Solar Battery Charging

Topic: Solar Battery Charging (Read 1158 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #25 – July 24, 2019, 02:31:15 am

I used 4- 300watt panels like Rogers, they are on one charge controller. I then saw I had more room and bought 2- 360watt LG panels and have them on there own controller.
I glued 2"x3" aluminum rectangular bars (5200 sealant) and then installed 3 hinges on a side of all the panels. They are now able to raise. With limiting cables on each they can be tilted forward past 90 degrees and left that way so I have almost total room to walk the roof to perform any maintenance. 3- 300 watt panels are tied together and lift as a unit on the drivers side. 3 panels monted on the passenger side each lift separately. They can be tilted from the ground using a pole to lift each of them and latching them into position.
The 3 panels tied together lift with a 12v scissor jack mounted in the middle of the 3. The jack has a wired hand controller and a wireless controller so they can be lifted from the ground also.
With the hinge mounts the panels are easy to remove if needed, just pound the hinge pin out and the panel is free to come off.

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #26 – July 24, 2019, 03:00:04 am

Last month I mixed two LG 335 with two LG 280 watt panels on my roof. Now, I have 1187 watts, up from previous 560 watts. 63.8 Volts times 18.61 amps, equals 1187.31 watts.

I am using 4 LG panels with two 280 w panels installed two years ago at one end, (the front,) wired in series, and at the rear of the roof, two LG 335 w panels wired in series, both groups to combiner box on roof in parallel (so, 63.8 volts to controller) and down refrig vent to single mppt charge controller rated at 1400 watts at 12 volts. 150 volts/100 amps.

I choose one solar controller over two separate controllers because of reduced cost and the fact I could then use all the existing wiring without any additional wiring. By doubling the voltage down the refrig opening, existing wire was fine. Two controllers would have only yielded 43 more watts on the roof, 1230 vs 1182 watts.

The math was as follows. Max power of 335 watt panels 34.1 (max power volt, VMPP) x 2 = 68.2 V x 9.83 (max power current, MPP) = 770 watts. LG 280 31.9 volt x 2 = 63.8 v x 8.78 = 560 watts. In parallel 63.8 volts (lower of two parallel voltages) x 18.61 amps (combined amps) = 1187.31 watts from my roof system.

Mounting hardware, wire, and combiner box were all from AM Solarin Springfield, Oregon.

The calculations came from this source.
Mixing solar panels – Dos and Don'ts • SOLAR PANEL SECRETS EXPOSED

Bought last LG panel from Ecodirect.
LG Solar 335 Watt Black Frame NeON 2 Solar Panel, Cello technology - LG335N1C-V5

Shared album - John Lewis - Google Photos

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #27 – July 24, 2019, 08:15:48 am

Quote from: Lon and Cheryl – July 24, 2019, 02:31:15 am

I used 4- 300watt panels like Rogers, they are on one charge controller. I then saw I had more room and bought 2- 360watt LG panels and have them on there own controller.
I glued 2"x3" aluminum rectangular bars (5200 sealant) and then installed 3 hinges on a side of all the panels. They are now able to raise. With limiting cables on each they can be tilted forward past 90 degrees and left that way so I have almost total room to walk the roof to perform any maintenance. 3- 300 watt panels are tied together and lift as a unit on the drivers side. 3 panels monted on the passenger side each lift separately. They can be tilted from the ground using a pole to lift each of them and latching them into position.
The 3 panels tied together lift with a 12v scissor jack mounted in the middle of the 3. The jack has a wired hand controller and a wireless controller so they can be lifted from the ground also.
With the hinge mounts the panels are easy to remove if needed, just pound the hinge pin out and the panel is free to come off.

Thanks Lon, that jack sounds like a good idea

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #28 – July 24, 2019, 08:18:39 am

Quote from: Jack Lewis – July 24, 2019, 03:00:04 am

Last month I mixed two LG 335 with two LG 280 watt panels on my roof. Now, I have 1187 watts, up from previous 560 watts. 63.8 Volts times 18.61 amps, equals 1187.31 watts.
I am using 4 LG panels with two 280 w panels installed two years ago at one end, (the front,) wired in series, and at the rear of the roof, two LG 335 w panels wired in series, both groups to combiner box on roof in parallel (so, 63.8 volts to controller) and down refrig vent to single mppt charge controller rated at 1400 watts at 12 volts. 150 volts/100 amps.
I choose one solar controller over two separate controllers because of reduced cost and the fact I could then use all the existing wiring without any additional wiring. By doubling the voltage down the refrig opening, existing wire was fine. Two controllers would have only yielded 43 more watts on the roof, 1230 vs 1182 watts.
The math was as follows. Max power of 335 watt panels 34.1 (max power volt, VMPP) x 2 = 68.2 V x 9.83 (max power current, MPP) = 770 watts. LG 280 31.9 volt x 2 = 63.8 v x 8.78 = 560 watts. In parallel 63.8 volts (lower of two parallel voltages) x 18.61 amps (combined amps) = 1187.31 watts from my roof system.
Mounting hardware, wire, and combiner box were all from AM Solarin Springfield, Oregon.

