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diy solar

diy solar

First post, first solar. Portable camping/overlanding system

Rexracer

New Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2024
Messages
32
Location
Western CT
This is my truly portable system. I still need to add the Blue Sea Systems 6 port fusebox. I will probably re- mount everything on a slightly bigger piece of 3/4" ply since it's getting a bit crowded. The panels are 160w/18v max (each) and will normaly be run in series. I made (2) Y connectors, 1 for series and 1 for parallel, so I can switch depending on conditions. The panels are under 9 amps max so even in parallel the controller has headroom. I may add another battery down the road if needed. Testing this weekend if the fusebox comes tomorrow. Please let me know if you see any issues! Edit: Just wanted to point out that both the inverter and controller are mounted to 3/4" aluminum square tube, 1/8"+ wall, to allow better cooling. I figured it couldn't hurt.
 

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I like the cooling airspace. I put nuts under flush-mount wall equipment to do the same thing.
 
Nice. We have those Anderson connectors.
Consider having breakers on both poles going to your solar panels?
New breaker is on the way already. Planning on a panel wire disconnect close to the breaker since the panels will be folded and stored while transporting. QUESTION: should I break the wires before or after the breaker switch? Does it matter since I can fold the panels and they won't make power once folded?
 
Update: here are pics of my 12v system getting first light. Quick description of what I have here. Obviously the Victron scc. Inexpensive 1000w inverter. 12 spot BSS 12v fuse box. 3 spot, lighted switched 12vdc outlets (2@5a, 1@10a) 4 spot USB outlet (2 USBA, 1 USB A 18W, 1 USBC) 40A PV panel breaker/switch. Wiring is 1awg for battery and inverter, 4awg for busses to 12vdc outputs, 6awg for scc charge ports, 10awg for pv panels. Home made battery box with hall pickup. Anderson 45a charge port to be added.

Hooked it all up, used default settings,everything checks out and works. Since it will NOT be permanently mounted, and transported in a non working, stored state, I am wondering about grounding the scc and inverter chassis. They are grounded with 6awg to the negative buss bar. Is that all I need?

Here are pics.
 

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