solar proposed setup
Submitted: Thursday, Oct 23, 2014 at 15:22
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swampfox
Hi
I am setting up a solar set up for camping . I ask u all to offer your opinions if the situation can be improved at all .
Camping up to 7 days at a time location Nth Qld
Running 35lt engel ,2x led lights, maybe a shower pump
In the future a 2nd fridge 35ltr
3-5 people
200w Chinese fixed panel [on top of trailer ] [able to tilt left and right 30 degrees ]
panel 11 amps at 18volt
Regulator
Morning star Sunsaver MPPT 15amp
Battery
1 x N70 Z ..
A marine battery will replace this 100Ahr in the future
Cable 10mtr No6 14.5 mm2 / All other No8 10 mm2 ?
Anderson plugs
Performance full sun 11-14 amps
average 8-11 amps
Expected sun hrs 5-6
Summary After some layman research
There are numerous u tube with mppt producing approx. 20 % more than PWM
Spoke to Morning star The advantage will be there most of the time and as we no fluctuate with every bodies individual circumstance .
20%of 11amps 2.1/4under ideal conditions
I would not fit a mppt under150w panel no great advantage IMO
Due to the fact the panel is Chinese made that's why I have sized it a little on the large size
Evil bay for the panel ""bit deals.com.au" Anderson connectors as
well
Regulator Centrix international 200usa +p/h
Anybody no where to get good deals ????
Cable 10 meter 14mm2 around $100 evil bay
Swampfox
Reply By: OBJ - Thursday, Oct 23, 2014 at 16:38
Reply By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Thursday, Oct 23, 2014 at 19:02
Thursday, Oct 23, 2014 at 19:02
Hi Swampfox,
I would double the battery capacity to 2 X 120Ah. AGM. That is about the only change I would make to your setup.
The panel is a good size but your storage capacity could be on the light side I think given your proposed usage.
I would also be thinking AGM batteries rather than marine batteries as the AGMs are sealed and are more or less maintenance free and are safe in confined spaces.
Anderson plugs are good as they are cheap and a very effective connector.
Cheers, Bruce.
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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Thursday, Oct 23, 2014 at 19:53
Thursday, Oct 23, 2014 at 19:53
I agree with Bruce - a good comprehensive system that would benefit from some more storage. There are some broader issues regarding charging from the vehicle and location of controllers etc. These are dealt with in
Electricity for Camping, where you may pick up some other useful ideas too.
Overall I like it!
Cheers
John | J and V
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Follow Up By: Gronk - Thursday, Oct 23, 2014 at 19:55
Thursday, Oct 23, 2014 at 19:55
I would agree with Bruce, and if you decide to add another fridge, maybe add another battery again....3 x 120 a/h.
And if you can afford it, maybe a portable solar panel as
well ( 100 W )
If you have a fixed panel on the top of your camper, unfortunately you have to park in the sun....which means your fridge is probably in the sun as
well.
One of the dilemmas of camping ....finding some nice shade to keep cool under, but also needing to have sun for the solar ??
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member Andys Adventures - Friday, Oct 24, 2014 at 08:50
Friday, Oct 24, 2014 at 08:50
Agree with above, I have 2/ 35lts 1 fridge 1 freezer and use shower pump and TV as
well as LED lights. Have 2/80W panels with 2/ 80ah d/c batteries and have never needed to use any other source of power.
Saying that, I do get full sun all day and I'm up in the Gulf.
I would like to have 2/100ah batteries
Cheers Andy
FollowupID:
826671
Reply By: swampfox - Friday, Oct 24, 2014 at 22:33
Friday, Oct 24, 2014 at 22:33
Hi To all
Thankyou for the responses
Agreed about the battery situation
A few things I have found out and the makers donot tell u when buying an upmarket controller mppt
Morningstar mppt sunsaver
The adapter to program is extra
The cost within OZ varies up to $400!!!
This unit has software very very close to its bigger brothers
If u bother to read the pdf on its bigger brothers its a great unit
340 landed oz with progam adapter
The bigger brother 30amp tristar is only usd 315usa + adapter + ph
Blue solar 15 amp mppt
excellent price $130aus + ph
Make sure its programed before u buy
data cable $80 aus
fairly basic software
Available in oz
---The big draw back is it will only take 6 mm2 cable [ 10b&s ??]
Roc Solid 20 amp mppt
Assembled in OZ
Available here at $$290
Almost to adjustable
I highly suspect it can be programed WITH and WITHOUT a laptop
easy software to navigate good display also
Can be preprogramed when ordering
5 yr warranty
THIS ONE SOUNDS LIKE THE WINNER
What is every body elses opinion ???
Who is the fella on this site who sells controllers etc
Can some one put me in contact with him ??
Cheers Swampfox
AnswerID:
540829