Thanks Jack, that is a nice setup and I like the link on do's and dont's it is simple and easy to understand

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #29 – July 26, 2019, 11:54:34 am

Pretty well covered above but this is the third RV I have fitted with solar and here are some anecdotal experiences. I prefer the smaller panels as they are easier to place and maintain greater clearance from the roof for cooling. My panels are taped and sealant secured. It is crucial to insure you have cleaned the surface properly, read final alcohol wipe, before using the tape. I do know of one failure of larger taped panels resulting in the loss of the panel (commercial install not a diy).

Do get a larger controller than you presently need and place your panels so you can add additional with out having to move the old. Many folks start modestly but once you experience the benefits add to their array. In the same vein, when you purchase a controller make sure it has been designed to be compatible with lithium charging.

My preference was to add panels not the hardware to raise them. Blood thinners and climbing are not recommended. But I did the original mounting with my grandson.

Take a look at the AM Solar site. There are some good explanations of what you need and how to do it. They give excellent tech support to those who purchase their kits. They are definitely pricier but for me it was a good trade off. I am obviously not an electrician or an engineer. But I do understand my solar install. I also installed a 100w panel and controller for the three Optimas. Good luck!

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #30 – July 26, 2019, 12:07:25 pm

Thanks for sharing your experience George, good information.

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #31 – July 26, 2019, 12:59:50 pm

Our 1 3/4" or so clearance between the bottom of the panel frame to the roof keeps the roof cool. Much cooler under the panels than the surrounding exposed area. The blue panel surface gets really hot even at higher latitudes.

Our four flat mounted large panels are more than enough to power the coach since we don't have a residential fridge. We are all LED and watch a 50 inch 4K TV at night with microwave and latte maker in the morning, all without using the generator. We shut off the inverter at night. Waiting for new true sine wave inverter to arrive so microwave will run at full power plus the Heart inverter has a large idle current draw.

Keep voltage to the controller at least 15% less than the controller rating. Solar panels will put out much higher voltage when the sun is just coming up and the panel temps are much lower that the voltage on the panel specs. Our 36 volt panels put out over 40 volts just before the sun comes up but almost zero watts. Some controllers may not come on with more than specified voltage or may be damaged.

Yes, a single MPPT controller that will handle 96 amps and 150 volts in will be plenty. Unless the sun is directly overhead (not possible in the U.S.) around the Tropic of Cancer or the panels are tilted, a 300 watt panel will only put out 220 watts or so in the summer, less in winter. Our Midnite 150 cost a little over $500 and has worked well for 10 years without a hitch. Could easily add a panel and be below the 96 amps rating because of the difference between specs and real world output.

I screwed everything down. No real reason not to. That made for easy panel removal when I painted the roof.

Yes, don't climb up on the roof to tilt panels. Don't!

Most of the above came from phone calls to Midnite technical support at the factory in Washington State.

Pierce

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #32 – July 26, 2019, 01:05:02 pm

There is no such thing as a "modified sine wave inverter." How can you modify a sine wave? It's nothing more than a &#@! advertising term when it should be called a modified square wave inverter.

Just like 99.99 percent of cars that advertise leather interiors when only the seating area is leather with the rest being vinyl.

Pierce

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #33 – July 26, 2019, 01:24:45 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – July 26, 2019, 01:05:02 pm

There is no such thing as a "modified sine wave inverter." How can you modify a sine wave? It's nothing more than a &#@! advertising term when it should be called a modified square wave inverter.
Pierce

Thanks Pierce, I had never heard of the Midnite company, good to know their product last.

I am still able to climb up on the roof, I am on a RV roof 1-3 times a month for my business. In past years I worked on bridge crews and our dear uncle had me climbing telephone poles "LOL"

is the cabling use flexible or is it better to use welding cable?

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #34 – July 26, 2019, 03:18:47 pm

Steve,

Midnite and Victron are at the top of the list on the 2019 reviews: Best MPPT Charge Controller (2019) - Solar Charge Controller Reviews

Victron has a super interface for laptops, tablets, phones. Made in the Netherlands so should be well done. TomTom GPS also. Everyone would live there if not for the terrible weather for part of the year.

I've never seen any remanufactured Midnite controllers and they guarantee for 5 years with a max of $125 for rebuilding/repair after that plus 24 hr service from the U.S. factory. They are more difficult to find a place to install as they are tall. I installed ours in the top door next to the fridge but I keep it open to allow it to vent. It also has a little fan that comes on when it gets hot. I like the eye level display but I could have mounted the display some other spot.

I also still get up there to clean things, etc but if it's been raining, it's slippery. The new paint is not as bad as the gel coat was. I still remember a SOB forum member with a faulty telescoping ladder that had a fatal fall.

