solar panels for diy hand truck system

[carpediem54]

I have built hand truck system using a litime 3500 all in one inverter and 2 dc house 51.2v 50ah batteries. I have been charging it on the grid and would like to have a solar option. I am very new to solar. the inverter has an operating voltage range of 60 volts to 115 volts. I am looking for panels that could be used in an emergency and be somewhat portable. they would only be outside if needed. Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.

https://www.litime.com/products/48v-3500w-solar-converter-charger?srsltid=AfmBOor1uqabgoPpj2AvZDTn2bWajq4Jx_dWQrPvw9KEKs3AMU-mHHHP

https://www.amazon.com/LiFePO4-Battery-Suitable-Perfectly-Off-Grid/dp/B0CL9J93FF?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

 

[Rednecktek]

With that high of a voltage you're not going to find anything in the pre-built market that will have enough voltage natively, however there are quite a few 200w portable panels that run in the 36v range. You'd need to get a couple of them that have MC4 connectors and set them out end to end so you could put them in series, but that would satisfy that 60v minimum.

The other option is to buy multiple 200w flexible panels and build yourself a stand you could clip them to. Unfold the stand, clip on the flexible panels, wire in series, connect to inverter. In multiple pieces and using lightweight materials (PVC pipe and fittings for example) would make it portable-ish.

Either way is going to be expensive as both portable panels and flexible panels come with a significant "luxury" fee.

 

[50ShadesOfDirt]

IIRC, on this forum, there are folks who've built "moveable" frames for solar panels ... a quick search ought to find them. You'll need to ensure the panels don't take flight, but otherwise, you should be able to roll out the requisite number of panels for your inverter on a frame.

I tried to check the inverter manual, but LiTime doesn't seem to post it on their website (how helpful is that?) If you have it, it would be helpful to post the manual or user guide to this thread.

Hope this helps ...

 

[Rednecktek]

IIRC, on this forum, there are folks who've built "moveable" frames for solar panels

Like my pair of 200w solar suitcases with PVC legs, hinges, and carry handles?

I'm actually noodling getting either 200w folding panels or making frames for flexible panels myself. It'll probably come down to cost when I'm home and ready to build.

 

[50ShadesOfDirt]

That *is* very portable (and hopefully with Samsonite suitcases, if you remember the commercials), but I'm remembering something like a very large wheeled wooden or metal frame holding a handful of panels ...

edit: apparently, lots of youtube vids on rolling/wheeled frames ...
youtube.com/watch?v=3mK-RJn8zXs

 

[Supervstech]

With 5kWh storage, and a 3500W inverter, if you want to support loads, and charge the battery, you would need 5kW of solar panels.
If you plan to use till battery dies, then recharge over a few days, before reusing the inverter, then less will be ok.

They do make mppt controllers that will boost the solar voltage up to charge higher voltage batteries.

 

[Rmart30]

Go to Santan and buy 10-12 panels for $500-650. Wattages will range from 230-300 depending on what they have in stock at the time. That will be a good start for you and those size panels are light enough to easily handle. it may be more panels than you need now but, as with all of us we always expand our systems later. Going 48v inverter is a wise choice. You can get a VATRER 51.2v 100ah server rack battery for $917 shipped fromtheir website. Id choose it over 2 50ah batteries.

 

[carpediem54]

Go to Santan and buy 10-12 panels for $500-650. Wattages will range from 230-300 depending on what they have in stock at the time. That will be a good start for you and those size panels are light enough to easily handle. it may be more panels than you need now but, as with all of us we always expand our systems later. Going 48v inverter is a wise choice. You can get a VATRER 51.2v 100ah server rack battery for $917 shipped fromtheir website. Id choose it over 2 50ah batteries.

It was a price issue. I was able to get 2 50ah for $660 free shipping.