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bdoyle's avatar
bdoyle
Explorer
Apr 23, 2018

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 inverter (Xantrex 458 2500 combi) installed in 2003. Batteries have always been an issue due to lack of use and maintenance. I have gone thru 2 sets of batteries (6v X 4) and ready for a third set. Uses lots of water and was thinking that the solar was cooking them. Controller is a Mark PV 22 by Specialty Concepts. Charge was set to 14.4 but I just backed it down to 14.1, so I hope to make them last a bit. We tend to hit the batteries hard in the morning but they can charge up all day with the solar.
Usage:
Hair dryer: 1600 Wts 20 min 53 amps @ 12v?
Coffee maker 870 Wts 20 min 29 amps @ 12v?

Maybe I need 2 more batteries for a bank of 6.
Thanks!
Brian Doyle
Silver Springs, NV
  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    Max it up, then. One 24V panel @280-300W will take less space than your existing two 110W. You will need MPPT controller with this one.
  • I was looking at the larger 300 watt panels to replace the 110s if they was dead. But they look to be functioning properly and I think I can add one more 12v panel up there. Saw a kit with 2 that was over 600 watts. I also just ordered the PWM controller. Oh well...

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