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Members solar builds?

nvreloader
Explorer
Explorer
I thought there was numerous posts/photo's from the members and their solar builds?

Where did they go??

Can't seem to find any doing the search dog function.

Tia,
Don
2010 F-350,6.4PSD, 6spd man trans,CC,SWB,SRW, Caravan camper shell,50 gal bed tank,17,000lb Husky WD hitch,Northwoods 2008 28KS Desert Fox Toy Hauler,2005 Honda 500 Rubicon ATV w/rumble seat,1 Aussie waiting,watching and ridin shotgun on the whole outfit.
13 REPLIES 13

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Explorer III
nvreloader wrote:
I prefer to flat mount these panels, when mounted.

Can I SAFELY use these 4 pv panels with the 60a MPPT CC?

I am NOT sure how to connect these panels,
meaning series, parallel or a combo of series/parallel etc,
and I do not want to destroy the cc etc.
Series will exceed the 150V and that is a hard limit to avoid CC damage. So series is out. Connect them either in parallel or series parallel (2x2).

You can however exceed the 800W limit without concern. The CC will derate to 60A should that be necessary. But that is difficult to do with your 4 panels and virtually impossible with flat mounted panels. And you will only get to or close to 60A at high noon and a clear sky. This is documented by MS.
2009 Holiday Rambler 42' Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland

Bob

nvreloader
Explorer
Explorer
T2Roll

Just received this info from MS:

Noah Sindermann support@morningstarcorp.com
Hi Donald,

Yes, those panels can be safely used in a 2x2 series/parallel wiring configuration with your TS-MPPT-60.
They can not be wired all in series because the string voltage will exceed the 150Voc max input rating of the TriStar-MPPT.

Best Regards,

Noah Sindermann
MS Technical Support
Morningstar Corporation
Skype: support.morningstar
support@morningstarcorp.com
------------------------------
Info sent,
Description:
I have the above TS MPPT 60a CC,
with 4-Canadian CS6P-230w pv panels.

My minimum Out Side low temps can range from -10* to a maximum of 100+ in the summer time.

The total panel wire lengths will be 20-22' from Panels to this CC, 1 way.

I prefer to flat mount these panels, when mounted.

Can I SAFELY use these 4 pv panels with the 60a MPPT CC?

I am NOT sure how to connect these panels,
meaning series, parallel or a combo of series/parallel etc,
and I do not want to destroy the cc etc.

So I am requesting valid info on the correct way to install these panels and CC.

Thank you,
Don

So I am proceeding with this build. :B

Tia,
Don
2010 F-350,6.4PSD, 6spd man trans,CC,SWB,SRW, Caravan camper shell,50 gal bed tank,17,000lb Husky WD hitch,Northwoods 2008 28KS Desert Fox Toy Hauler,2005 Honda 500 Rubicon ATV w/rumble seat,1 Aussie waiting,watching and ridin shotgun on the whole outfit.

nvreloader
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks, T 2 roll,

Will check out that info.....

I have sent the MS site an email listing my PV spec's,
wire run lengths and battery's size etc,
and ask for the correct info for running of PV panels, 60a MPPT CC,
wire lengths and size etc.

Awaiting their reply.

Now have to figure out the proper sized CB/fuzes for everything being used etc,
to have disconnects from PV panels, CC and batteries,
along with the correct wire sizes etc.

Then finish the tilt rods etc, build/weld the battery rack for underneath the TH frame,
then move the TH into the shop so I can attach the pv panels and work down from there.

And of course take lots of photo's in each step of the install plus correct notes of everything etc, to help anyone else who may to decide to go down this road.
It will be the least I can do for the ongoing help I have received from the members etc.

I have until Oct 1st to finish everything, when hunting/trapping season starts etc.
Will do several dry runs during the summer to fix/correct any pending problems that may show up.

Tia,
Don
2010 F-350,6.4PSD, 6spd man trans,CC,SWB,SRW, Caravan camper shell,50 gal bed tank,17,000lb Husky WD hitch,Northwoods 2008 28KS Desert Fox Toy Hauler,2005 Honda 500 Rubicon ATV w/rumble seat,1 Aussie waiting,watching and ridin shotgun on the whole outfit.

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad
You seem to better equipped than most.

Just two things. 1, The Costco batteries are more like 208 amp/hrs so consider Sam's Club premium at 232. 2, MS-MPPT-60 you will need to be in parallel or series-parallel. All four in series will be well over the input voltage spec. Still will run fine.

nvreloader
Explorer
Explorer
TT Roll

Here is most of the updated info and equipment I have bought or made so far.
-----------------------------------
4 Canadian Solar CS6P-230P Silver Frame PV panels,
With tilt bars for panels, for winter time use only, if needed.
I want to be able use these panels in the flat mounted position, if possible.

