jplante4 wrote:
pianotuna wrote:
replace the controller with the Grape 40 amp. The one you have is pretty low end.
X2 on this. Great controller and it has bluetooth built in. Email customer support at Grape for a link to the phone app that will read the current status and history directly from the controller.
UPDATE: Got everything installed with the current kit (pun intended). I do appreciate the info on the controller and most likely will replace my current controller. Everything with the install went fine and was not difficult at all, routing the wiring and getting everything sealed up took most of the time. And as mentioned, I did put the disconnect between the solar panels and controller.
Just got back from my 5 day trip where we went to central CO and camped at around 9,500 feet. We were blessed with great weather, mostly sun shine with scattered clouds and scattered light rain in the afternoon. I was out riding all day, every day so not sure how long it took to recharge my two 12 volt batteries but seemed extremely efficient. We usually left camp by 9am and it seems the batteries were already at full charge by then.
Battery usage was fairly light, maybe 4-5 LED lights, "propane" refrigerator, propane detector, directly connected USB charger for two phones and ipad, and the propane OEM heater. Morning lows were cold, down to 29 degrees every morning with lots of frost, brrrr.
It was AWESOME not having to run a generator!!! Eventually, I do want to add in an inverter for some minor AC electrical items and realize I may need to add an additional panel or two along with upping my battery Ah ability. I am glad I still have my generators as a backup, but so happy I didn't have to run them. Just a great first experience delving into solar.
