Empty Nest, Soon wrote:
OP here.
The Morningstar MPPT controller would be a second choice if I cannot get useful output from 12-volt panels, but I would like to pair up the Trimetric SC2030 with my Trimetric 2030 monitor, and panels wired in parallel, if practical to do so.
I have 100 watts of solar on the roof now, a 25 watt panel and a 75 watt panel, both OEM on a 1997 coach. IMO, it is not well designed, as the cable runs seem far too long. The panels are just behind the center of the 35’ coach, the controller (PWM) is in the very front, and the battery bank is almost at the rear. All connected with AWG 10.
In spite of this, I get measurable output to the batteries even on very overcast days. I think the current panels are monocrystaline, although I need to take another look at them to confirm.
I’m trying to guesstimate what I can do with the most efficient reasonably affordable panels for less than ideal conditions.
Wayne
If you dont mind what is your ave. AHs per day? And how big is your battery bank? I have the trimetric system with 200 watts and i must say im impressed with it. I have poly panels and smiled seeing a few amps going while it was raining/snowing. In all fairness conservation is the key (put LED) before the solar. Spent 15 years learning how to conserve power and now im learning how to increase my carbon footprint :) PS i agree the current wiring is an inefficient mess. I would suggest that you move the current controller to near the batteries and shorten the wiring from the panels to start with.Then add a separate system as needed.
