bets solar panel and regulator set up
Submitted: Monday, Nov 07, 2005 at 22:05
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datto311
Sorry to open that old can of worms again, and sorry about the long message.
I have pretty
well decided that we need a 100 Watt solar setup, that is, one that can produce about 5amp hrs.
We have a 10 year 60litre Trailblaza and we run a 12V fluoro lamp for 3 or 4 hours each night. We may also use an airbed pump a couple of times and run a 12V shower as
well. The dual battery set up is a Rotronics MH series and the second battery is an Exide Marine. This works
well for weekends away.
We used to do a lot of trips to
Moreton Island or Fraser Is for a week or two at a time using eskies and dry ice. Unfortunately due to caring for elderly relatives we haven’t done a trip for many years. I am now getting organised to get back into the swing of longer trips and want to use the fridge.
So knowing that the fridge _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx about 5 amps and runs about 5 hrs per 24hrs, and assuming a little driving we are going to need the solar cells to give us around 20-25 amps per day. Usually we
camp and leave the car in the shade where possible. So I am looking to build a folding portable set up. The plan is two 50 or 60 watt cells joined with a hinge, suitable aluminium legs, a handle and then in a padded bag for stowage, plus 6 metres of 8mm cable. I’ve looked at some of the commercial setups and I can’t see the value. I reckon they are overcharging.
I am thinking Kyocera panels as they are a reliable company and their panels are squarish in shape making a good folding package. I am not sure about the regulator. The Morningstar seems to be the one to go for, but there are so many brands, all about the same price all seeming to do the same and reckoning they are better than the opposition.
What’s the collective wisdom on this?
Next question. Do most people mount the regulator under the bonnet. That would seem the best to me. We have a 3L Patrol so there is plenty of room. Next, where do people put the Anderson plug so it is easy to connect the solar?
Thanks in anticipation
Reply By: Member - Melissa - Monday, Nov 07, 2005 at 23:25
Monday, Nov 07, 2005 at 23:25
We've got an 80W solar panel set-up which generates up to 5 amps. This is to compliment the dual battery system in the GU as
well as a deep cycle battery on the campertrailer. Primary job is to keep our 39L engel running and to keep the trailer battery topped up to run 2 x 12V lights,
water pump, 12V shower and keep laptop, phone batteries etc charged via a 300W inverter. We bought the panel and regulator set up and ready to go. Paid $900 for it in June but this was in
Broome so you'd no doubt do better shopping around the cities. Panel has along lead which clips directly to battery. Before the next trip we want to make up an extension lead as it will give us more flexibility to keep car in shade and solar panel in full sun. Regulator is glued to onto the back of the panel using liquid nails I think. Hope this helps.
:o) Melissa
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: datto311 - Wednesday, Nov 09, 2005 at 20:21
Wednesday, Nov 09, 2005 at 20:21
Thanks Melissa. Does it work
well?
Noel
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392406
Follow Up By: Member - Melissa - Wednesday, Nov 09, 2005 at 23:47
Wednesday, Nov 09, 2005 at 23:47
Hi Noel,
Yes we re very happy with it. We were a bit dubious at first that an 80W panel would deliver 5 amps but we assured that with the advances in solar technology this was absolutely possible and our measurements since have proved it to be so. Unless conditions are adverse, the panel will meet our power needs indefinitely...which means we can stay out bush longer :-))))
:o) Melissa
FollowupID:
392504
Reply By: Grungle - Tuesday, Nov 08, 2005 at 07:42
Tuesday, Nov 08, 2005 at 07:42
Hi there,
With solar panels, selection is primarily on sizing to what you need to put back each day. Sounds like you have this sorted.
With solar regulator/chargers, I would strongly suggest one that is a 3 stage smart regulator/charger capable of being set to flooded or gel batteries (or programed to desired charge profile). Once you have found the regulators that can do this then it just comes down to $ and features. Pretty much all 3 stage smart regulator/chargers display the basics such as panel amps, panel voltage, battery voltage, load amps, charge stage (boost, absortion or float) and some will also show amp hours in and amp hours out. A regulator that display amp hours is a lot more worthwhile in my opinion as this is a true indication of state of charge of the battery.
With mounting the regulator I would stay away from external vehicle mounting including the engine bay. They are an valuable investment and need to be looked after and the temperature and moisture extremes of the engine bay could see a premature failure.
Consider mounting inside the vehicle in an area that make it visible when camped. This way you can easily check the LED's/LCD display for the information previously described. It doesn't have to be close to the battery but you will need good quality low loss cable (
mine is setup to take cable with 35mm² conductor). Mounting an Anderson Plug on the rear of the vehicle with a dust cap would probably be the easiet place.
