I just got 10- 260w pv panels and need some further guidance in setting everything up. They're 24v panels (34v before any load) Amps are about 6 per panel.
The panels were tested today, beautiful cloudless day, and total output of all panels summed up= 2.3 kW (again, this is the sum of all the outputs I measured of individual panels.
Main interest is in running some small appliances for a short term (such as desktop computers and maybe a small freezer/refrigerator) and a 12v submersible water pump in the well (Nemo pump). In a off grid situation, which these panels are for, the assumption is there will not be much power consumption...maybe 100 watts per hour at most.
So here are a few of my questions;
1- What roof mounting system do you recommend? Our roof's pitch is 12/12 (45°) facing South. Also have a portion of the roof facing Southwest with the same pitch. The shingles are fiberglass/asphalt- roof is new.
2- Should I split the system and put 5 panels on the South facing roof and 5 on the SouthWest facing roof?
3- Is mounting the panels on the ground preferable? (yes, I understand they have to be tilted.....and "it all depends".)
Now for the things I don't exactly know about....
4- On any array, should the panel outputs be fed into a "combiner box"...and then one feed to the MPPT?
5- Batteries. LifePo batteries are expensive but might well make up the cost in having to replace flooded lead acid. Any ideas?
These are just some initial questions which will help me consider the various possibilities for panel arrangement and power usage.
Do you have any suggestions or ideas?
Thanks,
Peter
The panels were tested today, beautiful cloudless day, and total output of all panels summed up= 2.3 kW (again, this is the sum of all the outputs I measured of individual panels.
Main interest is in running some small appliances for a short term (such as desktop computers and maybe a small freezer/refrigerator) and a 12v submersible water pump in the well (Nemo pump). In a off grid situation, which these panels are for, the assumption is there will not be much power consumption...maybe 100 watts per hour at most.
So here are a few of my questions;
1- What roof mounting system do you recommend? Our roof's pitch is 12/12 (45°) facing South. Also have a portion of the roof facing Southwest with the same pitch. The shingles are fiberglass/asphalt- roof is new.
2- Should I split the system and put 5 panels on the South facing roof and 5 on the SouthWest facing roof?
3- Is mounting the panels on the ground preferable? (yes, I understand they have to be tilted.....and "it all depends".)
Now for the things I don't exactly know about....
4- On any array, should the panel outputs be fed into a "combiner box"...and then one feed to the MPPT?
5- Batteries. LifePo batteries are expensive but might well make up the cost in having to replace flooded lead acid. Any ideas?
These are just some initial questions which will help me consider the various possibilities for panel arrangement and power usage.
Do you have any suggestions or ideas?
Thanks,
Peter