Solar

I'm still learning about "controllers other than Rogue" ;)...
Is there really a problem with battery bank too small for this array? Does MPPT 45 have current limiting feature, to set max battery current to 30-32A?

I agree that 160 AH isn't much for boondocking, but if you can limit charging current then there are no issues with charging. Only with dis-charging.

Colo Native wrote:

Ed_Gee wrote:
I must add to those who have already commented on this. Sounds like a fine solar charging system ... BUT way too little battery capacity for that much charging capability. Your batter capacity ought to be at least double.

AS stated I will change Batteries later as these are less than 1 year old.

Be sure when you " change" batteries that you "add" batteries. You need at least twice the capacity of your present batteries.

Colo Native wrote:

I have Tyco connectors so I have to go to a junction box and I was thinking 6awg to controller

use tyco Parallel Interconnection using T-Branch Connector
http://www.gogreensolar.com/products/tyco-t-jnc-1f-2m-minus-tyco-branch-connector

Jeez, 8000ft... Yes, this is high enough to affect the solar.

Don - thanks for explaining about affinity group. I have never been able to figure out who eats who in that big business world.

Almot wrote:

Colo Native wrote:

So you say just go with series, any issue with that other than the shading my effect it

"I" would go series, - and I did. But I am not in Co, never camp at high elevations - don't like it, don't feel well at low atmospheric pressure. At high elevations and cold temps the current is higher. IIRC, Jim found that 2*255W in series would result in MPPT 45 output dropping notably, compared to parallel.

Also, my bank is 300 AH, ~2 times bigger than what you have now. Bigger bank -> shallower cycle -> battery doesn't demand high current.

About shading in series - I "think" I saw an effect similar to what Jim observed. Shaded panel "confused" the controller and output dropped by more than % of the shaded area. But it was a brief observation while panels were not on the roof yet.

I usually don't camp higher than 8000' or so if your at sea level that would be high, but is that high enough t effect it?

Colo Native wrote:

So you say just go with series, any issue with that other than the shading my effect it

"I" would go series, - and I did. But I am not in Co, never camp at high elevations - don't like it, don't feel well at low atmospheric pressure. At high elevations and cold temps the current is higher. IIRC, Jim found that 2*255W in series would result in MPPT 45 output dropping notably, compared to parallel.

Also, my bank is 300 AH, ~2 times bigger than what you have now. Bigger bank -> shallower cycle -> battery doesn't demand high current.

About shading in series - I "think" I saw an effect similar to what Jim observed. Shaded panel "confused" the controller and output dropped by more than % of the shaded area. But it was a brief observation while panels were not on the roof yet.

There are Tyco to MC4 adapters, and Tyco cables if you want to go Tyco all the way. I think this was discussed in one of earlier threads.

Almot wrote:
After those MC4 Y-splitters he still needs a junction box and (at least) #6 cable from there. Because his current is high.

And a very short MC4 pigtail from Y to J-box. Preferably MC4 #8 - they probably don't make it bigger than #8.

What I like about series is that you wouldn't need any of this - no Y-splitters, no J-box, no nothing.

Server is unbelievably slow today, and before connecting it
reads "connecting to oas.affinitygroup.com". Huh?

So you say just go with series, any issue with that other than the shading my effect it

red31 wrote:

http://www.solar-electric.com/how-to-use-mc4-connectors-cables.html/

I have Tyco connectors so I have to go to a junction box and I was thinking 6awg to controller

Affinity group.

http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=846682

"Affinity Group Holding, LLC, through its subsidiaries, offers membership-based direct marketing services. The company sells club memberships, products, services, and publications to selected affinity groups in North America. The company operates the Good Sam Club, President’s Club, Coast to Coast Club, and Camp Club USA for recreational vehicle (RV) owners, campers, and outdoor vacationers, as well as the Golf Card Club for golf enthusiasts. It offers emergency road service, vehicle insurance programs, and other products and services that include extended vehicle warranties, vehicle financing"

" Affinity Group Holding, LLC sells its products through 78 Camping World retail stores, mail order catalogs, and the Internet."

Almot wrote:
Got it. Dialed oas.affinitygroup.com and it instantly re-mapped to goodsamsclub.com. I figure that Goodsams is the guy, and oas.affinitygroup is their tech department.