dewey02 wrote:
Thanks for the replies and information. Please keep them coming.
All good suggestions to consider.
Anyone have a brand name for that inexpensive but reliable MPPT controller that pianotuna mentioned? I've googled BFL13 and found some of his posts, but wasn't sure which specific controller pianotuna was referencing.
So if I used an MPPT controller, then I could use a 12 gauge outdoor extension cord that is 50 foot long, run the panels in series and still be good for not losing too much on that long of a run?
on the 12g, yes that would be IMHO ok. and as I mentioned in an earlier post, parallel the ground in the cord with either the white or black wire. that will make that leg 10ga and further reduce any power loss. slightly but it all has an effect.
I have run 150 ft of 10ga with two 120w panels with minimal loss. now with a MPPT controller, length reduces max power transfer. with a PWM controller, not any real effect until the run loss gets the voltage down to around 14V at the battery. but then the MPPT controller will let you series panels and give more power in most cases than PWM.
