do "boondocking solar", including upgrading to a 6 6v battery bank. Looked into 24v for a short time, just seemed to cost more than a 12v system.

1BryNelson wrote:
Do you know the panel size and what room you have on the roof. Are a DIY'er or will you have an installer. I would also say "go slowly". This is an area it's easy to get ripped off in. Also better to do it in stages also, that way you don't spend more than necessary.

I'll have to have someone, most likely my genius neighbor or my land owner, to install, and for sure have enough room on my 35ft for more than 2 panels. Going slow is the only way i know but if i can get more Watts in 1 panel for a reasonable price, the 1st time, makes more sense to me now than not.

So far i'm interested in 'mono-crystalline', 2 panels over 120W and a very powerful controller.

thanks.

I charge 4 golf batteries. Run the microwave, hair drier etc. as needed with the Prosine 1800 inverter. Small 300w inverter to run tv, laptop and charge small items.

Never out of battery power but if I need air conditioning I am looking for hookups.

smkettner wrote:

NaViDa wrote:
I just found this 250W mono for a reasonable price, so now i'm interested in at least 1, if not 2, of these at this point. 250W solar panel Renesola JC250S-24-Bb monocrystalline

That is a 24 volt panel and will need a more expensive MPPT controller such as Rogue MPT-2024 at $275.

For two or more panels you need an even larger controller.

I have three 225w panels in series driving a Morningstar MPPT-60.

Right, i got that from what i read on Amazon today, thank you.

What are you able to charge with your set up?