Reviewing Solar and batteries for retirement
Hello, I have a fiver that hasn't had it proper share of use and we are now getting ready to fix that issue. We tend to dry camp but will utilize campgrounds if available. We had solar (120 X 2) and i...
Forum Discussion
bdoyle wrote:
Out in the desert, usually full sun all day. Don't really know if the batteries are "fully" charged but my equipment says so. In the afternoon when we get back, I'll usually run the generator so we can use the air and I let the Xantrex charge for a while.
May I ask, what "equipment"?
Solar in desert works like a charm, nothing to block early morning sun. However, even in desert, 240W will barely put 80AH into battery, if the last of these AH is to bring it to 99.9%. Running generator in the afternoon doesn't help, as the system is already past the (too short, I suspect) Absorption stage, and doesn't need more current than solar is generating.
Panels prices dropped, but technology hasn't improved much, IMO. You may keep old panels and add more. Especially if they are Polycrystalline. But you will need a better controller.
There isn't much to read about controllers, for your purpose. You have PWM type, it only works with 12V panels in parallel. To add more panels without installing a thicker wire from roof to controller, you need to wire panels in series and use MPPT controller. Amps rating of controller will depend on the array size. If you buy MPPT, you could remove old 12V panels and install a couple of 24V panels, -280W each, instead of adding 2 more 120W panels. MPPT will convert extra volts into more amps. Or add 2 more 120W panels.
