Question for all you solar experts

[69_Avion]

I have ordered a 250 watt Sharp 24 volt Solar panel. Now for my question. I would like to use a Morningstar Sun Saver 15 MPPT controller. The problem is that the sales person said that the 15 amp MPPT Sun Saver controller isn't large enough for my panel. Does anyone have experience with this? I don't want to have to go to a 45 amp controller unless I absolutely have to.

[JiminDenver]

Sorry to hear that one of the panels was damaged. I can't wait to see the numbers you get. Was the free shipping a limited offer?

[69_Avion]

If I use it also as a wind diverted it won't be at a real sharp angle. I just need the frame strong enough to support it.

[2oldman]

69 Avion wrote:
I can use it to deflect the wind.

I'd be careful with that. Perhaps there's a wind load spec on the panel itself.. not the frame, the cells themselves.

[69_Avion]

It is going to be up high anyway. It is also adjustable for angle, so I can use it to deflect the wind. I can also leave it level if I choose to. Either way, it needs to be strong enough to withstand the wind forces going by it. I'm not attaching it to the roof of the camper.

[time2roll]

69 Avion wrote:
The term "run" was actually a question of how much does it cost? I should have been more specific. I use too much slang.

Well featured 30 amp is $375. I assume the 20 amp would be less but not that much. WAG $300-$325.

http://www.roguepowertech.com/products/chargecontrollers/mppt/mpt3048.htm

[2oldman]

69 Avion wrote:
Do you put automatic circuit breakers in the line (+) from the solar panel and also from the controller to the battery? Also, what kind of switches, or disconnects do you put between the devices?

No. None.

69 Avion wrote:
After looking at the panels, I need more aluminum before I can mount the first one. I'm mounting it above the tongue and I will be using it for aerodynamic wind flow so the angle will be adjustable to direct the wind while traveling.

Ok, this sounds weird. Why? The first pebble that hits it at 60mph will damage it.

[69_Avion]

Well, the solar panels arrived today. That was really quick. I took good pictures of the packaging before I opened it because it looked like it was damaged. You can't place steel drums on top of solar panels and not expect any damage. One was totally ruined. Solar Blvd is putting in a claim. After looking at the panels, I need more aluminum before I can mount the first one. I'm mounting it above the tongue and I will be using it for aerodynamic wind flow so the angle will be adjustable to direct the wind while traveling. I need to make a heavier aluminum frame for it to set on or it will break with the force of the wind.

[69_Avion]

They just look so cool. LOL

[westend]

69 Avion wrote:

westend wrote:

69 Avion wrote:
Westend, thanks for the link.

You're welcome.
Forgot to mention, you'll want a fuse between the charge controller and battery, protection for that wire.

What do you think about putting the manual circuit breakers on both sides or the controller?

Well, those manual breakers are expensive compared to a good 25-50 amp fuse. Also the fuse is probably faster acting then the circuit breaker. In common use, there really isn't a need to interrupt between the charge controller and battery, especially if the module output to the controller can be switched.

[69_Avion]

westend wrote:

69 Avion wrote:
Westend, thanks for the link.

You're welcome.
Forgot to mention, you'll want a fuse between the charge controller and battery, protection for that wire.

What do you think about putting the manual circuit breakers on both sides or the controller?

[westend]

69 Avion wrote:
Westend, thanks for the link.

You're welcome.
Forgot to mention, you'll want a fuse between the charge controller and battery, protection for that wire.

[69_Avion]

Westend, thanks for the link.

[westend]

I used one of these Manual Trip Circuit Breakers between the module and the charge controller. It is more for ease of interrupting power than for circuit protection. The Hi-Watt breakers have a larger post on the back that affords attachment of larger wire and it's lug.

[69_Avion]

Hopefully my panels will be here by the weekend so that I can get them installed.
A question for you folks. Do you put automatic circuit breakers in the line (+) from the solar panel and also from the controller to the battery? Also, what kind of switches, or disconnects do you put between the devices?

[69_Avion]

JiminDenver wrote:
At least there are a few more functioning smaller MPPT controllers now. The Eco-worthy didn't come out for a year after I found my panels and everything else that was affordable was fake junk. After paying $50 a panel it was hard to swallow hundreds to stay charged up for a week or two at a time.

Even though 230w has been more than enough for us, I would get the second panel in a heartbeat. You will want a matched set if you ever mount both and combine them. I'm stuck with separate systems if I use both panels.

As far as bumping the limit, unless you are really draining a big bank or doing big power draws at noon, you may not have to worry about it. Even with our panel flat we were in float pretty early and never saw full power at noon unless I was trying to use power.

the two things I'd change on the Eco-worthy are to have the ability to turn off the MPPT when it's cloudy and be able to set a time duration on the absorb stage. It doesn't last long with shallow discharges and while I can hold the float up to 14.5v if I want, it's not automatic. Other than that I can't find any bad reviews after a year .

If I use the Eco-Worthy controller I will be into the solar system for about $1.50 per watt. That is with a new US made Sharp panel. That doesn't include the mounting, but it will include the wire. I like the idea of using two separate systems if I decide to put on the second panel. The reason is that if I add two more batteries, they will probably be AGMs and I can keep them separate from my current batteries.