One last thing, if you can afford a longer lead from the panel, get it as 6 meters would not be long enough to cater for all
camping situations. I have 10 meters and am thinking of getting a 20 meter lead as I have been in situations where we have been shaded by a
cliff face or similar so miss out on a couple of hours of sunshine. If you get at least 6mm² then voltage drop is not an issue as the panels operate at 15-24 volts. Just make sure connections are top notch.
Regards
David
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: datto311 - Wednesday, Nov 09, 2005 at 20:29
Wednesday, Nov 09, 2005 at 20:29
Thanks for the advice re the regulator. I was thinking I would need 8mm or heavier cable from the solar panels to the regulator but I hadn't considered that voltage drop here is not really an issue. 6mm twin core sheathed cable is easier to get and it is easier to manage. I have a 10 metre lead of 6mm for the fluoro.
Noel
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, Nov 08, 2005 at 09:42
Tuesday, Nov 08, 2005 at 09:42
The regulator for my solar panel is mounted on the back of the panel itself.
I merely plug the socket on the end of the lead into any of the accessory sockets in the back of the car to enable charging of the second battery. The unit also came with an adaptor consisting of a "hella" socket, short lead and clamps to attach to any battery.
Alternatively, I can plug it into the "Thumper" portable unit I also have and likewise charge the internal batteries.
My solar panel is a 40 watt BP Solar unit providing about 2.5 amps and if I need more grunt, I can add another panel to the one I have without the need for another (separate) controller.
This would be hinged to the existing one to create a folding "case" like assembly.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Topcat (WA) - Tuesday, Nov 08, 2005 at 13:06
Tuesday, Nov 08, 2005 at 13:06
Hi Datto311, I run a setup similar to what you are suggesting. I have a 60litr. Trailblaza (20years old) & run two 80 watt BP solar panels. When I went into this exercise many years ago I was told I would need a minimum of 120 watts of
solar power to keep the average deepcycle battery (90-100amp) over 50% charged for a reasonble period, so I have a bit in reserve with 160 watts. Since then solar technology has improved in leaps & bounds.
However my setup has served me
well over the years & I get good life out of my deep cycle batteries (6 - 8 years) as I have mentioned in previous posts on this
forum. As for regulators, there are many types at different price ranges. The one I have is an 'ARRID' 3 stage regulator which is around $75.00 from the 12 volt
shop. I have not had any operating problems with this regulator which I find is good value for money. I also run a Rotronics system to charge the batteries while on the road.
The connection to the panels is via a lead where I have one 50amp Anderson plug connected directly to the solar panels & another plug at the regulator which is positioned near the battery so the lead can be fully disconnected. If your regulator has 'Pulse' technology then the closer positioned to the battery, the better. There are pics of my setup on my webpage at : www.havewheelswilltravel.iinet.net.au
under 'Vehicle Pics'.
Cheers
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: datto311 - Wednesday, Nov 09, 2005 at 20:35
Wednesday, Nov 09, 2005 at 20:35
Has the Trailblaza been good? Ours has had a few trips and we are really happy with it. On a trip to Ayer's Rock in '97 we came across a rolled Hilux and spread all over the road was their gear and a dented but still working Trailblaza. Sad story, they were on their honeymoon, he was sleeping and she was driving, hit some
water at 100K, paniced and flipped it. Very lucked nobody seriously hurt
Thanks for the info
Noel
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Topcat (WA) - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 01:32
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 01:32
Never had a problem with it, both on 12DC & 240AC power. Mainly use it as a freezer then transfer frozen gear to a cold chest. Cheers.
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Member - Raymond - Tuesday, Nov 08, 2005 at 14:57
Tuesday, Nov 08, 2005 at 14:57
Hi Datto
From experience, do not put the regulator under the bonnet of on the back of the panel, they are heat sensitive and tend to shut down if they get hot, I have
mine mounted on the inside of the vehicle.
Remember the longer the lead the thicker it needs to be, I run 6mm wire for the portable solar panel
Regards Ray
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Mainey (WA) - Wednesday, Nov 09, 2005 at 00:11
Wednesday, Nov 09, 2005 at 00:11
Kyocera panels are verry good as is BP panels, a solar regulator should be placed away from the engine bay due to heat as adised above.
Check out this link for reg. 15 amp cost about $230 and has all that's required.
http://www.au.store.yahoo.com/solaronlineaust/stec12asolre.html
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: datto311 - Wednesday, Nov 09, 2005 at 20:39
Wednesday, Nov 09, 2005 at 20:39
Had a look a the Steca website today and it looks like a good piece of kit.
I had decided on Kyocera mainly because of the size as tey are roughly (ver roughly) square whic I think will pack away better.
Any comments on those two faced panels that are around? I just feel if I am spending over a grand I want a name brand that has been around fro years and will likely to continue to be around
Thanks again fro all of the info
Noel
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