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PennyPA's avatar
PennyPA
Explorer
May 11, 2014

How much power do I have...if any?

This is the tag that's on the solar panels (2) on my roof. Are they worth any thing ... not to sell but to use if we want to try boondocking once.

They are UNI-SOLAR panels

Electrical Ratings at 1000 W/m, AM1.5, Cell Temp. 25'C
Max Power: 64W
Current Max Power 3.88A
Voltage Max Power 16.5V
Short Circuit Current 4.8A
Open Circuit Voltage 23.8V

Model Type US-64
Max System Voltage 600V
Series Fuse: 8A
Min. Blocking/Bypass Diode 8A
Field Wiring: Copper Only
10-18 AWG

Sorry for posting all the numbers but I don't know how to post an actual picture of the tag.

PennyPA
Seeking Advice

20 Replies

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  • PennyPA's avatar
    PennyPA
    Explorer
    May 11, 2014
    Okay, so if I change lights to LED (should do that anyway) and don't use water pump and switch fridge to gas, we should be able to get one night of boondocking in? We've never done it but would love to try it....if even just once. How much does a computer use? So how many amps do I have....3.88 x 2 panels? That's only 7 amps!
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 11, 2014
    Hi Penny,

    The Mark is the charge controller.

    The freedom jazz is some sort of inverter. (i.e. will take 12 volts dc and output 120 volts acfreedom jazz)

    PennyPA wrote:
    Specialty Concepts, Inc - Mark PV Controller. Is that what you meant?

    Also a Freedom Jazz on/off thing below that and I don't know what that's for.
  • TOMMY47's avatar
    TOMMY47
    Explorer
    May 11, 2014
    Piano--Have 100w for spare 90ah battery with inverter. Will probably get another 100w for keeping house battery up while without electricity and not on the road.
    Plan to mount both on roof.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 11, 2014
    PennyPA wrote:
    So really, with the 2 panels and the 2 batteries, it's not really good enough for even overnight boondocking?
    Oh sure it is. Again though, it depends on your use.

    2 batteries alone would be good for a few days, with water pump, lights and maybe some TV. An inverter tends to suck more power.. don't know if you have one.

    In colder weather you may be running your furnace, which will also be a hit on the batteries.
  • PennyPA's avatar
    PennyPA
    Explorer
    May 11, 2014
    Specialty Concepts, Inc - Mark PV Controller. Is that what you meant?

    Also a Freedom Jazz on/off thing below that and I don't know what that's for.

    So really, with the 2 panels and the 2 batteries, it's not really good enough for even overnight boondocking?
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 11, 2014
    128w isn't a whole lot.. depends on your usage whether they'll do much for you.
  • TOMMY47's avatar
    TOMMY47
    Explorer
    May 11, 2014
    pianotuna--What controller do you recommend? Had a cheap one last year that crapped out real fast. Got a better one to replace it--can't remember brand.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 11, 2014
    Hi Penny,

    I have four of those panels. They are excellent in low light conditions.

    Probably solar harvest in the summer months is 50 amp-hours per day.

    128 watts will help extend times between generator runs--and will cover all parasitic loads when the sun is shining on them.

    They will also "top off" the house batteries between trips so you will be starting out with them at 100% state of charge.

    Do you know what charge controller you have?

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