Planning Solar Panels
Hi everyone, I'm working on my very first DIY camper conversion, using a 2010 extended Ford E250. I was looking at solar panels yesterday, I was going to make the move eventually but maybe soone...
Forum Discussion
I have a 255w version of that panel I got here April 2015 for $289 plus tax, so that is an excellent price you have there.
I only use the one panel and get around 15-16 amps to the four batteries with it. That is plenty for us in the summer where we use about 70AH a day. I use an Eco-Worthy 20a MPPT controller with that one panel. Works great.
However, recently I got another controller to try it out and like it too, a Tracer. ( I was using that with a different set of panels)
If you get or plan to get two of those panels, then you can't use the 20 a Eco-W, you would need the 30a Tracer.
You are allowed to over-panel the Tracer some as it self- limits the input. With the panels flat you will be under 30 amps anyway. The Tracer has 100voc limit too, so you could choose series or parallel.
Ideally, you should have both your panels the same, but they can be different brands as long as they have very similar specs.
So I suppose you should get the one and the 30a Tracer and then if you do get another panel, your controller will still be ok for the pair.
You don't have to buy the remote, so the just Tracer itself would be about $60 less.
http://www.wegosolar.com/products.php?product=EPS%252dMPPT%252d30%252dREMOTE-30A-12%7B47%7D24V-MPPT-Solar-Charge-Controller-with-Meter
I only use the one panel and get around 15-16 amps to the four batteries with it. That is plenty for us in the summer where we use about 70AH a day. I use an Eco-Worthy 20a MPPT controller with that one panel. Works great.
However, recently I got another controller to try it out and like it too, a Tracer. ( I was using that with a different set of panels)
If you get or plan to get two of those panels, then you can't use the 20 a Eco-W, you would need the 30a Tracer.
You are allowed to over-panel the Tracer some as it self- limits the input. With the panels flat you will be under 30 amps anyway. The Tracer has 100voc limit too, so you could choose series or parallel.
Ideally, you should have both your panels the same, but they can be different brands as long as they have very similar specs.
So I suppose you should get the one and the 30a Tracer and then if you do get another panel, your controller will still be ok for the pair.
You don't have to buy the remote, so the just Tracer itself would be about $60 less.
http://www.wegosolar.com/products.php?product=EPS%252dMPPT%252d30%252dREMOTE-30A-12%7B47%7D24V-MPPT-Solar-Charge-Controller-with-Meter
