BFL13 wrote:
IMO the $35 Solar30 would do as well or even better than the $108 Eco-W. You must use MPPT with a 24v set-up, so I would use one Eco-W per 24v panel like JiminDenver is doing now (and me too with one panel) rather than spend big bucks on a fancy MPPT controller that has enough amps room to run a whole array and/or has a bunch of features that I don't need like being able to attach it to my laptop.
Nobody said anything about connecting controller to laptop, and, not being BFL13, I don't know why would anybody want to, when there is a perfectly functional display on controller :)
Also, in light of "expansion" idea that we somehow overlooked, I don't know why we were discussing 12V panels and PWM all those 5 pages. Arrays over 300W are easier to build with 24V panels and MPPT.
OP wanted to pay $900 for 280W 12V array, PWM C35 and 300W inverter. Here is a another scenario:
24V panel
240W Trina Solar, $218
Controller
30A Rogue MPPT, $350, display and remote temp sensor included. It can, unfortunately, be connected to laptop and has other useless features like voltage sense and ability to adjust the length of Absorb stage (sorry BFL, couldn't resist ;) .
Same $245 300W inverter (if 300W is enough of course).
Same #10 MC4 wire
Total $860.
You can go lower yet to $840, there is a cheaper 240W panel in that store, but Trina is a better brand. Less watts than 280, and less money. All good components. Expandable up to 480W by adding another 240W panel in series without changing #10 MC4 cable or adding a rooftop box.
Crcr - Solar 30 has a temp sensor, but it's on-board, not remote. Looks similar to $56 PWM by Eco. God only knows who steals from who in that China.
Well, looks like this is going to be another +11 pages thread of "what solar for us" kind. I'm out.