STC Power Rating 230W
PTC Power Rating 211W 1
STC Power per unit of area 13.3W/ft2 (143.0W/m2)
Peak Efficiency 14.3%
Power Tolerances 0%/+2%
Number of Cells 60
Imp 7.78A
Vmp 29.6V
Isc 8.34A
Voc 36.8V
NOCT 45ยฐC
Temp. Coefficient of Power -0.43%/K
Temp. Coefficient of Voltage -0.125V/K
Series Fuse Rating 15A
Maximum System Voltage 600 Vistics
Type Polycrystalline Silicon
Output Terminal Type Multi Connector Type 4
Output Cable Wire Gauge 12 AWG, 2 ft long
Output Cable Wire Type PV Wire
Frame Color Clear
Length 64.5in
Width 38.7in
Depth 1.6in
Weight 44.1lb
Warranty and Certifications
80% Power Output Warranty Period 25yrs
90% Power Output Warranty Period 10yrs
Workmanship Warranty Period 6yrs
UL 1703 Fire Classification data not available
Compliance UL 1703

NOTE: I ordered 4 CS6P 220W PV,
But the company sent me CS6P 230W panels instead. When I checked back with them, on a possible mistake,
They stated that they did NOT have enough panels for my order, and they substituted the 230w panel instead,
for the 220w PV price, I had ordered.

The specโ€™s of the 220W panels were,
Voc 36.6V
Imp 7.72A
Vmp 29.3V
Isc 8.09A
All the other specโ€™s are the same.

PV wire total lengths to the CC :
Panel 1=22'
Panel 2=21'
Panel 3=20'
Panel 4=21'
I will use MC4 "branch couplers" with dielectric silicone grease, used for ALL connections.

--------------------------------------------------------
4 Costco 6v GC batteryโ€™s @ 220 A each = 450A total
I have not bought yet, as I want to get them all from the same production run,
and will use either the #3 or #4 diagram from the Smartgauge for battery connections,to have a balanced system.
------------------------------------------------------
Morningstarโ€™s MPPT Charge Controller: Tristar 60 Amp
Came with a meter/Remote Temp sensor for above and also have a Trimetric Battery meter.
------------------------------------------------------
I got some amp usage readings for some of the electrical equipment on the TH.
Here is the info,
Water Pump = 3 amps (during the run cycle), used 1/2 hr max/per day? = 1.5 ah
Reefer = 2 amps when running (don't know the cycle yet) =24 ah
LPG Detector = .05 amps (constant on/24 per day) = 1.5 ah
CO Detector = .11 amps (constant on/24 hrs per day) = 2.65 ah
LED light panels (4/panels per light fixture) = .33 amps = 5 ah p/nite use,

Furnace = 9.1 amps per/5 minute cycle, = 72 ah
Using the 0* temps, (worst scenario conditions), see info below,

Other parasitic loads = 24 hr run time = 25Ah?
(Co2 Det, LPG, Frig, Thermostat, Water heater boards etc,

Total amp/hrs will be LESS than 140 for an average days use.

Furnace
Make: Suburban
Model: SF30F 30,000 BTU
The inside Coleman (analog) thermostat set at 55*, (lowest setting possible),
(this thermostat will be changed to a digital model, once I find the correct replacement model).
Turned on the furnace and the reading was 10.5A,
Which leveled out to 9.1A during running cycle.
.....................................
40* Outside air temps,
Run time= 5 min on
Off for 50 min's, then recycled
9.1 amps * 5 min/60 min per hour * 8 hours = 6.1 A hr used for 8 hrs per night
โ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆ.
30* O/S temps
On time = 5 min
Off time = 40 min, then recycled
9.1 amps * 5 min/40 min per hour * 8 hours = 7.3 A hr per night
โ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆ.
20* O/S temps (N wind blowing solid 10 mph, gusts to 20+mph,
(DID not figure Wind Chill effect)
On=5 min
Off= 30 min, then recycled
9.1 amps * 5 min/30 min per hour * 8 hours = 12.1 A hr per night
โ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆ
10* O/S temps, (N wind blowing solid 10 mph, gusts to 20+mph,
(DID not figure Wind Chill effect)
On 5 min
Off 10 min, then recycled
9.1 amps * 5 min/10 min per hour * 8 hours = 35 A hr per night
โ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆ..
Worst case scenario
0* O/S temps, (N wind blowing solid 10 mph, gusts to 20+mph,
(DID not figure Wind Chill effect)
On for 5 min
Off for 5 min, then recycled
9.1 amps * 5 min/5 min per hour * 8 hours = 73 A Hr per night

I know from prior usage, the skirting will reduce the cycle times up to 50%,
in the extreme Cold weather etc once it is set up.
-------------------------------------------------------------
The pending battery bay underneath the TH measures,
65" long x 48" wide and 18/20" high/deep.
I have the plans to make a HD welded battery rack that will support the battery's weight,
once the amount can be figured out, the battery temps will above 40+* due to the skirting use.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Have an OEM 4000w gen set installed,
and 2- 2000w Honda gen sets,
As extras as needed.
------------------------------------------------------------
The battery's (2-90w 12v Deep cycle) OEM on the tongue,
will be a separate system that is charged via the gen set and
OEM Progressive Dynamics (PD 9260) 60 Amp power converter with charge wizard

As set up now, the OEM set up will not be changed in any way.
These tongue battery's will be used for ANYTHING required,
Mainly the trolling motor for fishing, but can used as a backup system for the TH/TV,
If anything goes wrong.

