Solar strategy in the east
I'm from Illinois. Camping out in the AZ desert at the moment, I can see that solar is easy out here. Do the math, install it right, and you are golden. Camping in the eastern 2/3rds of the US, i...
Forum Discussion
For those thinking of "going solar" I would suggest to max their panel size up to the limit of their roof (considering shading between the panels and roof structures as well), and only then decide on the controller. 20A controller could handle ~300W solar array, which should be enough for "going solar" in most of the Southern states if you keep at least 300-360 AH battery bank and limit the use of 120V devices other than electronics. Though it can get cloudy in Fl in winter, so it's better to have panel more than 300W.
Can't say if controller costing more than a panel is a "scam". Controllers used to cost less than panels, but solar panels prices have dropped significantly in the last 4-5 years. If they drop further, would this mean that any controller over $5 is a scam? :)..
The examples above - Rogue and Morningstar, even though not cheap, are well designed and well made units. If you want features and quality, you have to pay. Weak point of Eco-Worthy is not only 40V input, but also on-board temp-compensation. And I'm pretty sure there are other weak points in this unit, possibly - the way how it handles transition from Absorb to Float.
Panels and controller make the bulk of total cost of the system, but you will still have to spend at least few hundred more on other components.
Can't say if controller costing more than a panel is a "scam". Controllers used to cost less than panels, but solar panels prices have dropped significantly in the last 4-5 years. If they drop further, would this mean that any controller over $5 is a scam? :)..
The examples above - Rogue and Morningstar, even though not cheap, are well designed and well made units. If you want features and quality, you have to pay. Weak point of Eco-Worthy is not only 40V input, but also on-board temp-compensation. And I'm pretty sure there are other weak points in this unit, possibly - the way how it handles transition from Absorb to Float.
Panels and controller make the bulk of total cost of the system, but you will still have to spend at least few hundred more on other components.
