Solar Upgrade / Prostar 30
Submitted: Monday, Sep 30, 2013 at 09:54
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Robert O
I have a ProStar 30, 2x120w solar panels and 2x 110ah battreies fitted to my off road van, this does not cope with the load even in ideal conditions, the van has a 220ltr compressor fridge, I am considering installing 2 more identical 120w panels and an extra 3rd battery. My question is, does anyone know if the ProStar 30 will handle the 480w of solar input?
Reply By: Shaker - Monday, Sep 30, 2013 at 11:23
Monday, Sep 30, 2013 at 11:23
Yes, I have 2 x 120w panels & a Prostar 15 factory fitted to my AORC Quantum.
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Reply By: Member - Toyocrusa (NSW) - Monday, Sep 30, 2013 at 12:08
Monday, Sep 30, 2013 at 12:08
My understanding is the Prostar will take in more than 30 amps but will regulate that down to a maximum of 30amp output. Bob
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Follow Up By: Robert O - Monday, Sep 30, 2013 at 12:53
Monday, Sep 30, 2013 at 12:53
Thanks for the comments, I have been on the Morningstar website, you can input solar panel models and it advises compatability, it indicates that 480w falls into the "optimal configuration" range for the ProStar 30 the next step to 600w "exceeds current rating", the conclusion from this is that obviously solar panels are not 100% efficient, I contacted an auto electrician who installs solar systems and he actually rates the efficiency of panels mounted flat on the top of a van at not much more than 50%.
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Reply By: Garry S3 - Monday, Sep 30, 2013 at 13:17
Monday, Sep 30, 2013 at 13:17
my understanding is that 4 x 120w solar panels will not go over 30Amps. If your 120w state that they product more than 7.5Amps each then its different. I suppose you can just have them connected for a few days and see if it friend the regulator. Otherwise, if you upgrade, the 30Amps ProStar would have been sitting in the shed doing nothing anyway
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