New Solar Install - Opinions

[gonzor57]

Jay Flight 24 RBS
Please see drawing
I have several 6V/220AH AGM and want to take 4 and setup per drawing. What's your opinions on it?


Ruben

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Previewed post, image shows sideways, don't know how to make it show properly. Sorry!

[gonzor57]

A better picture for your review and I welcome any comments. Thanks.

[ARoamer]

OK, I'll bite. Since you didn't state your power needs and intended usage, here's my thoughts.
RV furnace and a inverter, if equipped would likely be your highest draw items.
Maybe look into residential panels if you have room on the roof, they could reduce some wiring, and FB marketplace has some good prices, and even better if you're willing to go used. If you plan on winter use, expect around half of summer output with flat mounted panels and shorter daylight hours.
Of course a MMPT controller would be a better choice, but if you have a PWM one already go for it. If not, get one that allows for more solar if down the road you think more may be needed.
Good idea to have 2 separate banks with total 440AH usable.
4 of those batteries @ 70# each is a chunk of weight!

[craigav]

If you do go with a MPPT controller, I would change the panel wiring so that you have two pairs of panels with each pair being in series and then the two pairs in parallel. This will cut down on the wire size needed and provide a little less line loss. However, with proper size wiring (at least 10awg for the feeder to all 4 panels) I don't see any issues with your proposed setup. Keep in mind that there are downsides to having two panels in series when one of the two will be shaded, then the output of the pair is affected instead of just the shaded panel. I doubt that would be a big deal on an RV roof but could be if for example one panel is in the shadow of the A/C for example in the afternoons or mornings. ~CA

[gonzor57]

Originally Posted by ARoamer

OK, I'll bite. Since you didn't state your power needs and intended usage, here's my thoughts.
RV furnace and a inverter, if equipped would likely be your highest draw items.
Maybe look into residential panels if you have room on the roof, they could reduce some wiring, and FB marketplace has some good prices, and even better if you're willing to go used. If you plan on winter use, expect around half of summer output with flat mounted panels and shorter daylight hours.
Of course a MMPT controller would be a better choice, but if you have a PWM one already go for it. If not, get one that allows for more solar if down the road you think more may be needed.
Good idea to have 2 separate banks with total 440AH usable.
4 of those batteries @ 70# each is a chunk of weight!

Resources are limited so I'm sticking with what I got, Renogy 200W kit plus 2 extra panels to start. I'm planning on do some light use here and there see how it goes. And yes, 280 lbs towards the rear behind the axles I figure would lighten a bit on the hitch weight.

Appreciate your comments, tyvm!

[gonzor57]

Originally Posted by craigav

If you do go with a MPPT controller, I would change the panel wiring so that you have two pairs of panels with each pair being in series and then the two pairs in parallel. This will cut down on the wire size needed and provide a little less line loss. However, with proper size wiring (at least 10awg for the feeder to all 4 panels) I don't see any issues with your proposed setup. Keep in mind that there are downsides to having two panels in series when one of the two will be shaded, then the output of the pair is affected instead of just the shaded panel. I doubt that would be a big deal on an RV roof but could be if for example one panel is in the shadow of the A/C for example in the afternoons or mornings. ~CA

My initial thinking was to get the higher amperage in series, so I bought a 4->1 which has 14 and 10 awg wires plus got a some 10awg extra wire, connectors etc. I do not plan on doing a lot of extended boondocking, one or two days here and there. Will see how it goes.

Appreciate you, tyvm!

[Russc25]

Series increases voltage, parallel (as you have the panels) increases amperage. Raising voltage is more efficient but check what the PWM controller can handle. Remember that PWM controllers essentially just turn off for part of the time (many times per second) when there's excess volts/amps, MPPT alters the load to keep the voltage and amperage at the panels max power (watts) point. Harvests more power and better for the system.

Might not be ideal but I see no problems with what you have proposed.

[gonzor57]

Originally Posted by Russc25

Series increases voltage, parallel (as you have the panels) increases amperage. Raising voltage is more efficient but check what the PWM controller can handle. Remember that PWM controllers essentially just turn off for part of the time (many times per second) when there's excess volts/amps, MPPT alters the load to keep the voltage and amperage at the panels max power (watts) point. Harvests more power and better for the system.

Might not be ideal but I see no problems with what you have proposed.

Initially, as I learned along, I wanted to keep the output of the panels independent to avoid what craigav mentioned of series flaw (shade on one affects both). The controller is a 12/24 auto set and handles up to 50V input with up to 30A output.

Appreciate your input, tyvm!
Ruben

[440 scout]

Originally Posted by gonzor57

Initially, as I learned along, I wanted to keep the output of the panels independent to avoid what craigav mentioned of series flaw (shade on one affects both). The controller is a 12/24 auto set and handles up to 50V input with up to 30A output.

Appreciate your input, tyvm!
Ruben

Sounds good to me, too. If all 3 solar panels are 200 watts each, they can output around 10 amps each so your 30 amp solar charge controller should be ok. I suggest taking a pic of the information sticker thats on the back of each panel. For now that's a good setup but in the future if you want to add more solar you'll need to upgrade the charge controller.

[gonzor57]

Originally Posted by 440 scout

Sounds good to me, too. If all 3 solar panels are 200 watts each, they can output around 10 amps each so your 30 amp solar charge controller should be ok. I suggest taking a pic of the information sticker thats on the back of each panel. For now that's a good setup but in the future if you want to add more solar you'll need to upgrade the charge controller.

Hey,
the panels are 4x100w. Spec sheet indicates optimum operating current @ 4.91a so that's under 20a for all, could possibly add 2 more.

Thanx for your comments 440scout.


Ruben