nycamper62
New Member
Hey, I am into practical & conservative off grid solar system maintenance & use. Looking forward to learning & sharing advice on solar before I expand & improve my system at camp. It's my peace of mind there. I started out over a decade ago with a few small hf kits, was an active member of an old diy solar form back then. My system today is about a half kw, with a 30amp pwm controller feeding a 4x 6v 12v lead acid bank in series/parallel. This keeps my rv/camper ventilated, including the composting toilet. Lights, entertainment (am/fm/cd/usb/bt deck) and a laptop primarily used as a dvd player. Also use a 1000w pure sine on occasion to charge my tools, and back up for the fridge.
In summary:
3x 100watt polycrystalline
1x 145watt polycrystalline
1x 60watt polycrystalline
9x 45watt amorphous
pr30/30 (steca knock off)
4x 6v gc2's (15's still going)
Purchased my 1st polycrystalline back when monocrystalline panels were still - more coin $. And when the whole 1$ a watt thing was just an nice thought. Before anyone sneezes at the amorphous panels let me say they afforded a learning curve, they trickle charged in overcast & they still work. But they are aging and I'd like to phase them out. Plus repurpose the 60.
There is a few things to consider before I expand & go to mppt with about 1kw in mind. There's the aging battery bank. Should I include the remaining panels, which means a second controller, more wiring, buss bars, etc. And of course a new chainsaw blade to help open up the canopy.
Happy camping.
In summary:
3x 100watt polycrystalline
1x 145watt polycrystalline
1x 60watt polycrystalline
9x 45watt amorphous
pr30/30 (steca knock off)
4x 6v gc2's (15's still going)
Purchased my 1st polycrystalline back when monocrystalline panels were still - more coin $. And when the whole 1$ a watt thing was just an nice thought. Before anyone sneezes at the amorphous panels let me say they afforded a learning curve, they trickle charged in overcast & they still work. But they are aging and I'd like to phase them out. Plus repurpose the 60.
There is a few things to consider before I expand & go to mppt with about 1kw in mind. There's the aging battery bank. Should I include the remaining panels, which means a second controller, more wiring, buss bars, etc. And of course a new chainsaw blade to help open up the canopy.
Happy camping.