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Topic: Solar (Read 1021 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Solar

Reply #25 –
Bob, let me look in my garage.. Might have some extra mounts that I used on mine you can have..If I didnt toss them. Probably didnt since I am a pack rat.. so I am told at least 2 times a month. :))

Re: Solar

Reply #26 –
Bob,

I am leaning towards the pt-100 to integrate into my new solar setup.  Is it overkill?  Perhaps, as it's unlikely I will be installing a 6600 watt PV array, but I already have a Magnum inverter with the me-arc remote.  The pt-100 networks seamlessly with the Magnum inverters and the me-arc remote will also allow complete control, monitoring and configuration of the pt-100.  I am planning to use 24 v 72 cell panels and the pt-100 will work well with them.  Support from Magnum is a breeze because I am using all their products in my setup (except for the panels).  I will not have to upgrade my charge controller anytime soon as well!

Dave
Dave & Diane
2001 U270 36' WTFE #5820
2016 Jeep Wrangler Hard Rock
Motorcade #18156

Re: Solar

Reply #27 –
Quote from: Dave & Diane (DAS) –
Bob,

I am leaning towards the pt-100 to integrate into my new solar setup.  Is it overkill?  Perhaps, as it's unlikely I will be installing a 6600 watt PV array, but I already have a Magnum inverter with the me-arc remote.  The pt-100 networks seamlessly with the Magnum inverters and the me-arc remote will also allow complete control, monitoring and configuration of the pt-100.  I am planning to use 24 v 72 cell panels and the pt-100 will work well with them.  Support from Magnum is a breeze because I am using all their products in my setup (except for the panels).  I will not have to upgrade my charge controller anytime soon as well!

Dave
Dave, a 72 cell, 24 volt panel is very interesting, who makes them? Thanks.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Solar

Reply #28 –
Solar charging is not something you get to have much control over.  Watts into the batteries is pretty much a bell shaped curve during the day.  You will not be putting in a uniform charge in over the day.  If you believe you have to have 1/5C or nothing then solar is not the way to go.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Solar

Reply #29 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Solar charging is not something you get to have much control over.  Watts into the batteries is pretty much a bell shaped curve during the day.  You will not be putting in a uniform charge in over the day.  If you believe you have to have 1/5C or nothing then solar is not the way to go.


This is another big plus in the Lithium column.  LiFePO4 doesn't care about high charge rate (within reasonable limits that are way above my solar capacity), low charge rate or about being topped off.  On a bad day my solar won't put more than 10 amps peak into the battery but it doesn't matter as long as I have enough charge to get through the night.  No side effects from slow charging or storing for extended periods at low SOC.  One less thing to worry about.

Re: Solar

Reply #30 –
Dave thanks for your input. I bought the controller not knowing for sure if its correct so any details of how it integrates would help me.

I have a magnum inverter, ME-RC(To be changed out to a ME-ARC), and a BTMS abd  to install all the  parts listed as I go along ME-AGS-N(gen start), a ME-BMS(first thing), and a Blue-Sea auto battery combiner.

Without a residential refer my 270 watt current solar helps the batteries 3 mk 8g8d's recover and make sure in storage that the batteries never get discharged accidentally.

I run my chest refer when on the road so it's compressor load is noticeable but manageable but probably not as much as a residential refer.  Probably 1/2 the amp hours?

Yes the PT-100 maybe overkill but that's ok as long as it works as the ARC panel can control everything.

Sure leaning to a higher voltage system if it will work and the more efficient 22%  panels.

Can they take the windloads? 

Back of my mind for extended rv use would be to have Tesla install a powerwall in our home then steal it and put it flat in a storage bay. 

5k inverter built in.  Lots of amp hours.  Roof airs off the battery stuff.  Probably a pipe dream

The help so far has been great.  Keep it coming.

Bob
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Solar

Reply #31 –
Jim,

I was looking at these panels.  There seems to be quite a few people selling larger capacity panels in the Vegas area.  These may be surplus from commercial projects and the like.  The prices are great.  I am in the Vegas area so no shipping charges.  I like the idea of putting 1000+ watts on the roof using only 3 panels.  The roof on my coach (entry side) is clear all the way back to the ladder so they will fit in there nice.


Trina 340 watt mono 72 cell Solar Panels - general for sale - by owner

Dave
Dave
Dave & Diane
2001 U270 36' WTFE #5820
2016 Jeep Wrangler Hard Rock
Motorcade #18156

Re: Solar

Reply #32 –
"Can they take the windloads?"

Yes.

Mounting large solar panels with 3m VHB at 4 corners has been a common installation method on flat, smooth, structurally sound RV's for years.  I never heard of a properly mounted panel coming off.  I also incorporated a wind deflector into the leading edge of my mounting hardware, as others have done, so as to not tempt fate but they are very solid.  The deflector probably helps eliminate wind noise more than it helps reduce wind load.

Re: Solar

Reply #33 –
Quote from: Dave & Diane (DAS) –
Jim,

I was looking at these panels.  There seems to be quite a few people selling larger capacity panels in the Vegas area.  These may be surplus from commercial projects and the like.  The prices are great.  I am in the Vegas area so no shipping charges.  I like the idea of putting 1000+ watts on the roof using only 3 panels.  The roof on my coach (entry side) is clear all the way back to the ladder so they will fit in there nice.


