Chandalen
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Re: 30 amp service
As mentioned, often the 30a plug is the same line as the 15a standard plug line. In that case, this device MAY only help if the 30a breaker is weak from old age, and actually trips less than the 30a its supposed to. This is what happens when a 30a plug always trips when the AC turns on, or the AC and the microwave. Another problem, is what if the 15a side trips, you are back to the 30a side only or vice versa. The only good mixing of connectors I have found is the 50a to 30a adapter for my 30a camper plug. Even if the 50a breaker is old, and no longer rated for 50a, I have never had a problem getting the juice I needed @ 30a.180Views0likes0CommentsRe: Planning Solar Panels
smkettner wrote: OK so $550 for 500 watts. With MPPT you could have 530 watts (2 panels) for $200 less. What panels are that cheap? I did a quick search and I can find some Poly panels close to $500 @265w, but no Mono's. I went for a larger controller, to allow for expansion.484Views0likes0CommentsRe: Planning Solar Panels
smkettner wrote: Chandalen wrote: MPPT will be getting close to being on par with a PWM in the 700w area. Above 1000w go with MPPT (usually) Again, its a cost game. With my array 500w, What panels? what cost? I use 5x Renogy 100w (mono). Their size is perfect to fit 4 across on most campers. They are ~$140 each on Amazon. I went thru Renogy and received a military discount. I paid about $110 each if I remember correctly.484Views0likes0CommentsRe: Planning Solar Panels
Boon Docker wrote: Anyone wanting to know the pros and cons about controllers, here is a white paper on the subject. Very interesting read that takes away all the heresay that you read on the forums. /shrug I can pull up numerous white papers from any number of vendors that write the paper to point you in their marketing direction. Does a vendor want you to spend $450 or $150... lets make a white paper look pretty so people will. The FACT is, PWM will usually always perform better in a camper/RV type set up. Period. Even the small gain you may see in an MPPT is NOT worth the cost of the controller. Use the money for another panel, and/or better wire, and you would be on top again. Fun points: >Systems in which array power output is significantly larger than the power draw of the system loads would indicate that the batteries will spend most of their time at full or near full charge. Such a system may not benefit from the increased harvesting capability of an MPPT regulator. When the system batteries are full, excess solar energy goes unused. The harvesting advantage of MPPT may be unnecessary in this situation especially if autonomy is not a factor. >The greatest benefit of an MPPT regulator will be observed in colder climates (Vmp is higher). Conversely, in hotter climates Vmp is reduced. A decrease in Vmp will reduce MPPT harvest relative to PWM. Average ambient temperature at the installation site may be high enough to negate any charging advantages the MPPT has over the PWM. It would not be economical to use MPPT in such a situation. Average temperature at the site should be a factor considered when making a regulator choice. >Low power (specifically low current) charging applications may have equal or better energy harvest with a PWM controller. PWM controllers will operate at a relatively constant harvesting efficiency regardless of the size of the system (all things being equal, efficiency will be the same regardless of array size). MPPT regulators commonly have noticeably reduced harvesting efficiencies (relative to their peak efficiency) when used in low power applications.484Views0likes0CommentsRe: Planning Solar Panels
MPPT will be getting close to being on par with a PWM in the 700w area. Above 1000w go with MPPT (usually) Again, its a cost game. With my array 500w, I tried the following controllers, because I got in a debate with a fellow camper, who just had his friend install an array on his camper. He had the TS-MPPT-45, and I have the PWM version. Nothing else changed: Morningstar (PWM) TS-45 Retail price $150 Actual amperage to batteries 27a Morningstar TS-MPPT-45 Retail Price $450 Actual amperage to batteries 23a So... for $300 more, I could lose 4a. That's an amazing deal just because people think MPPT is better all around. For arguments sake. Lets say the MPPT did give 4a more than my set up. I could still spend the $300 I saved on two additional panels, and be back on top. The charge controller is very important. I went with the MS TS 45 because all its voltages are programmable. Most golf cart type batteries perform much better if you can adjust the voltages to what the mfr suggests. The TS-45 allows this, as well as voltage AND temp sensing at the battery to ensure proper charge.484Views0likes0Comments- 484Views0likes0Comments
Re: Planning Solar Panels
Seriosuly... wtf is wrong with posting... keep getting an error, but if i keep my posts to like 4 sentences its ok... I would go with a PWM controller. MPPT is usually out performed by PWM in smaller array sizes. MPPT hates heat. A lot. Any advantage MPPT could provide in a camper install is negated, or lost when you factor in heat, small array size, likely hood of actually angling the panels when you stop. Use the saved money for lower gauge wires, a better inverter (PSW), etc.. NABSEP certified.484Views0likes0Comments
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