More Solar for "Us"
Ok, I went off.the deep end? Bought 3 used 37watt uni-solar panels and a blue sky 2000e controller for the hefty price of $400, They were being listed as 75w panels, they are not The tested open...
Forum Discussion
I use this method when evaluating solar panels or an array.
By separating the panels at the junction you can quickly tell if a panel has a bad cell or a connection problem.
Testing solar panels
For Mppt to begin to work you need the panel voltage to be a minimum of 2vdc higher than the battery voltage.
To test if mppt is working...you can discharge your batteries down to <>60% or less....To get/ keep the battery voltage down....Put a 12 volt load on the batteries, enough to keep the voltage from rising, possibly actually discharging somewhat, when the solar is activated. Then you will be able to measure the amps and volts in and out of your controller and see if you are actually boosting.
I use a small 400watt inverter with a couple of light bulbs that I can turn on and off to control the battery charge current. Then I can see a controller mppt'ing/boosting.
Jim
Jim
By separating the panels at the junction you can quickly tell if a panel has a bad cell or a connection problem.
Testing solar panels
For Mppt to begin to work you need the panel voltage to be a minimum of 2vdc higher than the battery voltage.
To test if mppt is working...you can discharge your batteries down to <>60% or less....To get/ keep the battery voltage down....Put a 12 volt load on the batteries, enough to keep the voltage from rising, possibly actually discharging somewhat, when the solar is activated. Then you will be able to measure the amps and volts in and out of your controller and see if you are actually boosting.
I use a small 400watt inverter with a couple of light bulbs that I can turn on and off to control the battery charge current. Then I can see a controller mppt'ing/boosting.
Jim
Jim
