Flexible Solar Panel - Will This Wire Cause Problems

Hi BFL13,

Have you tried it with an extension cable?

mitch5252 wrote:
OP HERE.

Does someone know what this is and how/when to use it? (it's part of the new charge controller.)



Thanks!

Yes it is the temperature sensor. Same as on my Solar30 controller. It goes in a hole in the top of the controller and sticks up like an antenna. It must be in there so it all works. (might explain the funny readings you posted earlier)

Don't lose that part!

Hi Mitch,

It may be a temperature probe that could be placed on the negative post of the battery. Of course, that would require adding a cable to extend the "reach". Plugging in at the controller is better than doing nada.

OP HERE.

Does someone know what this is and how/when to use it? (it's part of the new charge controller.)



Thanks!

Hi,

I resemble that!

greenrvgreen wrote:
a sled pulled by a grumpy old donkey on skis.

greenrvgreen wrote:
...For me, I pictured stowing them in a sled pulled by a grumpy old donkey on skis.

Pictures required, you know...:W

mitch5252 wrote:
OP HERE - I see now that it is NOT a true MPPT controller! See what happens when you haven't a clue what you're doing!

Anyway, the controller arrived today and I hooked it up to the new flex panel. It's hooked up to a spare Group 24 battery. Here's a pic of the read-out. Does everything look good, or does someone see a problem area that my untrained eye does not see? :)

It would help to see what it reads with a low battery or with that battery with a load on it.

I think what it is saying, is that the battery is full, so there are no amps flowing (PV amps) and that it is in Float at 13.8v. If the battery were low, it might say some PV amps, and the voltage would slowly rise during the day from maybe 13.1v to 14.4 (or whatever Absorption stage voltage is) before dropping to 13.8v Float

OR you don't have the array hooked up (no amps) but the battery is hooked up and happens to be at 13.8v :)

There should be an owner's manual that came with it explaining all that (its "charging profile"), or else that info is on line with that link posted earlier.

The figures on the right look like the settings now for turning on and off a load connected to its load terminals. Might be adjustable settings. Anyway you can ignore those if all you do is hook to the battery and the panel.

If that PV amps is really the solar amps then you have a bonus many controllers do not have, which is that ammeter. Very helpful seeing just what your solar is doing at any moment.

Depending on how much you paid, that controller looks just fine. My untrained eye would ask what its charging or "boost" voltage is. I see 13.8 v on the display but I think that's maintainance. If you're using AGM batts then double-check the recommended charging voltages.

Regarding the panel Pnichols linked to, that is the identical product to the Powerfilm panel the OP linked to, the second time. Only difference is it's a black not beige tarp backing the cells. Again, the real value of those is that they can be folded up like maps and stowed in a backpack. They are not very efficient or powerful compared to other panels.

I looked at those and eventually decided on the Renogy. Not only are the Renogy much cheaper and more powerful, their bendability means they are still stowable if you have the length and width, and minimum stacking height. For me, I pictured stowing them in a sled pulled by a grumpy old donkey on skis.

pnichols wrote:
Here's what I would want if I were to add solar power to our RV - three or four or more of these. For the price you have to pay you get the ultimate non-roof-mounted-solution ... panels you can fold up and store in a drawer when you aren't parked with the RV in the shade and these panels in the hot sun:

http://www.google.com/shopping/product/8198109488693641221?hl=en

P.S. Use them to keep lithium RV batteries topped up and then you'd really have, IMHO, a great boondocking electricity setup ... assuming you also have a generator along for as-needed air conditioning.

Here are several suitcase panels (1 x 60w and 2 x 100w) for much less money from Renogy.

Renogy Suitcase Panels

OP HERE - I see now that it is NOT a true MPPT controller! See what happens when you haven't a clue what you're doing!

Anyway, the controller arrived today and I hooked it up to the new flex panel. It's hooked up to a spare Group 24 battery. Here's a pic of the read-out. Does everything look good, or does someone see a problem area that my untrained eye does not see? :)