Trina 340 watt mono 72 cell Solar Panels - general for sale - by owner

Dave
Dave
Thanks, but appears these panels are 36 volt and not 24 volt, but they are a good deal.
http://sepbatteries.com/media/add_info/Tallmax.pdf
Seeing the PT 100 needs at least 60 volts to operate in MPPT mode, you should be okay unless you have shading on two panels.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Solar

Reply #34 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
Dave thanks for your input. I bought the controller not knowing for sure if its correct so any details of how it integrates would help me.

I have a magnum inverter, ME-RC(To be changed out to a ME-ARC), and a BTMS abd  to install all the  parts listed as I go along ME-AGS-N(gen start), a ME-BMS(first thing), and a Blue-Sea auto battery combiner.

Without a residential refer my 270 watt current solar helps the batteries 3 mk 8g8d's recover and make sure in storage that the batteries never get discharged accidentally.

I run my chest refer when on the road so it's compressor load is noticeable but manageable but probably not as much as a residential refer.  Probably 1/2 the amp hours?

Yes the PT-100 maybe overkill but that's ok as long as it works as the ARC panel can control everything.

Sure leaning to a higher voltage system if it will work and the more efficient 22%  panels.

Can they take the windloads? 

Back of my mind for extended rv use would be to have Tesla install a powerwall in our home then steal it and put it flat in a storage bay. 

5k inverter built in.  Lots of amp hours.  Roof airs off the battery stuff.  Probably a pipe dream

The help so far has been great.  Keep it coming.

Bob


Bob,

When you connect the network cable from the inverter to the pt-100 they will "link" to each other.  You will have new menus available in the ME-ARC.  There are a few settings that need to be changed.  I believe I saw a YouTube video on networking the two devices and also the menus in the ME-ARC remote.  The nice thing here is that I already have the remote installed in the coach (looks OEM) so NO reason to cut into anything else to add another monitor.  With the FAVS button feature on the ME-ARC, you can program custom views and easily reference them (like amps in / out). 

With regard to whether the larger panels will stand up to the wind,  I don't know for sure.  From what I have read, the 3M VHB tape is pretty robust and should hold them in place (if installed / applied correctly).  I really don't want to put any holes in my roof but if I had to I might.

Dave
Dave & Diane
2001 U270 36' WTFE #5820
2016 Jeep Wrangler Hard Rock
Motorcade #18156

Re: Solar

Reply #35 –
Quote from: jcus –
Thanks, but appears these panels are 36 volt and not 24 volt, but they are a good deal.
http://sepbatteries.com/media/add_info/Tallmax.pdf

Your absolutely right Jim.  Since I was looking at that Magnum PT-100 MPPT controller,  I can take advantage of these panels.

Dave
Dave & Diane
2001 U270 36' WTFE #5820
2016 Jeep Wrangler Hard Rock
Motorcade #18156

Re: Solar

Reply #36 –
Both the above my last comment are helpful. 

As far as the 1/5th C I appreciate  the bell part of the charging curve.  Thanks for the refresh.

The easy simple way is just to add a couple more gels as they are not as  affected by the slow charge rate.

Versus spend a lot of coach bucks to be able to run Lifeline AGM's

The higher capacity and quicker charging versus just adding gels.

Sure seems to not pencil well doesn't it.

My current need for the quicker charging and higher capacity of the Lifelines is not very high.

Bought the heavy slides that were posted here in preparation for adding a couple more mk gels maybe in a vented box  to be installed in the big  compartment next to the current battery area. 

As my Magnum inverter in the same area is not non spark certified I would need to enclose the batteries.

Mk states no battery boxes but a vented box might work.

Two mk 8g8d's added to my three should allow a possible future refer change out.

The Tesla's powerwall seems to have a wider operating temp range.  I understand it has a liquid internal cooling system with a circulating motor and maybe a fan.

Would be a fantastic rv power system but TESLA  only installs in single family residences.

Probably worried about crashes. 

Hard to have a runaway fire with gel batteries with marine UL listed fire retardant cabling with its pvc covering.

It been reported that Panasonic has been researching a new battery design.

Hopefully that's dr goodenoughs silicone based battery for his li-ion design he did 37 years ago.

Triple the Energy storage.  Cheap.  Ten times faster recharge without damage.  20k cycle life.  No lithium

That might allow a electric wheel driven rv or car or truck.  Like a locomotive?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Solar

Reply #37 –
The high efficiency panels are way more money but are 62" x 41".  Not sure how important that is.

Going to Vegas at the end of the month  where we have a family townhome being updated so maybe I will look

Anyone with a 40' figure out how many panels at either size would fit.

The high effeciency panels I thing are 96 cells.  But many times more money for "trick"

Versus these for this price the ability to add even more capacity by using the high efficiency may not be needed as much.

Especially if using gels  or li-ion batteries as at that point the need to use the 1/5th C to extend the battery life on AGM'S can be factored out. 

Lifeline AGM's can be used in extremely low temps better than gels and charge quicker and have more capacity seems to be offset by the damage that slow charging my induce and the possible  much shorter cycle life although Lifelines web site show a similar cycle life to mk gels

Seems the pt100 has an auxiliary adjustable output. 

Can be set for many things but the adjustable high voltage turn on would seem to be able to be set to turn on a small fan in a battery box when under charging voltages only 

I have not looked at the inverter but I think it does have the same auxiliary output.

So under charge either the solar or inverter could be run to a relay to power some kind of fan(s).

Foretravel installed a fan on the bulkhead on later coaches than ours to furnish cooling air to the inverter.  Mounted on the wall. 

More paranoid about putting batteries in the same area as a possible spark generating inverter.

Outback sells sealed inverter/chargers for this safety idea.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Solar

Reply #38 –
Bob I have 8 of these and if you need more I can make some for you.. Let me know  ^.^d