Mythbusters proof of concept model

[JJJJ]

I enjoyed the Mythbusters series. It was especially fun when they used different modeling approaches to check the feasibility of an idea.

One approach I especially liked was the "proof of concept" model. Often something looks good on paper. If one utilizes a small scale trial however sometimes the predictions do not come true. This allows fine tuning and changes in the design structure before too much is invested. I have used this approach for a number of projects over the years and it has saved me a considerable amount of time and money.

One example might be solar panel alignment and positioning. I have been running an experiment with a single panel with a PWM controller with a readout and a simple 12v battery. Not a complex system to say the least. I am trialing different arrangements, alignment and compass positions. I hope to continue the trial as trees take on their leaves in the area since this will impact the prospective area or areas under consideration.

Admittedly there are much better systems on the market. I like this because I already have them and they were fairly inexpensive.

I also enjoy the vast resources on this site. The knowledge base of this group is amazing! It has been an enjoyable experience sharing ideas with others. There is so much to learn on this topic.

 

[Forbisher]

I enjoyed the Mythbusters series. It was especially fun when they used different modeling approaches to check the feasibility of an idea.

One approach I especially liked was the "proof of concept" model. Often something looks good on paper. If one utilizes a small scale trial however sometimes the predictions do not come true. This allows fine tuning and changes in the design structure before too much is invested. I have used this approach for a number of projects over the years and it has saved me a considerable amount of time and money.

One example might be solar panel alignment and positioning. I have been running an experiment with a single panel with a PWM controller with a readout and a simple 12v battery. Not a complex system to say the least. I am trialing different arrangements, alignment and compass positions. I hope to continue the trial as trees take on their leaves in the area since this will impact the prospective area or areas under consideration.

Admittedly there are much better systems on the market. I like this because I already have them and they were fairly inexpensive.

I also enjoy the vast resources on this site. The knowledge base of this group is amazing! It has been an enjoyable experience sharing ideas with others. There is so much to learn on this topic.

Check out:

Solar Irradiance Calculator

www.solarelectricityhandbook.com

 

[JJJJ]

Thank you. That is an excellent resource.

 

[svetz]

Proof of concept is a great way to go, huge difference between theory and practice. I usually do a rough plan of everything, then build something small to validate the assumptions (or ask around on the forums), then figure out how to piecemeal the whole project into small chunks the budget can handle.

For tilt angle and azimuth, there are a whole lot of things that come into play. Certainly a calculator like @Forbisher recommends (or PVwatts or SAM) are invaluable. But so is knowledge and a good understanding of your goals. For example, if you have a good net-metering agreement and power stability isn't a concern, maximizing yearly output is the way to decide upon your tilt. If you use most of your power in one season, then perhaps that's the way to go. Or, if like me, you live in an HVHZ you go flat and just grin and bear it.

 

[45North]

Last year I made a small "hobby" system to learn about solar. (see link below)
It was inexpensive, fun, and I learned a lot.
The components I used would not be suitable for an actual Production system; but for my purposes they were OK.

 

[HRTKD]

Or, if like me, you live in an HVHZ you go flat and just grin and bear it.

Had to look that one up. I love snow. I don't think I could live somewhere that doesn't get snow.

My solar is on an RV, so my options are limited. I chose to go with a flat/fixed mount panels on the roof, with ground deployed panels to supplement as needed.

 

[Jim Burrow]

Hi JJJJ, I too loved the Mythbusters series and never mist one of them. With respect to the orientation of the solar panels, I too did many tests with them. One test was the angle between the sun and my test panel. I was surprised how high the voltage and current remained with my 2424lv controller/inverter and a 123-watt load. I'm also surprised and pleased with the output of my panels on cloudy days and rain, like today. My controller with a little 1 amp discharge from my batteries runs the load without Utility power kicking in. My panels are 300 watts, 39 volts, 9 amp panels.

Another test was having the test panel lying flat on the ground (actually on sawhorses) and rotating the panel every 10 degrees for 360 degrees. The solar output never changed without the whole 360 degrees rotation.

These various tests were important to me due to the ordination and location where my 6 panels will be located.

Anyway, maybe my testing will be a good reference to your testing. It always helps to know what other people's test results were.

 

[A.Justice]

Last year I made a small "hobby" system to learn about solar. (see link below)
It was inexpensive, fun, and I learned a lot.
The components I used would not be suitable for an actual Production system; but for my purposes they were OK.

I learned a LOT by "prototyping" a small system first. I made a ton of mistakes, that could have potentially ruined my newer, more expensive equipment.

I wasn't too mad when I fried my $30 bms on my small "learning" system, or when I overcharged my cheap Navitas (battery hookup) 25ah LiFePo4's. I would have been pissed if I fried my $100 JBD bms, and overcharged my big CALB pack. But I learned from my first mistakes, and was able to put together a semi-professional pack based on my experiences.

I would always recommend getting a cheap setup to learn on, because if you are new at solar and electronic stuff, you will make mistakes. Also you can really see how everything works together, and make better decisions on what equipment you really want in your production system.