Tilting Solar panels makes a big difference!

DAS26miles wrote:
My controller is the the 30amp Renogy Adventurer. I may upgrade to a MTTP depending on how much more amps I can get out of the existing panels.

You will not gain much on a 12 volt panel configuration. MPPT's big advantage is using panels that are higher volts. This can be accomplished by using a panel that is 24 volts or higher or connecting panels in series. If panels are connected in series, they must have similar current ratings. If connected in parallel, they must have similar voltage ratings. The portable unit mentioned previously has panels that can not be easily reconfigured.

If you want a better PWM controller you might want to consider the Grape GS-PWM-40BT. It's 40 amps and has Bluetooth. Home Depot is selling it for $59.98.
40 Amp PWM Solar Charge Controller with Bluetooth

i run the generator for breakfast and morning charge routine
i figure 200w will maintain charge status and power my laptop,
so the batteries are still charged come evening
just run genny for supper

SoundGuy wrote:
there are some here on the forum who for their particular needs manage just fine with a single G31 battery and 100 watts of solar.

I wrote earlier in some other thread that could manage my particular needs with zero solar, when traveling in a kayak :).

100W solar will harvest ~30AH on a good day. It requires a certain lifestyle, certain appliances (like no DC thermostat in fridge), and a bit of self-discipline, to live on 100W, especially since not all the days are good. If 100W is your ONLY energy source, - it's tough.

I often use under 35AH a day. But my 500W flat array will get me those 35AH 99% of time, including days with low overcast and some rain. And when I need to use laptop more than usual, or charge power tools, or do something inside or outside after dark with plenty of light - 500W will take care of this. Battery bank size is important for solar living too.

Almot wrote:
There is not much harvest from 100W portable, you can't live on this source alone.
There is more harvest from 200W portable, but this is more panels to handle and it's still tough living on 200W even when tilted - doable but not always.

Yet there are some here on the forum who for their particular needs manage just fine with a single G31 battery and 100 watts of solar. :W

Like BFL said - it's all about scenario. Latitude, climate, energy needs.

There is not much shade in SoCal, Az and Northern Mexico. Put 600W flat on the roof and you're good to go, no tilting or messing with portables. If it wasn't for controller box inside on the wall, I would forget that I even have a solar - it just works.

There is not much sun in BC and PNW. Put 1,000W on the roof and tilt it all you want, the harvest won't even cover small grey LCD clock on your radio when it rains.

There is not much harvest from 100W portable, you can't live on this source alone.
There is more harvest from 200W portable, but this is more panels to handle and it's still tough living on 200W even when tilted - doable but not always.

And so on.

I have No solar on the "N.T.US" Bounder
full time, using lots of generator gas
Fiances and situation not right at this moment for doing 400w on the roof
don't have and extra $1000 laying around right now (panels, hardware, wiring, controller)

so i just ordered the the 200w folding solar kit
i have easy access to the converter and extra battery in the bay on the curbside/passenger side, so easy connection to the 12v house system

so maybe this will help reduce my fuel costs, and save some money to go for the roof system
great price for 200w of portable solar and the pkg folds up nice and small,
should be no problem storing behind sofa

maybe i can get the roof system come late spring

DAS26miles wrote:
The 200 watt portable probably can't be tapped into my system as the voltage is only 18 volts and my Renogy system is 20 volts.

Solar panels have a wide range of operation, with PWM controller they operate @ battery voltage. Probably can, certainly can be paralleled with the others.

DAS26miles wrote:
My controller is the the 30amp Renogy Adventurer. I may upgrade to a MTTP depending on how much more amps I can get out of the existing panels.

MPPT - Maximum Power Point Tracking. ;)

Tom_M wrote:

DAS26miles wrote:
I have disconnected the controller on the Renogy suitcase and use the existing wiring and Anderson connector. I added an Anderson connection mounted near my batteries and controller for the roof mounted panels. Now easily able to attach portable directly into wiring before controller with disconnect switch.

The Dokio 200 watt mentioned consists of four 50 watt panels connected in parallel. This has a Voc of 22.5 volts which is typical of a 12 volt panel. If your existing panel is 12 volt you can parallel this panel with yours if your existing controller can handle the added current. Or you could use this panel and controller and connect directly to your batteries using the included battery clamps.

My controller is the the 30amp Renogy Adventurer. I may upgrade to a MTTP depending on how much more amps I can get out of the existing panels.

DAS26miles wrote:
I have disconnected the controller on the Renogy suitcase and use the existing wiring and Anderson connector. I added an Anderson connection mounted near my batteries and controller for the roof mounted panels. Now easily able to attach portable directly into wiring before controller with disconnect switch.

The Dokio 200 watt mentioned consists of four 50 watt panels connected in parallel. This has a Voc of 22.5 volts which is typical of a 12 volt panel. If your existing panel is 12 volt you can parallel this panel with yours if your existing controller can handle the added current. Or you could use this panel and controller and connect directly to your batteries using the included battery clamps.