Wolf Creek 850 Solar Install

anutami wrote:

bigfootford wrote:
Anutami, great job with your install!

You asked if your controller is ok where it is and I would say it's just fine. Are you going to get the remote operator panel and temperature compensation?

I have the same controller with 200 watts.

Jim

The monitor seems good where it is. I keep checking it and it does not get very hot at all.

I installed a xantrex linklite battery monitor instead. Still debating on the temperature gauge, do you have it installed?

Looks like a really great job! This will make your family trips even more enjoyable, knowing that your power needs have another avenue of supply. As you have seen from my own installation, going the Unistrut route is such a simple and inexpensive solar installation. Plus, you will be able to pick up anything you might need, virtually anywhere you travel, that there is a Lowes or Home Depot. For me that is a big plus.

On the controller location, you might pay attention to the heat transfer from the wall during the heat of the summer. I have recorded my inside wall temperatures over 100 degrees with a IR Temp gauge. I am always concerned with attaching sensitive electronics to a surface that heats up. Thus the reason I try to have my Fridge side on the shady side in the summer months.

Be sure not to wait too long before you swap out your zip ties. Up on the roof you will see some accelerated deterioration from the sun’s UV and buffeting from highway speeds. After I determined my final locations and routing, I used some permanent attachments, again via Unistrut.







Like bigfootford wrote, I too have kept a daily log of my Solar readings and am able to detect changes and lessons learned from this data. Keeping an eye on your readings will allow you learn how best to utilize what you have installed. A log is not necessary, but helpful. As an example, I am now beginning to see a change in my second battery bank (4 years). After seeing a steep decline in my first battery bank (6 1/2yrs. 6v AGM). Which I replaced last month, after 6 years of terrible abuse, from me. (Learning the ropes of Full-timing, was/is a steep learning curve.)

Again, great job!

b