All wiring resistance losses will be built for 3% or less.

Tia,
Don
2010 F-350,6.4PSD, 6spd man trans,CC,SWB,SRW, Caravan camper shell,50 gal bed tank,17,000lb Husky WD hitch,Northwoods 2008 28KS Desert Fox Toy Hauler,2005 Honda 500 Rubicon ATV w/rumble seat,1 Aussie waiting,watching and ridin shotgun on the whole outfit.

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad
nvreloader wrote:
I did find my note book with some notes/info in it from my posts etc,
so I can update some of my info/thoughts for a worst case scenario,
12v solar build for 110% Boon Docking during winter time use, temps run from 30* to -10* etc.
You will need to max out the roof for those conditions. Probably best to be able to tilt the panels. And you should also have a good generator and/or a sleeping bag rated for those temps. I recommend minimum 3 large panels in series with MPPT controller.

nvreloader
Explorer
Explorer
Ca Traveler

THANK YOU,

I found my old posts, OMG, and have save that info, I hope......
I did NOT remember that many posts, all the way back to 2011.

I will have to spend lots of time re reading all that info, :E

Tia,
Don
2010 F-350,6.4PSD, 6spd man trans,CC,SWB,SRW, Caravan camper shell,50 gal bed tank,17,000lb Husky WD hitch,Northwoods 2008 28KS Desert Fox Toy Hauler,2005 Honda 500 Rubicon ATV w/rumble seat,1 Aussie waiting,watching and ridin shotgun on the whole outfit.

nvreloader
Explorer
Explorer
CT

I will try to find what your talking about,
not very good at running this plastic box.

Tia,
Don
2010 F-350,6.4PSD, 6spd man trans,CC,SWB,SRW, Caravan camper shell,50 gal bed tank,17,000lb Husky WD hitch,Northwoods 2008 28KS Desert Fox Toy Hauler,2005 Honda 500 Rubicon ATV w/rumble seat,1 Aussie waiting,watching and ridin shotgun on the whole outfit.

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Explorer III
Don,

Click on My Forums above and then click on My Posts

Also click on Advanced Search above and in Message Author enter your ID nvreloader then go down to Date Posted and select Archive

Either of the above should list your posts.
2009 Holiday Rambler 42' Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland

Bob

nvreloader
Explorer
Explorer
Ca Travler


I posted in 2014?, about my pending TH Solar RV build, and I have not been able to find the post in the search mode as the posts only go back for 14 days etc.

Sorry for not getting back to you gals and gals sooner, have had more problems with the G bladder operation,
and the big โ€œCโ€ word being cut out, (VA just found), so my thoughts and time have been diverted from this build.

During this same time, I had a complete meltdown from my service provider and computer, so I lost all info etc.
Seems like, I just don't have good Luck with electronics/ electrical things, and is the main reason for no follow up etc.

And I want to finish this, can you read "glutton for punishment!!!!!!!!

I did find my note book with some notes/info in it from my posts etc,
so I can update some of my info/thoughts for a worst case scenario,
12v solar build for 110% Boon Docking during winter time use, temps run from 30* to -10* etc.

I am not that the members want to beat the info back into my confused head........

Tia,
Don
2010 F-350,6.4PSD, 6spd man trans,CC,SWB,SRW, Caravan camper shell,50 gal bed tank,17,000lb Husky WD hitch,Northwoods 2008 28KS Desert Fox Toy Hauler,2005 Honda 500 Rubicon ATV w/rumble seat,1 Aussie waiting,watching and ridin shotgun on the whole outfit.

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Explorer III
Don,

Wondered what happened to you. I thought that some of your ideas were creative like the batteries under the rig.
2009 Holiday Rambler 42' Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland

Bob

nvreloader
Explorer
Explorer
Time 2 Roll

THANK YOU for that info,
have been reading and attempting to under stand most all the facts talked about.

I have now saved that site for further info/reads etc.

Just now getting back to my solar install after almost yrs of ongoing medical problems (G bladder/ the big "C" word just found).

I am not sure if the Guy/Gals could stand any more dumb questions from me.

Tia,
Don
2010 F-350,6.4PSD, 6spd man trans,CC,SWB,SRW, Caravan camper shell,50 gal bed tank,17,000lb Husky WD hitch,Northwoods 2008 28KS Desert Fox Toy Hauler,2005 Honda 500 Rubicon ATV w/rumble seat,1 Aussie waiting,watching and ridin shotgun on the whole outfit.