Solar Output in Shade?
I'm still toying with adding solar to alleviate running the genny every day. But since out favorite no-hookup sites are shaded, what % of rated output can I expect from a 24V panel and MPPT controller...
Forum Discussion
OK, now that I've digested all this......
Background - I have 2 G29 12V flooded batteries. Charging is via an IOTA 55A deck-mounted converter w/ charge control when on generator. It's mounted in the front pass-through and run to the batteries with 4ga welding cable.
Much as I'd like to put 250 watts of solar on the roof I don't believe it'll work in the sites we like given the output drop-off in shade. Too bad - I have enough real estate on the front of the TT roof for a panel and could run the cable down through roof, into the front bedroom closet and then into the pass-through.
So - To get an unobstructed south-facing location I'd need app 100' of cable on a portable solar panel. Given the distance involved I'm thinking of going with a 24V system with a MPPT controller mounted next to the IOTA in the pass-through. I'd have to cable-lock the panel to a tree as I'm afraid of it growing legs if we're gone for the day. The problem is finding one or 2 24V panels small enough to be reasonably portable. DS works for a solar installer and they buy 24V 260W panels by the truckload but they're a bit large to be "portable."
Background - I have 2 G29 12V flooded batteries. Charging is via an IOTA 55A deck-mounted converter w/ charge control when on generator. It's mounted in the front pass-through and run to the batteries with 4ga welding cable.
Much as I'd like to put 250 watts of solar on the roof I don't believe it'll work in the sites we like given the output drop-off in shade. Too bad - I have enough real estate on the front of the TT roof for a panel and could run the cable down through roof, into the front bedroom closet and then into the pass-through.
So - To get an unobstructed south-facing location I'd need app 100' of cable on a portable solar panel. Given the distance involved I'm thinking of going with a 24V system with a MPPT controller mounted next to the IOTA in the pass-through. I'd have to cable-lock the panel to a tree as I'm afraid of it growing legs if we're gone for the day. The problem is finding one or 2 24V panels small enough to be reasonably portable. DS works for a solar installer and they buy 24V 260W panels by the truckload but they're a bit large to be "portable."
