Solar plan
i read all of the posts of the solar installs and try to read everything that comes through. I didn't buy a trimetric or anything else to measure my use but some suggest matching it to the battery amp...
Forum Discussion
smkettner wrote:rjxj wrote:The trouble is these big panels need to go truck freight not UPS/FedEx so not very cost effective unless shipping 10+ panels.
I just logged in at solar blvd and it keeps saying 10 panels at 448 pounds with a shipping charge of over $400. If I want them overnight it's $3,600. I will email them. So does it mean I could use a MS mppt 45 Tristar or mppt 60? So my only risk if running series is I'm more susceptible to shadows or shade?
Is there a city/state that we can recommend a supplier?
I like SolarBLVD because it is an easy drive for me to Norco CA.
Three panels in series the 45 should be fine. I go the 60 for 675 watts and it is probably bigger than needed. Worst case the 45 would limit amps to 45 for a short period. The controller will limit amps and protect itself so you can overdrive it a bit. The 60 may have a few more features so no regrets to upgrade.
If you go four panels you will need to go 2 series 2 parallel to stay under the controller 150 maximum voltage rating.
ALL solar panels drop power quickly with shade issues. These panels have bypass diodes to allow current to go around shaded portions. IIRC most are split into three sections with the diodes so you lose 33%, 66% or 100% of the panel depending on conditions. I have camped plenty in the shade and the battery still gets charged. Much debate on this and I think it is mostly a wash with certain shade conditions better for parallel and others better for series.
I'm wondering if that large of a panel will be a negative if I get a newer rig some day. I mean at 65x40 is not like some of the huge square ones but not as nimble as a 60x26. Do people usually leave them or move them?
I'll call them and get a shipping price. High shipping costs may not be the thing to worry about if it offsets the other costs.
Would this large of a panel still be tilted even when mounted vertical? Would it be an added wind damage risk over mounting horizontal?
I do like the idea of going to almost 700 watts. Like an engine, there's no replacement for displacement. Going by Handybob and others I could probably do pretty good with 2 of those at 460 watts and a mppt 45 Tristar. BUT for a little more I can have a mppt 60 and have extra capacity. BUT going down in size, I can just go pwm. I need to start writing it all down. Tomorrow.
Thank you everyone
