Date: Sun, 19 Jan 2014 17:41:01 -0500
Reply-To: Tim Whynot <timwhy@MSN.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Tim Whynot <timwhy@MSN.COM>
Subject: Re: solar setups?
On Sun, 19 Jan 2014 10:45:10 -0700, Robert Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
wrote:
>On Jan 19, 2014, at 9:02 AM, Timmy Evens <monkey_lips@YAHOO.COM> wrote:
>
>i'm in the process of sourcing the components to wire in a 100w panel for
my westy. just curious what brands/deals folks have? i've asked this
question before but then had a major detour (engine blew) and am now
coming to this project again. so lets hear it! what you all gots?!
>
>tim
>
>I got the GW "kit" and have been very happy with it. I have 176AH in aux
batteries in the driver seat box,
>and bottom of the kitchen cabinet. It's a portable set up so is easy to
take advantage of the sun's location,
>while being able to park the van in the shade. This time of year, I
mostly put the panels (total 80w for both
>of them....they are hinged together, fit into a small carry case which I
then stow where the upper bed was)
>in the luggage box above the driver cab and can then just rotate them for
best solar gathering.
>
>http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?
id=23897&category_id=&category_parent_id=
>
>Some things to remember: MPPT is the most efficient way to control youir
solar gathering, and will allow
>use of less wattage in panels because of its efficiency, which is why my
80w set up works so well.
>
>(quoted from another van nutz post when I was inquiring)
>The big difference is this -
>
>Simple on/off controller is roughly 40% efficient
>
>Pulse width might get you 50%
>
>A decent MPPT can get you 90 to 97%
>
>MPPTs do a magic thing - their power in is almost equal to power out but
the
>volts and amps are fiddled with. So 18 volts (roughly where solar panels
are
>most efficient) at 12 amps input can be converted to almost 18 amps at 12
volts
>charge current (where the battery might want a charge right now). And
they
>adapt to power delivered and charge needed second by second.
>
>An MPPT at $250 is roughly equal to about the cost of a good 90 or 120
watt
>panel and can save you that much or a lot more in solar panel money spent.
>
>I currently use a Solar Boost 2000e which will handle 25 amps and is 94
to 97%
>efficient for my system. It also will equalize the battery system, has
>temperature compensation and can be set for optimum base battery voltage.
>
>And on amps, make sure when you size an MPPT controller you pay attention
to
>whether it's X amps in or X amps out. I bought a cheap one ($100) for my
180
>watts of panels and neglected to pay attention to that. It was 10 amps
in but
>ended up almost 15 out which burned up the 10 amp out MPPT controller.
>
>I can't say too many good things about Solar Boost products. They are
great.
>(end of copy/paste)
>
>One place to look for your "stuff" is Solar Boulevard. Their 100w,
12V "kit":
><http://www.solarblvd.com/Solar-Panels-&-Systems-12-Volt-Solar-
Kits/c1_272/p2747/12-Volt-100-Watt-Solar-Panel-Kit-with-FREE-
SHIPPING/product_info.html?utm_source=Email+Created+2013%2F06%2F13%2C+4%
3A31+PM&utm_campaign=solar+kits+newsletter&utm_medium=email>
>
>And here is a link to some of the Solar Boost products:
>http://www.blueskyenergyinc.com
>
>Bob
My solar setup consists of a permenatly mounted 135 watt panel on the pop
top, a 15 amp Morning Star Pro Star charge controller and 132 amp hour
battery bank. My recent addition to the system is a 100 watt foldable
portable panel which I can plug into the system at will. I installed a
weather tight 2 pin SAE plug behind the drivers seat in the kitchen
cabinet. I can then plug a cable from it to the panel and then position
the panel around the campsite as needed. This way my bigger panel will do
its job when in the sun and the smaller can do its job when the larger
can't.
I purchased most of my gear at Eco-distributing.com and the folder at
solarblvd.
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