I like welding cable. It's all expensive but I went to a welding shop and they made me a deal on a partial roll. Think I paid $3/ft.
The pluses: It's really flexible as it has many times the strands of automotive cable so when used on a wire feed for a ground, it can
be easily moved, etc.
Easy to go around corners and fit in tight spaces.
Fire resistive covering available but more expensive.

Cons: You have to support it for horizontal stretches as it's so flexible that it may sag.

I soldered mine but we have an anvil tool at the hanger to attach the lugs. You just put the cable in the tool and hit it with a single jack.

Pierce

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #35 – July 26, 2019, 04:50:24 pm

My understanding is Victron is designed in Holland but made in India.

I try to buy made in USA if possible.

Yes I will pay more if reasonable.

Magnum pt100 controller is 100 amps/240 volt.

Yes it's more money

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #36 – July 26, 2019, 08:00:13 pm

I love American products also but try to buy a Ferrari made in the USA .. sometime you have to give to get some perfection..

You would probably be surprised if you listed every component on your coach and the actual origin of manufactured country would be an eye opener .. most light bulbs .. made say Mexico and packaged in the USA .. but hey they had USA on the package.

Since your a desert rat I wouldn't believe you would understand the Victron following.. its A Maritime thing.

That said, VictronConnect has many products that tie in the whole system and work together perfectly.

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #37 – July 26, 2019, 08:34:37 pm

2019 Prevost X3-45 Star Coach / Motorhome | eBay
Note the dual Victron 10000 watt inverters.

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #38 – July 26, 2019, 11:10:39 pm

Roger, is 150/185 a typo?

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #39 – July 26, 2019, 11:51:40 pm

I noticed the heat strips not heat pumps. Second or third time I have seen heat strips on nice coaches/rv's recently

Victron are 5k watts 24/48 volts max?

2 batteries?

Their published technical chart shows 85% at 3000 watts. Two units would put the efficiency well Into the mid 90% range using two inverters at 1500 watts each.

The Victron marketing people sent me a link to their 24/48 volt chart when I asked for the 12 volt chart.

Asked them again. We will see. Just want the facts, mam

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #40 – July 26, 2019, 11:54:45 pm

Quote from: Michaelhayley – July 26, 2019, 11:10:39 pm

Roger, is 150/185 a typo?

Solar Charge Controllers - Solar

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #41 – July 26, 2019, 11:58:26 pm

Quote from: Caflashbob – July 26, 2019, 11:51:40 pm

I noticed the heat strips not heat pumps. Second or third time I have seen heat strips on nice coaches/rv's recently
Victron are 5k watts 24/48 volt.
2 batteries?

Mine has the heat strips and I had to use them this spring as my furnace blower motor went bad. I ran the off my my 2 house batteries and the Gen started when they got low.

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #42 – July 26, 2019, 11:58:38 pm

Quote from: Caflashbob – July 26, 2019, 11:51:40 pm

I noticed the heat strips not heat pumps. Second or third time I have seen heat strips on nice coaches/rv's recently

Victron are 5k watts 24/48 volts max?

2 batteries?

Their published technical chart shows 85% at 3000 watts. Two units would put the efficiency well Into the mid 90% range using two inverters at 1500 watts each.

The Victron marketing people sent me a link to their 24/48 volt chart when I asked for the 12 volt chart.

Asked them again. We will see. Just want the facts, mam

Here's the facts mam. Not sure how they feed the coach seeing they are 220 volt 50 cycle but very well could be specially made for Staley Conversions. Thinking the two batteries are start batteries or maybe two lithium ion 48 volt batteries modules.

.Victron Energy Quattro 10000 Watt 48V Inverter Charger

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #43 – July 27, 2019, 12:16:02 am

Perfection? My race buddy and I talked today about the upcoming $60k mid motor 3 second vette.

The FTP and center tub of the vette is a excellent crash structure.

I had a 78 silver anniversary vette I sold new be pin wheeled on the freeway in the rain at an estimated 120mph plus.

Every corner was smashed in several feet plus.

I got out a tape measure and measured the interior dimensions versus a new exact car I had in stock to see.

Interior had not moved. People walked away.

No blood. The 60's models had bloody interiors. I was the lot kid and hosed out the totals that the shop bought

Except for tv's and radios other than light bulbs what non USA parts are on our Foretravels.

C.M. Fore and Ray and the staff bought everything USA.

"Graded" steel to insure it was made here. USA paneling and carpeting

Even the suppliers that called on Foretravel drove USA made cars long ago.

PHH the largest company car leasing only leased American cars then.

No way Foretravel bought anything non USA unless no choice.

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #44 – July 27, 2019, 12:17:39 am

you would have the only one like it

Re: Solar Battery Charging

Reply #45 – July 27, 2019, 12:36:10 am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0cBn05mQ7I
I have one of these in my coach, works great. Like David has posted, no way to know where things are really made anymore.

Affiliate Notice