Solar Panels??
I would like to know what users look for in a solar panel, I am thinking about getting one but I am not sure what the out put should be. It would be used for charging my 12 v battery when we go off gr...
Forum Discussion
What I've read so far on this site can be misleading. For example, if your controller has a method of measuring load current, then you better have a controller that can handle the loads you use off your batteries. For example, I use a Morningstar PWM controller rated for 30amp loads. My jacks pull at least 30amps lifting the camper. The nice thing about this controller is that I can switch my load off. Great when storing the camper, I push a button and the load is disconnected via a solid state relay built into the controller.
Also, there are various types of solar panels. The best for size and efficiency is the monocrystal. I use 2 of these;
http://www.amazon.com/Instapark%C2%AE-Black-Mono-crystalline-Solar-Panel/dp/B004OZJ4FY/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1386552972&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=monocyrstal+solar+panel
They have a STRONG frame, high quality glass and good efficiency for the size. Also, the Instapark brand makes great connectors and mounts for your camper.
These are white, but they come in black as well. They glue down to your camper roof using either a rubber superglue or any of the sealants used on camper roofs. The white shows them better for photos and also great for white roofs;
http://www.amazon.com/Instapark%C2%AE-ZJ-34W-Universal-Drill-free-Rooftop/dp/B008LMVV1Q/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1386553098&sr=8-8&keywords=instapark+mounts
Instapark also makes every type of connector you could need in just about any length. You can make your own as well.
start with a single 100watt panel and if that's not enough, add to it with either a second 100watt or 50 watt panels.
Here's the charger I use. It's small and it can switch in and out either the solar panels, the load or both. It also does full function testing from the front screen as well;
http://www.amazon.com/MorningStar-ProStar-Battery-Controller-30/dp/B0070OS4JS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386553417&sr=8-1&keywords=morningstar+charge+controller+PS-30
And lastly, if you work for a solar panel manufacturer, why are you not asking the staff there these questions? My bet is you would get some pretty technical advice that won't include all the 'well-it-works-for-me replies you'll get from laymen like us who have, or maybe even have not installed our own idea of what a solar plant should be. Quiz some of your engineering staff. I would bet they would LOVE to bend your ear on what they know. All engineers do you know! Cheers!
Also, there are various types of solar panels. The best for size and efficiency is the monocrystal. I use 2 of these;
http://www.amazon.com/Instapark%C2%AE-Black-Mono-crystalline-Solar-Panel/dp/B004OZJ4FY/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1386552972&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=monocyrstal+solar+panel
They have a STRONG frame, high quality glass and good efficiency for the size. Also, the Instapark brand makes great connectors and mounts for your camper.
These are white, but they come in black as well. They glue down to your camper roof using either a rubber superglue or any of the sealants used on camper roofs. The white shows them better for photos and also great for white roofs;
http://www.amazon.com/Instapark%C2%AE-ZJ-34W-Universal-Drill-free-Rooftop/dp/B008LMVV1Q/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1386553098&sr=8-8&keywords=instapark+mounts
Instapark also makes every type of connector you could need in just about any length. You can make your own as well.
start with a single 100watt panel and if that's not enough, add to it with either a second 100watt or 50 watt panels.
Here's the charger I use. It's small and it can switch in and out either the solar panels, the load or both. It also does full function testing from the front screen as well;
http://www.amazon.com/MorningStar-ProStar-Battery-Controller-30/dp/B0070OS4JS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386553417&sr=8-1&keywords=morningstar+charge+controller+PS-30
And lastly, if you work for a solar panel manufacturer, why are you not asking the staff there these questions? My bet is you would get some pretty technical advice that won't include all the 'well-it-works-for-me replies you'll get from laymen like us who have, or maybe even have not installed our own idea of what a solar plant should be. Quiz some of your engineering staff. I would bet they would LOVE to bend your ear on what they know. All engineers do you know! Cheers!
