jrnymn7 wrote:
So, clearly I'm still confused regarding series vs. parallel and shading. I thought the bypass diodes were what made series better than parallel with regards to partial obstructions/shading. I'll have go back over some of the recent threads where the issue was discussed.
Wiring will be heavy (6ga), regardless, seeing as I've already bought everything to go 12v parallel pwm, with 50' of portability.
Regarding the roof mount, the panels, tilt legs, and wiring connections will all be accessible by simply leaning a ladder against the rig, so no problem there. The tilt 'n' twirl design and build is right up my alley, so I do not anticipate any problems there.
In summer, a single panel, flat mounted, will likely be plenty. In late spring and early fall, two panels, either flat or pointed, should do. But once the temperatures drop, two panels pointed will fall short of my needs; and even 4 panels flat would still fall short, so I see no benefit in adding more panels. And either way I will have to keep the snow and ice off them.
I would like to compare a standard pwm to a pwm with buck and mppt (because let's face it, they're all pwm controllers) for myself. And yes, I want to maximize the few hours available in winter, including those elusive shoulder hours. And I also want to have a back-up controller on hand, just in case.
As for price, no, I do not plan on spending $300+ for mppt, more like $200. And I hope to go Lithium in the future, so something like the Tracer 3215bn would fit the bill in either situation... adjustable voltage for charging flooded, and programmable timing and adjustable voltage for charging Li.
For your LFP future upgrade does this MPPT solar controller count/control using amp hours?
