More than 100w?

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ally
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More than 100w?

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Posted: 10.11.2015  ·  #1
Have you got more than 100W solar panel? if so how much better do you think it is having more watts in Winter?

Thinking of an extra 100W panel as I have plenty of space and now have blow heating in new van I may need extra power in winter. Ideally would love an Efoy but they ain't cheap!


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 10.11.2015  ·  #2
You may have to change the controller as well as adding a second panel it may not be big enough. Ask a solar expert.


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 10.11.2015  ·  #3
Quote by the fat controller

You may have to change the controller as well as adding a second panel it may not be big enough. Ask a solar expert.


Had thought of that, not sure what mine can take but will find out, at least it's already wired and I am assuming an extra panel can be connected to existing wires on roof.


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 10.11.2015  ·  #4
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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 10.11.2015  ·  #5
:up:

That's the controller I already have :)


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 10.11.2015  ·  #6
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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 10.11.2015  ·  #7
I think 100W is only good for 8 months of the year as the sun is very low in winter here 100W not really enough , if you have the space go for it


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 13.11.2015  ·  #8
I have a 230 watt panel Ally and tbh m8 it keeps 4 x 110amp batts well topped up in the winter. Last year we had 4 days away in jan and with lights , tv, sat, chargers etc the charge level never dipped below 12.2v with load. My last van had a 100w panel and in the winter , we always had to be very careful in the evenings with the usage.
So if like me you like to have loads of power in reserve, and not worry about leaving a light on to long or watching too much tv, then go for an ongrid type panel and a decent charge controller.

Regards
John


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 13.11.2015  ·  #9
Cheers John :up:


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 11.07.2016  ·  #10
From what I am reading around t'internet it seems the Votronic solar regulator are one of the best.


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 11.07.2016  ·  #11
I went on recommendations and got one of these, it certainly does seem to make the best of what sunlight is available


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 11.07.2016  ·  #12
Who makes it?


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 13.07.2016  ·  #13
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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 13.07.2016  ·  #14
:up:


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 14.07.2016  ·  #15
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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 25.10.2016  ·  #16
Finally ready to buy another 100 watt panel.

Going to go for the MPPT controller quoted above (I see it has went up in price), I don;t really need the engine battery charged as i use the van weekly.

MPPT controlled says it can support up to 300watt, so I'd be safe to buy a 150watt panel, bringing me to 250watt's?

This One


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 25.10.2016  ·  #17
Oh FFS, things are never straight forward.

Quote
*Note: it is important to ensure that your panels are suitable to use with the MPPT controller, as MPPT controller require input PV voltage to stay within the MPPT range (15~37v) in order to attain maximum effectiveness.


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 26.10.2016  ·  #18
Why don't you go for a system where the two solar panels are in series rather than parallel.

In this case you get much better output from the system as the voltage from the panels in series is double that when in the Pamela are in parallel. This means that in poorer light conditions you have an input voltage high enough to provide an output current to charge your batteries.

You will need a MPPT controller that will accept a larger voltage range on the input and still give 12volt output.


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 26.10.2016  ·  #19
That's to much for me to work out - I see I am going to even have problems with buying an additional panel, unless I go for the same make/model..............

After I read your post, I started reading this: http://solarpanelsvenue.com/mixing-solar-panels/


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 26.10.2016  ·  #20
Best speak to who ever supplied your first one (if you can)

This is getting more complicated than installing a second battery!


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 02.11.2016  ·  #21
150 watt and new MPPT controller purchased. Hopefully that makes all the difference with having 250watt in total, if not I'm selling up and taking up knitting :)


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 09.11.2016  ·  #22
New solar panel didn't arrive, said it was out of stock, yet the ebay advert is still live. Maybe didn't want to post it to NI. Refunded the money which is stuck in the workings of paypal - grr

Anyhow......... the MPPT controller that Baguette recommended earlier in this topic is now wired in and working.

Thoughts are that is is putting more amps into the battery for the watts that the solar is producing compared to the other non MPPT controller. It definitely seems a lot better.

I have read how MPPT should be better, but it's all a tad confusing, if you fancy a read, this seems like a good article: https://www.solar-electric.com…lers.html/

Outcome at the moment: I am going to wait to see how better the MPPT controller performs and then work out if I even need another panel.


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 09.11.2016  ·  #23
Quote by baguette


Is there a remote display available for these? There looks like an RJ socket on the bottom of the MPPT module and I'm wondering if you can connect it to a remote LCD display mounted in a convenient location?


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 09.11.2016  ·  #24
Quote by Blag


Is there a remote display available for these? There looks like an RJ socket on the bottom of the MPPT module and I'm wondering if you can connect it to a remote LCD display mounted in a convenient location?


I have a remote LCD display that connects to the RJ socket. I tried it with the MPPT controller and it switched the controller off. I did see recently one very similar but it said it was for MPPT Controllers, so they must be different.

Must see if I can find it again...........


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 09.11.2016  ·  #25
Mine is the same as the one below, and there is an MPPT version.



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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 09.11.2016  ·  #26
I have one of those which I had on my previous mppt controller, the current controller doesnt work with it (non mppt type)


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 09.11.2016  ·  #27
Quote by the fat controller

I have one of those which I had on my previous mppt controller, the current controller doesnt work with it (non mppt type)


Swapsies? :D


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 09.11.2016  ·  #28
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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 09.11.2016  ·  #29
Error no, that's not what I meant :D


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 09.11.2016  ·  #30
I would need to look it out, I know it's in a box somewhere......




I still think my suggestion was better though


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 09.11.2016  ·  #31
I didn't think you needed another controller John :P


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 15.02.2017  ·  #32
Over a year later and I now have 200watt :)

(ignore the dirty foot prints)
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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 15.02.2017  ·  #33
Good things take time. :up:
Did you use a different upgrade of controller?
Have to use separate wiring?


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 15.02.2017  ·  #34
Quote by Hessy Hymer


Did you use a different upgrade of controller?
Have to use separate wiring?


See posts 15 & 16, Baguette recommended one and I went for that, link to the ad on ebay in post 16.

I used Y connectors, so same cabling, both connected to existing cable on roof.


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 16.02.2017  ·  #35
Do you need sticky pads to cable tie that connecting lead to the roof Ally. I can bring a few at the weekend if you do


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 16.02.2017  ·  #36
After I took the photo I added some square conduit and stuck that to the roof, so looks much tidier and will protect it from the sun.

Thanks for the offer though :up:


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 23.02.2017  ·  #37
Very happy, especially for February :)
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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 23.02.2017  ·  #38
Quote by John

I have a 230 watt panel Ally and tbh m8 it keeps 4 x 110amp batts well topped up in the winter. Last year we had 4 days away in jan and with lights , tv, sat, chargers etc the charge level never dipped below 12.2v with load. My last van had a 100w panel and in the winter , we always had to be very careful in the evenings with the usage.
So if like me you like to have loads of power in reserve, and not worry about leaving a light on to long or watching too much tv, then go for an ongrid type panel and a decent charge controller.

Regards
John


hi,inquiring about how you have wired the 4 leisure batteries,does it not put a strain on the altenator as it would be charging 5 in total


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 23.02.2017  ·  #39
Quote by Douzeper

Very happy, especially for February :)


Fecking show off :lol: :lol:


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Re: More than 100w?

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Posted: 23.02.2017  ·  #40
:lol: :love:


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