Solar battery charger

[MikeInColo]

Lou,

Do you have a link to the <$300 system that you mentioned earler?

Also, do you think the prices are still dropping? If so, how low do you think they'll go?

[Herk7769]

Solar Cell, Solar Panel, Solar PV, Solar Products, Charge Controllers, Solar Trackers

The other one was a sale item as well (but included the controller); this one is the one on sale now.

The charge controller:
Solar Cell, Solar Panel, Solar PV, Solar Products, Charge Controllers, Solar Trackers

[Fire Instructor]

Just finished-up my install this weekend. My set-up includes:
Two 150W Suntech Panels (34.4v)
Homemade two axis, four way tilting mounts
Panel Shut-off switch
Rogue MTP-3024 Controller/Charger
Roof Combiner Box
Interior Junction Box
150W catastrophic fuse
Two 6-volt 220Ah golf-cart batteries
All cable runs in #4 welding cable

Pictures of the install can be seen at: Rockwood Solar Install 2011 pictures by Fire_Instructor - Photobucket

I certainly learned a lot since last fall, when we started getting serious about doing this, but it was worth it.

[Herk7769]

Simply awesome.


Sorry; no words... Speechless.

[toshu]

Fire Instructor,

very interesting set up!!!

Some comments/requests/suggestions:

I am sure that others, including me, would like more details about the set up, especially the mounting hardware.
This thread is about solar battery chargers. There is another thread about Solar systems here:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ems-12500.html
where it might be great to have this info as well and additional details. Or, create a separate thread about the system and its details where you post ongoing information.

Some questions that come to mind:

Is this the new version Roque controller ???
Fabrication details for the mounting brackets that allow 4 way tilting (I have been mulling that myself)....its awesome.
Wiring run details for your 2607?? (I have a 2011 2604)
What made you choose those panels vs others?
Total material costs? (this looks like a package that many of us could afford and install on our own)

[MikeInColo]

Okay, now I *really* have solar envy.

[Fire Instructor]

You asked for it, toshu! A VERY long post is in the Modifications forum. I believe I answered all of the questions...

[Herk7769]

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/i...S37F&re=1&ee=1

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf

Has all you need to find out if the credit is worth it to you.
Looks like 30% of the total system cost with no upper limit.
Depends on the tax definition of Primary residence.
(RVs and boats that meet the definition are included I am told; PROVIDED you live in it FULL TIME). Second homes (campers) do not seem to meet the definition.

[F9PRO]

You will find many of those "MPPT" charge controllers on auction sites for a very reasonable price!

BUT before you buy it now..... Be sure to do your research on them as many are nothing more than PWM controllers labeled as MPPT

A minimal MPPT controller is going to cost you upwards of $200 (Morningstar Sunsaver MPPT)

If you spend less chances are you will gain nothing other than wasting your money and losing the advantages of going MPPT

[Taranwanderer]

Ok, to resurrect this thread: I'm interested in picking up a solar battery charger (not a full-blown, off the grid system for dry camping) just to trickle charge my battery every day over the winter. I have a battery disconnect installed, so there would be no draw on the battery, other than the cold-induced loss of capacity. What I don't want to do is put something on there that's going to overcharge the battery by being exposed to sun every day and cooking it. So is a 15W, 30W, or another power rating suitable for this? We need a little charge, but not too much charge. Thoughts?

[Fire Instructor]

There are a few small systems out there that will do this. Just select one with a controller that will float, and not just keep pushing amps into an overcooked battery. At the 15 to 20 watt size, a decent controller will cost almost as much as a small panel!