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CT_WANDERER's avatar
CT_WANDERER
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015

I am Moving to Solar

Started to install my solar system today. I have a Morningstar TS45 PWM controller. It is installed and wired up. I have 3 Solar Cynergy 120 Watt panels. I did manage to get one installed late today. It was overcast and after 4:00 PM East Coast time. Sun if it was there, it was in the west and getting in back of the trees. But I did see 1.8 amp. After a little bit of time, my batteries went from 12.8 to 13.3 volts. I was happy with that. Still, have two panels to go. Then I will wait to see how that works out with 360 watts total. Then if I am happy I will have to find more mad money so I can install the last two panels that I want. I am aiming for 600 Watt system. Gary

57 Replies

  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jun 23, 2015
    I have never read about or heard of solar panel coming off a roof
    I can tell you... I had one Heck of a time removing the mounts, when I replaced three panels, less than two weeks ago
  • Naio's avatar
    Naio
    Explorer II
    Jun 23, 2015
    jrnymn7 wrote:
    Naio wrote:
    Yeah, I have been wondering about uplift when attaching to my van roof rack. That and bolts rattling loose. Locknuts, double nuts, lockwashers, and super glue may be involved.


    There is a product called 'loctite' that comes in various colours/strengths. We used it when building Harleys.... saved a lot of problems down the road. :)


    That's what I meant by superglue :). I use it a lot on bicycles.
  • jrnymn7's avatar
    jrnymn7
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2015
    Naio wrote:
    Yeah, I have been wondering about uplift when attaching to my van roof rack. That and bolts rattling loose. Locknuts, double nuts, lockwashers, and super glue may be involved.


    There is a product called 'loctite' that comes in various colours/strengths. We used it when building Harleys.... saved a lot of problems down the road. :)
  • jrnymn7's avatar
    jrnymn7
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2015
    6.1 mounting method:

    "Each module must be securely fastened at a
    minimum of 4 points on two opposite sides, using
    the innermost mounting holes."

    This is important! Mounting at the 4 corners allows for considerable panel flex, while moving the mounts in a ways reduces panel flex considerably.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jun 23, 2015
    Happens to me all the time, look at the edits in my own posts
  • CT_WANDERER's avatar
    CT_WANDERER
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2015
    MrWizard wrote:
    boom box says it's .25A @ 12V (it has an AC adapter)


    3 watts not much of a boom box

    Battery voltage on the low side never went below 14.3 voltage.


    Overnight ? I want some of theses Uber batteries, or Do you mean 12.3

    Yes MrWizard. You got me, it should have been 12.3. I had a long weekend, got to get the brain working again. Looks like the mind and hands do not work together when typing.
  • turbojimmy's avatar
    turbojimmy
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2015
    MrWizard wrote:
    3 watts not much of a boom box


    Nope but thats wha5 it says on the back of it. It's an Altec Lansing IMT800.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jun 22, 2015
    boom box says it's .25A @ 12V (it has an AC adapter)


    3 watts not much of a boom box

    Battery voltage on the low side never went below 14.3 voltage.


    Overnight ? I want some of theses Uber batteries, or Do you mean 12.3
  • Naio's avatar
    Naio
    Explorer II
    Jun 22, 2015
    Yeah, I have been wondering about uplift when attaching to my van roof rack. That and bolts rattling loose. Locknuts, double nuts, lockwashers, and super glue may be involved.

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