Advice on deep cycle setup?
Hello, I have a Safari van that I've converted into a camper. I replaced the starting battery with a Duracell Ultra Dual Purpose (Starting/Cycling) Battery that cost $105 (got it at batteries ...
Forum Discussion
JohnnyGood;
Now that we have explored MPPT v.s. PWM, I would like to return to what I consider a key advantage of MPPT which I identified a while back in this topic:
Maybe I should have said '$/Isc'.
Now here is another suggestion:
SunSpark 255 Watt 24V Volt 60 Cell Solar Panel Polycrystalline UL Listed Made in USA!.
This panels $/Isc is $135/8.92Isc = $15.13/Isc. In contrast, the 180W panel is more expensive at $179/9.75Isc = 18.36/Isc.
I had a Safari. The 255W is 65x39" and it will fit.
You say "How can I use that 24V panel with my 12V battery?".
Easy. You could use the $60 40A Grape Solar PWM controller(GSP). The reason this works is that the GSP has a Voc of 55 Volts which 125% or more greater than the 38Voc of the panel. The GSP will use the 8.92Isc as charge Amps.
Here is the fun part. If, in the future, you want to very nearly double the charge Amps, you then replace the GSP with an MPPT controller. You might want to start pricing MPPT controllers.
HTH;
John
Now that we have explored MPPT v.s. PWM, I would like to return to what I consider a key advantage of MPPT which I identified a while back in this topic:
John wrote:
3. MPPT simplifies panel selection because it allows you to focus on fitting panel(s). You might want to look at 24V panels on solarblvd.com. You will be amazed at the $/W difference from 12V panels. This is where MPPT shines.
Maybe I should have said '$/Isc'.
Now here is another suggestion:
SunSpark 255 Watt 24V Volt 60 Cell Solar Panel Polycrystalline UL Listed Made in USA!.
This panels $/Isc is $135/8.92Isc = $15.13/Isc. In contrast, the 180W panel is more expensive at $179/9.75Isc = 18.36/Isc.
I had a Safari. The 255W is 65x39" and it will fit.
You say "How can I use that 24V panel with my 12V battery?".
Easy. You could use the $60 40A Grape Solar PWM controller(GSP). The reason this works is that the GSP has a Voc of 55 Volts which 125% or more greater than the 38Voc of the panel. The GSP will use the 8.92Isc as charge Amps.
Here is the fun part. If, in the future, you want to very nearly double the charge Amps, you then replace the GSP with an MPPT controller. You might want to start pricing MPPT controllers.
HTH;
John
