Recent content by TheDroidsYouAreLookingFor

This system has had zero downtime since installed. I expanded it last summer adding 2500 watts of panels and maxed my inverters to 14 on the string. I regularly produce 2.8-3 kw for 6 hours a day. Panels aren't facing any specific direction so outpul is lower but everything is used and so cheap...

I also noticed that the load terminals of the low amp victron units are "short circuit proof" according to the manual. I read a few places that the load terminals can handle whatever the amperage is of the rated unit ie. 15 amp can use 15 amp load and 20 amp can use 20 amp load. So possibly just...

I have 3,000 watts of grid tie DIY and my electric bill is regularly over $500 monthly. Electric everything so no propane or gas and on a private well. Mother in law house is on the same meter so 2 washers 2 driers ect... if i could just get out of tier 2 power i always say... LOL

I figure a 100 gal water heater is a really inexpensive battery that can be charged during non peak hours and can be used during peak hours. Right now we have 6 people and a single 40 gallon water heater. Having more capacity and a faster tank reheat time is almost the most important part...

Ohh I did not know you meant open voltage. Wattage would be calculated under load so it would be 0 watts @ 40v or 8amps @ 36v which aattage could then be calculated. Seems like you are making quite a bit of heat after reading through your post. I am going a similar route but trying to get it...

Im not trying to give offense but a solar panel with 40v and 15 amp would be a 600watt panel. If your numbers are 40v and 45amp between all 3 panels the math says you have 1800w total panel wattage available. Also if the heating element in fact reads 30 volts and is drawing 20 amps your element...

OK I think that I wasn't being clear so I will try to make more sense now that I'm on a desktop. With my 30v panels and a 36v element it will be hard to match the resistance (ohms) to actually get full power. The math is pretty simple. The element is rated for 36 volts and has a resistance of...

Ok I am back at it. Picked up 10(ten) 4 year old never used panels from an installer for very little money. 30 volts 9 amps 255ish watts. I picked up a 36v heating element and plan to hook up directly while i work on a plan to get my panel voltage to a steady 12ish volts for the 600 watt...

Relays are some of your best options. They have been used for decades in vehicles and can be found inexpensivly. If you want to do something custom sometimes you have to build something custom. bonus is that you would still have nothing more than a switch on the dash or wherever showing inside.

"Bunn not Bitter" The Bunn brand coffee pots make a full 10-12 cups in less than 3 minutes. They also continuously keep the water hot at all times. Used one for years and was the first person in the office every morning. Turn off the alarm, grounds, water its going. Walk into the office turn on...

Hello sorry for the slow reply. Array voltage will be 29.13 volts. I have 12 panels 228w each approx 9 uears old. I think I am going to go with a 36v element rated at 1200 watts and run at panel voltage. I want to be able to use this for actual power production after 4pm as well. I think i will...

I will just add that i have thought about going both ways. Victron makes some nice dc-dc converters for lowering voltage as well and they can do crazy amperage.

I would really like to know the downsides to the boost converter. So far the only thing i see wrong is it uses some power and may fail over the years. The up sides are the element ohms are perfectly matched throughout the daily cycle of the panel. Also in cloudy weather i still produce the panel...

Ok plans evolve over time. I am leaning towards the boost converter seen in another thread since i cant seem to easily match panels to elements. As this evolves i will update. Looking to add approx 2750 watts of used solar. This will heat water during daylight hours and then i will have a timer...

I know its been a while. I picked up a 100 gallon rheem commercial natural gas heater for cheap that had shipping damage. Retail is well over $3k for this particular unit. I just finished testing it for holding pressure and all is well. It uses 2" water inlets and outlets 2 on each side. Ace...