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Posted: 5/19/2017 1:47:25 PM EDT
[#1]
I've had great luck with the Outback Flexmax 80 models. They were one of the first to make MPPTs IIRC but now a lot of folks do.
I would consider raising your amperage estimate just a bit to allow for further add ons, even if you don't expect to need it now. Just a couple bucks more now will allow easier expansion later if need be. Not saying you need an 80 however. |
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Posted: 5/19/2017 2:08:30 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've had great luck with the Outback Flexmax 80 models. They were one of the first to make MPPTs IIRC but now a lot of folks do. I would consider raising your amperage estimate just a bit to allow for further add ons, even if you don't expect to need it now. Just a couple bucks more now will allow easier expansion later if need be. Not saying you need an 80 however. |
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Posted: 5/19/2017 2:16:19 PM EDT
[#3]
Another plug for the Outback FM-80
I have a pair of them, in operation for a decade now... They work well. Check the Midnite Solar line, they might have something smaller, but still high quality. Morningstar builds some cheap equipment, if that's what you are after. |
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Posted: 5/19/2017 2:28:27 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Man that's expensive! This will be used for two batteries in a 19 foot camper. Looking for something a bit easier on the checkbook. |
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Posted: 5/19/2017 3:25:04 PM EDT
[#5]
I don't want junk, but realistically this will be used for some very basic 12 volt applications a few times a year at most.
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Posted: 5/19/2017 3:33:47 PM EDT
[#6]
I could easily even go with a 20 amp controller. Seeing as how we are limited to space and weight, I will never exceed these three panels worth of power. I honestly don't know if I'll need more than 2 of them. For bigger applications at home I would want a separate one anyway.
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Posted: 5/19/2017 3:36:10 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't want junk, but realistically this will be used for some very basic 12 volt applications a few times a year at most. You want to be able to EQ with any controller or MPPT you buy, so don't go too cheap..... |
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Posted: 5/19/2017 3:39:22 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I could easily even go with a 20 amp controller. Seeing as how we are limited to space and weight, I will never exceed these three panels worth of power. I honestly don't know if I'll need more than 2 of them. For bigger applications at home I would want a separate one anyway. What you wrote that I bolded makes me again say "C40" being as you could use it either with your RV or at home. Keep in mind components do fail during bad storms, etc. Being able to go to the RV and pull the C40 from there to replace in your home system keeps you up and running while you get another one. Backups that are the same as other components are really nice. I have a C40 as part of my AE backups in a big metal military medical box. |
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Posted: 5/19/2017 3:48:42 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
A C40 isn't junk. I have a couple still in my system. They perform well so I saw little need to replace them with MPPTs. They are also very inexpensive. Cheap enough to keep a backup in an ammo can as well. The C40 was the workhouse controller for most systems back in the day before MPPTs. You want to be able to EQ with any controller or MPPT you buy, so don't go too cheap..... |
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Posted: 5/19/2017 3:49:14 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You must have been writing when I was also. What you wrote that I bolded makes me again say "C40" being as you could use it either with your RV or at home. Keep in mind components do fail during bad storms, etc. Being able to go to the RV and pull the C40 from there to replace in your home system keeps you up and running while you get another one. Backups that are the same as other components are really nice. I have a C40 as part of my AE backups in a big metal military medical box. |
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Posted: 5/19/2017 3:56:47 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Don't I need a mppt if running 24 volt to 12? |
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Posted: 5/19/2017 3:59:43 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yes, sorry forgot. It's a 24 volt panel correct? |
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Posted: 5/19/2017 4:04:16 PM EDT
[#13]
The good news is that you probably spent less on the 24 volt panels than you would have on 12v, so that's helpful.
Also, you more likely to use 24 volt panels in your home system than 12 also, so further cross over as far as usage. |
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Posted: 5/19/2017 5:10:33 PM EDT
[#14]
I bought Uni-Solar roll out amorphous panels. They do well in shade and weigh 1/2 as much as poly/mono. Thanks for the tips guys, I think I found one I'm going to try.
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Posted: 5/30/2017 11:21:36 PM EDT
[#15]
One more question... two batteries running parallel of solar, do I put the charge controller connections on each battery? Positive on one and negative on the other. I've heard both stories.
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Posted: 5/31/2017 7:59:50 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
One more question... two batteries running parallel of solar, do I put the charge controller connections on each battery? Positive on one and negative on the other. I've heard both stories. Don't understand the question sorry. What voltage is the system and batteries? |
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Posted: 6/3/2017 8:22:11 AM EDT
[#17]
24 volt solar running to a mppt charge controller that connects to two 12 volt batteries in parallel, the batteries connect to my +/- wires to my camper. I believe I'm supposed to connect one + or - wire coming from the charge controller to each battery, same for the +/- on the camper. Red wire on battery number 1 and black wire on battery number 2.
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Posted: 6/3/2017 6:30:04 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Another plug for the Outback FM-80 I have a pair of them, in operation for a decade now... They work well. Check the Midnite Solar line, they might have something smaller, but still high quality. Morningstar builds some cheap equipment, if that's what you are after. |
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Posted: 6/4/2017 12:24:35 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't want junk, but realistically this will be used for some very basic 12 volt applications a few times a year at most. diysolarforu.com |
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