Portable Solar Plan

[Tizi]

I have decided to go portable for my solar for several reasons 1) I like the option to move them around, 2) want to use them before committing to additional on my camper or trailer, and 3) I think it's pretty cool.

My choices are buy a pre-configured system from Zamp, GoPower, Renology, etc., Or purchase the items I need and build my own. The problem with the kits is they come with PWM controller. Everything I have read is a MPPT controller is more efficient and provides better charging. The MPPT controller should be mounted close to the batteries, but the PWM in the kits are mounted at the panel. Why is that? Also, I think I can build a better system myself for less...?

I have picked out some panels/Controller/Wires:Here.

MPPT Controller
Wires x 2

Did I miss anything? I likely need wires from controller to battery and a fuse?

[Tizi]

So, if I have 2 12v at 100ah, if wired in parallel gives me 200ah?

[dewey02]

Tizi wrote:

Dr. Feelgood wrote:
Just for clarification:
You mentioned you have 2 6V AGM batteries with 220 ah EACH? Are you saying your System has 440 ah capacity?

I believe that is true, yes.

Two six volts connected in series to give you 12 volts will not double your amp hours.
You will have 220 ah for your battery bank.

[Tizi]

Dr. Feelgood wrote:
Just for clarification:
You mentioned you have 2 6V AGM batteries with 220 ah EACH? Are you saying your System has 440 ah capacity?

I believe that is true, yes.

[Hemi_Joel]

I am running a pair of $80 Duracell 6V golf cart batteries from Sams, and they work great. I wouldn't spend the bucks on AGM.

[Dr__Feelgood]

Just for clarification:
You mentioned you have 2 6V AGM batteries with 220 ah EACH? Are you saying your System has 440 ah capacity?

[Tizi]

Update: I ended up ordering a kit from Home Depot yesterday. My thought on this: I get the panels and wiring I need inexpensively, then add/update as I go. For $209, 3 - 50 watt panels, wiring and controller (I will start with this one, and likely upgrade). I will be making my own brackets to angle the panels.

Grape Solar Kit - Home Depot

Batteries will be Duracell 6 volt AGM from Sam's.

We will see how it works.

[Geewizard]

Tizi wrote:

Bubtoofat wrote:
TIZI,

I picked up this suitcase panel by Overland Solar last year at the Overland Expo. I got it cheaper at the expo than they have here plus they tossed in extension cables and connectors for going through the camper wall. I haven't had a chance to use it yet because after the expo in October it was time to put the camper away for winter.

I was camped next to a guy at the expo and he told me he had been researching solar for the past 2 years and that this was the best suitcase solar going. He didn't elaborate why but I did see him purchasing one for himself that evening. Maybe give them a look too.

Mike

Those look nice, I was hoping I could build a better one myself at less cost.

Doing it yourself gives you a better product. $500 for 90 watts?....nope. It's just not all that hard to do.

[Geewizard]

Tizi wrote:

Geewizard wrote:

Tizi wrote:

Geewizard wrote:
I use a Morningstar MPPT controller. My opinion is that no matter how few panels you have, a MPPT controller gets more out of it than a PWM controller. And my experience shows that too.

Definitely roll your own solar panel setup. Not hard to do at all and a much better deal too.

I can give you the parts list and details of my solar setup if you want.

Would love to see what you did!

Answered in a PM

I do not see it in my inbox.

I will check out the less expensive MPPT controller.

Oops, fat-fingered that. I just sent it.

[Tizi]

Bubtoofat wrote:
TIZI,

I picked up this suitcase panel by Overland Solar last year at the Overland Expo. I got it cheaper at the expo than they have here plus they tossed in extension cables and connectors for going through the camper wall. I haven't had a chance to use it yet because after the expo in October it was time to put the camper away for winter.

I was camped next to a guy at the expo and he told me he had been researching solar for the past 2 years and that this was the best suitcase solar going. He didn't elaborate why but I did see him purchasing one for himself that evening. Maybe give them a look too.

Mike

Those look nice, I was hoping I could build a better one myself at less cost.

[Bubtoofat]

TIZI,

I picked up this suitcase panel by Overland Solar last year at the Overland Expo. I got it cheaper at the expo than they have here plus they tossed in extension cables and connectors for going through the camper wall. I haven't had a chance to use it yet because after the expo in October it was time to put the camper away for winter.

I was camped next to a guy at the expo and he told me he had been researching solar for the past 2 years and that this was the best suitcase solar going. He didn't elaborate why but I did see him purchasing one for himself that evening. Maybe give them a look too.

Mike

[Tizi]

Geewizard wrote:

Tizi wrote:

Geewizard wrote:
I use a Morningstar MPPT controller. My opinion is that no matter how few panels you have, a MPPT controller gets more out of it than a PWM controller. And my experience shows that too.

Definitely roll your own solar panel setup. Not hard to do at all and a much better deal too.

I can give you the parts list and details of my solar setup if you want.

Would love to see what you did!

Answered in a PM

I do not see it in my inbox.

I will check out the less expensive MPPT controller.

[Geewizard]

Tizi wrote:

Geewizard wrote:
I use a Morningstar MPPT controller. My opinion is that no matter how few panels you have, a MPPT controller gets more out of it than a PWM controller. And my experience shows that too.

Definitely roll your own solar panel setup. Not hard to do at all and a much better deal too.

I can give you the parts list and details of my solar setup if you want.

Would love to see what you did!

Answered in a PM

[pianotuna]

Hi Tizi,

I use a Bluesky 3024 MPPT controller.

If I were going to go MPPT with a small I'd go for the "clone" of the Morningstar. Just make sure to get the one that allows adjustable voltage set points and a temperature sensor on the battery bank. The make is called Tracer and make sure it is the BN model.

It doesn't make economic sense to do MPPT--but that doesn't mean you should not do it if you want to.

My panels were at 135 F today and because I have them in series I still get good charging.

[Searching_Ut]

Tizi wrote:
I did quite a bit of reading last night. I am still liking the idea of maximum efficiency. I have been researching MPPT controllers. I found a few I like so far. I will likely go MPPT.

Anybody have experience with Sams Duracell 6 volt bats?

The Duracell 6 volt batteries Sams club sells are East Penn Deka batteries. They're true deep cycle and should last you years if well taken care of.

[DWeikert]

Bedlam wrote:
Run the panels in series so you can use smaller gauge wire and longer runs with less loss.

Good advice but you must also make sure you don't exceed the input voltage of the charge controller. I'm using the Bluesky 2000e that has a max PV voltage of 30, the newer 3000e can take up to 40 volts. Not sure which controller the OP is looking at but that's a spec to check as you plan out your wiring.