Recent content by Vigo

This buck converter looks like it would do the job for $15 and will even tolerate MUCH lower input than 100v and still function.

Actually, given that a "48v panel" probably has a 60-70 Voc, that's a good point. I've noticed that among the listings that actually specify operating ranges, the range is usually much more than the actual nominal input/output voltage (ive seen 12v converters say they can handle up to 90v), but...

I've driven mine to low voltage disconnect many times and never had an issue reconnecting. I've never watched the low voltage disconnect happen though so im uncertain what voltage it's actually dropping out at. I think upon restarting the system it's usually sitting at 46.x V. I don't like that...

Maybe im missing something but i dont see the problem with this. They could be connected at the same time, they just wouldn't be utilized at the same time. The 24v converter, although probably not isolated from the 12v system on the negative side, would not allow the solar to 'backfeed' the 12v...

The mppt itself will not monitor battery SOC. You would need to install a battery monitor. Given the fairly small amperages we are talking about here, there are options as low as $20 that have the shunt and screen all built together (example), or have the shunt as a separate component. Probably...

Im up to 4 of them so far. Might not add any more battery capacity for a while but if i do these would still be my first choice if available. I like the construction and form factor. And the price. :)

Sounds like you would either have to have another circuit installed or modify what's already there to do what you want instead of what it was originally intended to do. The quick and dirty option is just an extension cord through windows or under doors to wherever your batteries are. :ROFLMAO:

I think in terms of logistics and install cost/complexity, a heat pump water heater is a far superior option even if it isn't necessarily using 'free' energy from the sun. But, if you have the ~600w extra solar to power it, it sort of is anyway. So that's my vote. Having said that i do have...

What you're talking about is called 'double conversion' since generator AC gets converted to DC into batteries, and then from battery DC back to AC by your inverter. MOST inverter/charger combinations cannot do this natively because contain only one buck-boost converter and must dedicate it...

If you're asking if you can use it purely as a battery charger, the answer is yes. I have a cheap all in one inverter that i do exactly that with. :)

The silver lining is the ones without the U have a flow-reverser and a half-assed heat setting (because it only works down to ~42f ambient). But its a consolation prize of a sort.

Generators only act up in your most vulnerable times. It's like it's their job to add stress to your life. :fp2 That's why i want to build (or buy.. nahh!) a generator powered by my Kubota tractor. That thing never breaks. Possibly hasn't broken in 45 years (ive only owned it for 2-3). Possibly...

I was proposing to hook them up in parallel (both positives hooked to same thing, both negatives hooked to same thing) and just accepting the minor imperfection of the lithium settings not being 100% ideal for the AGM. But since you already have the DC-DC there is no real cost to doing what you...

I think it's mostly based on patience. Less amps = less voltage drop (which gets converted to heat) inside the battery and across all the wiring of your test setup, so technically the slowest test is the most 'accurate', BUT not the most realistic because most people don't use their actual...

I have 2700lbs of lead acid batteries waiting for me to muster the motivation for an experiment like this.