Some history and future thoughts/plans: I want to in the short term power my Ham radio only with solar power. I have no intention at this time to connect my solar system to the grid. If, after obtaining sufficient solar power to run my station, I would like to power refrigerators in an emergency if there is enough solar energy available to do so.
Currently, I have cobbled a UPS using two Trojan SPRE 06 415 6V batteries in series, running to a Dimensions 12/3000N, 3000 WATT, 12V True Sine wave Inverter. There is currently a 75 amp charger maintaining the batteries. I want to charge these batteries via solar and not require the battery charger. I have been considering using one of the Victron controller units which will allow me to series three panels ground mounted for this winter, and when relocated on the roof next year, which has a fair amount of sun-facing space, series-parallel those & additional panels. At that time I would obtain more batteries, obtain a 24V inverter, and then also power the television & entertainment area.
I have a limited space next to the garden for 2-3 full-size solar panels, there will only be direct sun on them for 3-4 hours/day during the summer due to shade from the house in the morning & leaves in the afternoon. At the moment I have two 12V Sunpower 110W flexible panels, one still unopened in the box. I want to utilize full-size panels to capture as much energy as possible as my window of direct light is limited. The full-size panels I am considering are 480W Q Cell. Rather than buy multiple controllers I would rather purchase a single controller, with an eye to the future in mounting 5-6, possibly more Q Cell or equivalent panels to the southern side of the roof which would give much more exposure to the sun. I've been considering the Victron 250/100 controller in that of Victron's offerings it will allow me the greatest flexibility for adding solar panels in the future, understanding it is overkill for my immediate needs. I do not foresee ever using greater than a 5000-watt power requirement with this solar system. The controller I've been considering is the Smart MPPT 250/100 - Tr which is seen here: https://www.altestore.com/store/cha...ar-charge-controllers-p40910/#VICSSMPPT250100
The Q Cell panels data I am considering is here: https://www.energysage.com/solar-panels/q-cells/2766/DUO_XL_G10_BFG_480_Watts/
Considering the above I have a few questions which I'd like advice on. In no particular order:
1. Does a solar system that is not connected to the grid or house and is a single point of service, require a permit?
2. I haven't been able to find out what else I need with this controller to properly see the state of my charging system and batteries. Does the Bluetooth Victron App give me this info natively from this controller, or do I need to buy add-ons to monitor the system?
3. Has anyone used this controller and knows how shielded it is regarding its generating RFI that will affect my radio reception?
4. According to what I have entered in the Victron calculator (link below) if I series parallel two banks of 4 panels (8 panels in all), it looks like this controller is not being pushed unreasonably. Perhaps I have not considered something I should have. Any thoughts as to this being a good choice of controller for my future stated plans? https://mppt.victronenergy.com/#djI...sMTEuMTIsNDgwLDQ1LjMzLC0wLjM1LDUzLjM5LDEwLDQ=
5. RFI for me is a deal breaker, I will be powering radio communications with this assembly. Is there another solar controller that will adequately suit my needs which is known to generate low RFI that I should look into?
Thanks!
Currently, I have cobbled a UPS using two Trojan SPRE 06 415 6V batteries in series, running to a Dimensions 12/3000N, 3000 WATT, 12V True Sine wave Inverter. There is currently a 75 amp charger maintaining the batteries. I want to charge these batteries via solar and not require the battery charger. I have been considering using one of the Victron controller units which will allow me to series three panels ground mounted for this winter, and when relocated on the roof next year, which has a fair amount of sun-facing space, series-parallel those & additional panels. At that time I would obtain more batteries, obtain a 24V inverter, and then also power the television & entertainment area.
I have a limited space next to the garden for 2-3 full-size solar panels, there will only be direct sun on them for 3-4 hours/day during the summer due to shade from the house in the morning & leaves in the afternoon. At the moment I have two 12V Sunpower 110W flexible panels, one still unopened in the box. I want to utilize full-size panels to capture as much energy as possible as my window of direct light is limited. The full-size panels I am considering are 480W Q Cell. Rather than buy multiple controllers I would rather purchase a single controller, with an eye to the future in mounting 5-6, possibly more Q Cell or equivalent panels to the southern side of the roof which would give much more exposure to the sun. I've been considering the Victron 250/100 controller in that of Victron's offerings it will allow me the greatest flexibility for adding solar panels in the future, understanding it is overkill for my immediate needs. I do not foresee ever using greater than a 5000-watt power requirement with this solar system. The controller I've been considering is the Smart MPPT 250/100 - Tr which is seen here: https://www.altestore.com/store/cha...ar-charge-controllers-p40910/#VICSSMPPT250100
The Q Cell panels data I am considering is here: https://www.energysage.com/solar-panels/q-cells/2766/DUO_XL_G10_BFG_480_Watts/
Considering the above I have a few questions which I'd like advice on. In no particular order:
1. Does a solar system that is not connected to the grid or house and is a single point of service, require a permit?
2. I haven't been able to find out what else I need with this controller to properly see the state of my charging system and batteries. Does the Bluetooth Victron App give me this info natively from this controller, or do I need to buy add-ons to monitor the system?
3. Has anyone used this controller and knows how shielded it is regarding its generating RFI that will affect my radio reception?
4. According to what I have entered in the Victron calculator (link below) if I series parallel two banks of 4 panels (8 panels in all), it looks like this controller is not being pushed unreasonably. Perhaps I have not considered something I should have. Any thoughts as to this being a good choice of controller for my future stated plans? https://mppt.victronenergy.com/#djI...sMTEuMTIsNDgwLDQ1LjMzLC0wLjM1LDUzLjM5LDEwLDQ=
5. RFI for me is a deal breaker, I will be powering radio communications with this assembly. Is there another solar controller that will adequately suit my needs which is known to generate low RFI that I should look into?
Thanks!