Please help me with solar setup
I have been reading a lot about solar on here and finally decided to take the plunge or come to the dark side as some would say. Sunny side makes more sense, but whatever. :) We do not use a lot of...
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I wouldn't spend too much time at this drawing board, when it comes to controller. The thing is - there is not much to choose from. That dumb P30L costs $50-60 if purchased separately, and I can't recall anything 25-30A that is much better for less than $90.
There is Xantrex C35 - fully adjustable. Good brand. Display is remote and optional, LED indicators similar to Morningstar will tell you what it's doing at any given moment. But it costs $95, plus another $25 for remote temp sensor (in P30L temp sensor is also optional). Plus 2*140W panels $318. Plus 100ft MC4 cable $71. All from the same Solar Blvd. Total $510 for 280W. Plus shipping.
$510 is more than $360 for 260W kit from same Solar Blvd (which kit is in fact $400-420 because you will need more cable). $510 is still more than $420. But in that 260W kit they included a no-name 20A controller that has no remote temp and probably no adjustments at all, not to mention that 260W will be pushing the limits of 20A controller.
Shop around, maybe you will find panels, C35 and 80-100ft cable for less. Solar Blvd is expensive for cables, Unlimited-solar have it for half the cost and you can also get #8 cable there, and then maybe go for 2*160W array - C35 allows that much.
I'm not trying to spend your money - you will spend it yourself, and more than you think :) if you buy one of these kits.
There is Xantrex C35 - fully adjustable. Good brand. Display is remote and optional, LED indicators similar to Morningstar will tell you what it's doing at any given moment. But it costs $95, plus another $25 for remote temp sensor (in P30L temp sensor is also optional). Plus 2*140W panels $318. Plus 100ft MC4 cable $71. All from the same Solar Blvd. Total $510 for 280W. Plus shipping.
$510 is more than $360 for 260W kit from same Solar Blvd (which kit is in fact $400-420 because you will need more cable). $510 is still more than $420. But in that 260W kit they included a no-name 20A controller that has no remote temp and probably no adjustments at all, not to mention that 260W will be pushing the limits of 20A controller.
Shop around, maybe you will find panels, C35 and 80-100ft cable for less. Solar Blvd is expensive for cables, Unlimited-solar have it for half the cost and you can also get #8 cable there, and then maybe go for 2*160W array - C35 allows that much.
I'm not trying to spend your money - you will spend it yourself, and more than you think :) if you buy one of these kits.
