Solar question
OK, so I'm going to add a mild 100w solar kit to my new FW, as a =helper= to give me an extra day or two for our short boondock trips. Biggest concern is the draw from the fridge fan due to it being ...
Forum Discussion
laknox wrote:
So, from what some of you are saying, a higher voltage panel is better than a lower voltage one; correct? With a good controller, I could use a 24v panel and it would step it down to 12-15v to the battery?
First off, 24V panel is a poor choice for portable. They are all 220W or bigger, weighing +40 lbs, and 65x40" size makes it really awkward to handle.
Q. 1) They are better for big arrays because they are cheaper per Watt than 12V panels, and easier to wire, having lower current for the same wattage. Plus, MPPT controller will add some efficiency until the weather gets too hot - then panel efficiency drops and overall output can be lower than if you were using 12V panel.
Q. 2) Not with a "good", but with "MPPT". With 24 panels you have to use MPPT. Any controller should better be "good", if you care about your batteries. There are poor quality MPPT out there as well. Yes, it will lower the output volts and boost the amps by the same ratio.
