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time2roll's avatar
time2roll
Nomad
Feb 26, 2012

675w Solar Installed w/Pictures

Photobucket no longer allows a link but the RV.net link through Imgur works great


Some wanted to see these bad boys once completed so here you go.

3x Phono Solar 225w panels. These are 24v panel wired in series. Just a simple strain relief to send the power down. No combiner box or extra connections.



Picture of the rack mount system. No provision was made to tilt the panels.



Here is the Morningstar MPPT 60 that converts the ~120vdc from the panels to the 12v needed to charge the battery. To the right is a high voltage switch to cut power from the panels. Inside the box are some Edison base 10a fuses. This switch is not DC rated and is in process to be replaced. Probably with Schneider H221N switch.



Everyone seems to like a battery picture.



And for all you techies, a pic of my battery monitor.



Any comments or red flags to address please let me know.
Primary equipment was just under $1,500 Probably $250 more to complete the install.

Panels, controller and wire bought here: www.solarblvd.com
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Feb 26, 2012
    That ought to work! :)

    -The wires might be too loose in the wind when driving? Suggest at least secure to bottom of a/c to tighen them up?

    -It is good the panels are slightly tilted so rain will drain off. My panel instructions say to have at least 5 degrees for that, so you don't get damage from long periods of standing water on them.

    -I bet that "monitor's" voltage drops a bunch more than the real battery voltage when you have something plugged into that 12v socket :)
  • sonicsix's avatar
    sonicsix
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2012
    A little dab of Dicor in a couple spots will secure those wires without making more holes. Overall, the system looks good... lots of watts for just 4 batteries. They could go from 50% to 100% in an hour - LOL.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Feb 26, 2012
    lovely, tape the wires with Eternabond, or use some dicor , just so they don't flop in the wind
  • shooted's avatar
    shooted
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2012
    Hi smkettner,
    Is the battery box vented? It looks open to the compartment with the electronics and the big propane bottle. Maybe they are AGM? Your install looks great!
  • KJINTF's avatar
    KJINTF
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2012
    smkettner

    As mentioned by others the wires could use something to hold them to the roof.
    Might even consider a few drops of silicon

    Why no Ethernet or RS232 Serial data cable from that wonderful MS TS MPPT-60 controller? What about the voltage sense and temperature sense lines? Consider an upgrade, as in change the crude dip switch setting configuration to something proper, as in a computer interface with MSVIEW. Morningstar supplies upgrade firmware and loads of configuration possibilities all for free. That MPPT 60 might be the best of the best available today why not take full advantage of its capabilities?

    Enjoy your new system

    Ken
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Feb 26, 2012
    shooted wrote:
    Hi smkettner,
    Is the battery box vented? It looks open to the compartment with the electronics and the big propane bottle. Maybe they are AGM? Your install looks great!


    The oem vent tube is wedged in at the top right of the pic. Originally it went to the group 24 battery box. Compartment is not near sealed and actually has a big gap at the top and various cut out holes in the bottom. Those are 6 year old Costco GC2, no agm.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Feb 26, 2012
    Hi smk,

    It is a nice clean install.

    It may be good to have more of an angle on the panels to allow them to drain off any moisture from rain. I believe 5% is the recommended minimum from level.

    I don't understand the wiring on the battery bank as it does not appear to be balanced--at least to my tired eyes.

    Is there a temperature sensor on the battery bank somewhere?

    I'll be eager to hear about charging results.

    The one thing I'm sure of is you will wonder why you didn't go solar sooner!
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Feb 26, 2012
    KJINTF, I do not plan to drag the data cable indoors. I intend to use only the monitor shown :)

    Yes I have the temp sensor but with mild temps it is not on yet. Should have it on before summer. The strain relief for the ground wire has a second hole where the wire will come through.

    I have strong doubts I need the sense wires since it is installed so close. If it is off by .1v it will not be an issue.

    I do need to change the charge settings. I will temporarily attach the cat-5 and once set forget about it.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Feb 26, 2012
    piano, I knew you would catch that :w

    No the battery connections are not balanced. That is where the premade 4/0 wire landed. I don't intend to replace the cables to balance it. There might be a way to move the connections around but it is fine until these batteries get replaced. They have 6 years on them as is.

    What I really should have done is moved the propane to the right and batteries to the left. Again, maybe when the batteries come out.

    I don't plan to run the batteries down to test but as charged it took less than a minute to go 12.7 to 14.6v in the noon sun.

    The whole thing might be more hobby than necessity. Reminds me I need to switch off the converter as it should no longer be needed.

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