Solar Question?

[Lawrosa]

Originally Posted by HangDiver

I'm curious what panels and MPPT you (everyone) chose to use and why? That would be helpful for me as I narrow down my options (I'm looking to install a 200W system).

If I could do it over I would get MPPT from renogy. Cost is low..

I would at least get the 40amp model here.

https://www.renogy.com/rover-40-amp-...ge-controller/


But how many panels can you fit?

I woulnt buy one of thier kits because I would want higher voltage panels.

I would probably look at two of these and put them in parrellel. 320 watt

https://www.renogy.com/renogy-320-wa...el-back-order/


There may be cheaper options out there with panels, but your limited to the wattage/voltage the charge controller can accept.

[babock]

Originally Posted by Lawrosa

I would probably look at two of these and put them in parrellel. 320 watt

https://www.renogy.com/renogy-320-wa...el-back-order/

So...not series?

[babock]

Originally Posted by HangDiver

I'm curious what panels and MPPT you (everyone) chose to use and why? That would be helpful for me as I narrow down my options (I'm looking to install a 200W system).

As far as price goes, you can't really beat either the 40A or the 20A version of this kit pricewise.

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Monocr...00w+mppt+rover

If you are worried about voltage loss to your controller, extend the leads that come with the controller to 8AWG. I will likely drop the leads that come with the kit down the fridge vent and make a transition there from 10AWG to 8AWG as I send it to the front of the trailer where the controller will sit next to the batteries.

[Lawrosa]

Originally Posted by babock

So...not series?

The controller can only use 400 watts I believe..

[Summer2Go]

I just bought that controller! I have 2 150 watt Greesonic flexible panels to start. My roof space is small, so I will have to add smaller panels if I add more. My frig. vent is about 20' down and across to the controller, so I should use 8awg. wire? I am trying to figure out fuses, and their placement as well.

[babock]

Originally Posted by Lawrosa

The controller can only use 400 watts I believe..

The specs I see is 40A and 100V input voltage.

Given 2 same panels connected in either series or parallel, the wattage is exactly the same.

EDIT:

Specs for the controller are:
12V@520W
14V@1040W

[boondocking]

Originally Posted by Summer2Go

I just bought that controller! I have 2 150 watt Greesonic flexible panels to start. My roof space is small, so I will have to add smaller panels if I add more. My frig. vent is about 20' down and across to the controller, so I should use 8awg. wire? I am trying to figure out fuses, and their placement as well.

You would have about 1.5% more loss with 10awg than you would with 8awg.

[babock]

Originally Posted by Summer2Go

I just bought that controller! I have 2 150 watt Greesonic flexible panels to start. My roof space is small, so I will have to add smaller panels if I add more. My frig. vent is about 20' down and across to the controller, so I should use 8awg. wire? I am trying to figure out fuses, and their placement as well.

I am going to drop the 10AWG lines down fridge vent and fuse them there. From there, I will run 8AWG to the controller where I am going to put a switch to disconnect the PV panels from the controller if need be.

I am a fan of these switches, I have used them in boats many times. I will use one for the PV switch and one for the main battery coach switch

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00445KFZ2...ing=UTF8&psc=1

Here is a good source of wire. Here is some 8AWG pairs in a jacket. Free shipping. Wire is fully tinned not that it matters in an RV.
http://www.genuinedealz.com/8-2-awg-...-red-by-the-ft

[boondocking]

Originally Posted by Lawrosa

The controller can only use 400 watts I believe..

You are correct unless you go 24V then you are good for 800 watts.

[Summer2Go]

So now series, or parallel and series. If I hook up my same 150's in parallel, the added 2 100 watt panels paralleled, and then series the two groups together? That would keep all of the panels working if one is shaded enough?

[Dano1955]

Originally Posted by boondocking

I stayed at a Holiday Inn here !
Does that count?

I can divide by 10 in my head....

That means I'm purty smart too don 't it?

[Summer2Go]

I already have the Renogy mppt 40 amp, and it says it is good for up to 520 watts in a 12 volt system. You posted the tech specs. earlier.

[Summer2Go]

When I really want the solar, on the beach, or in my driveway, there are no trees. The shading would more than likely be clouds, but that's not shade anymore than when the sun isn't out. So the combination of parallel and series probably wouldn't help.

[Summer2Go]

And I think I do need a switch, I read the controller book. I thought it could shut off the feed from the panels.

[Summer2Go]

So how do I wire the switch? Do I get lug terminals for the 8awg solar wire to attach to and from the switch? Do the wires to the switch go on the positive lead only? I'm lost here.

[Lawrosa]

I got my switch from auto zone. Uses 3/8 ring terminals. I used 8 gauge wire everywhere for the solar.


I soldered and crimped my own wire lengths with ringterminals.

I ordered them through digi key.

But you can get them at west marine. ( I dont like west marine because they are expensive)

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/ancor...AaApa8EALw_wcB

[boondocking]

Originally Posted by Summer2Go

So how do I wire the switch? Do I get lug terminals for the 8awg solar wire to attach to and from the switch? Do the wires to the switch go on the positive lead only? I'm lost here.

I used an inline circuit breaker, works great. Also serves two purpose, circuit breaker and on/off switch.

[Summer2Go]

Hey I like that idea. I was putting a fuse on the positive line after the controller on its way to the battery. So this could go on the positive feed before the controller? I have done nothing electrical before, so I am starting from scratch. I am thrilled I ran the wire from the roof yesterday.

[Summer2Go]

I am near Lake Hopatcong in N.J. You'd thing with all the boat stuff near me there would be a good place for battery wire and switches.

[babock]

Not sure a circuit breaker at the input to the controller is buying you much.