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...
Forum Discussion
smyke wrote:
There are two measly panels on my roof already that the previous owner installed. seems that the wires are running through the roof somehow and not through the vents.
This changes the picture.
Adding 2 bigger panels to existing 2 small ones, all in parallel - with or without changing the wire, or with a separate wire for 2 new panels?
If 4 panels will be on the same controller - then controller size depends on what wattage you already have in old panels.
Another option is to get a quality controller and just one panel for starters and then add the second later on.
1) Quality and features make sense if you need it and can afford. P30L is a very basic machine - even if it does have adjustable Vabs like BFL says. Relabeled Solar 30? Maybe, I don't know. You'll add more cable and optional temp comp and the cost will be over $400 for that 200W system from Solar Blvd. If you later will need adjustable Abs time, ex. you switch to AGM batts and/or need solar in storage, you won't like P30L or Xantrex C35 as it still has fixed Abs time, but a model with adjustable Abs time will cost over $150.
2) Yes, you can add one panel later. Still, if you have enough room for 2 panels, I would install 2 now. There is no such thing as too much solar as long as controller is big enough. With your 2 old panels and 2 new ones I think you need more than 20A.
I understand that Jim is in the process of changing his solar now. New big system, huge.
