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Topic: Solar and Batteries inside/outside split (Read 2 times) previous topic - next topic
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Solar and Batteries inside/outside split
Yahoo Message Number: 111829
I had asked y'all about battery installations for solar and mentioned that our solar tech in Florida did not want to have batteries both inside and outside. Once he saw it, he told us that he could, after all, put two batteries beneath the refrigerator and two in their original compartment and that he did not need to cut more than a small hole for the cables in that wall. He explained why, something about the outside ones being the controlling factor, but I don't remember what he said. So, we are getting 4 GPL-6CT 300 amp/hour Lifelines. (YAY!)
 Also, since he had never installed solar on a Lazy Daze, he did talk with AM on how they did previous Lazy Daze installations and they even sent pictures of the installations to Lew, so no time is wasted! I'm loving AM Solar and their employees more every day.
 The only bad, AM Solar ran out of panels, the next shipment they get,  they will pack and send ours to Florida. At least Lew will have the bulk of the interior work already done by the time he gets them.
Re: Solar and Batteries inside/outside split
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 111836
"Marcia"  wrote:

AM Solar ran out of panels..
--- I have work scheduled with AM Solar soon, and was told that they are changing to a new 100W panel.  The new panel will have 40 cells, not 44; according to Dave, this new panel is more efficient with 40 cells than the previous one with 44. The measurements of the panel(with "frame") are 55" long X 25" wide.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Solar and Batteries inside/outside split
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 111868
Quote
I have work scheduled with AM Solar soon, and was told that they are changing to a new 100W panel.  The new panel will have 40 cells, not 44; according to Dave, this new panel is more efficient with 40 cells than the previous one with 44. The measurements of the panel(with "frame") are 55" long X 25" wide.

Joan
Joan, ask if the new panels have the same maximum power voltage as the old ones. If fewer cells, it should be less, and this is not good with an MPPT charge controller. It will not be able to give you as much charge boost in marginal conditions as with the higher voltage panels.
 Note a higher-efficiency panel, if that is true, simply means the same power from a smaller footprint. This only makes a difference if you are running out of roof. A lower charge voltage is the more significant spec.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Solar and Batteries inside/outside split
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 111874
I spoke with Dave at AM Solar yesterday after reading this as my panels were to come in next shipment. Dave said essentially what Steve's last paragraph said. Still 100 amps just a bit smaller and lighter so they could more easily place them on some RVs.
Re: Solar and Batteries inside/outside split
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 111875
wrote: ... ask if the new panels have the same maximum power voltage as the old ones. If fewer cells, it should be less, and this is not good with an MPPT charge controller. It will not be able to give you as much charge boost in marginal conditions as with the higher voltage panels.
--- Steve, I will be sure to ask Dave this question, but what is your opinion of the maximum power voltage of the RV100 based on the description/specs of the new panel here:
 http://amsolar.com/rv100.html 
TIA

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
 
Re: Solar and Batteries inside/outside split
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 111880
Quote
Steve, I will be sure to ask Dave this question, but what is your opinion of the maximum power voltage of the RV100 based on the description/specs of the new panel here:
Interesting, Joan. Individual solar cells, mono- or poly-, have a technology that produces less than 0.5V per cell. Optimistically, that would be 20V open circuit for 40 cells, a bit less at max power, typically about 19V. A 44-cell array would produce about 22V at max power. I hate to say I doubt their specs, which seem to be the same for the 40 cell array as their old 44-cell model, but unfortunately there is no corroborative testing or data to use with a custom panel.
 However, the price is great! I would say if there is a slight performance loss with the new panel, it would be overshadowed by that fact, and unlikely to seriously affect battery recharge times.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit