Parts list for a Solar Panel Setup - Updated 1st Post 17/04/2017

Very nice. Shall be using that as reference point!

 

The current 20amp fuse & holder. The problem with this (if it can be considered as such) is that the gauge of the wire drops from the solar cable to something that you can actually get a crimp terminal on.
Yep you could use a midi strip fuse & holder but they are rated 30a minimum and more to the point aren't so convenient to disconnect.
The bigger the cable, the less voltdrop you have which can be a real issue with DC systems especially when we are dealing with fractions of current.

The main upgrade for me at TE will be to fit the fuse holder I linked to above above which hopefully will allow a straight run of solar cable from the controller to the battery terminal.
It's something I've been meaning to do for 2 years



As today is an overcast, drizzly one I thought I'd show what's happening with the LB & SB bank which are connected via the VSR. I think of them as 1 big battery.
The ctek is connected (coz we're running the fridge off AC as it's available) so the State Of Charge on the batteries (both are in-line remember) is 14.7 volts on a maintenance float charge. oo.00 amps from the batteries required so therefore 0000w displayed regards recharge required from the panels.


And the SOC is displayed as the display scrolls


However when the output from the panel is checked, we can see the panels are actually putting 2.o5 amps by PWM into the controller and the MPPT algorithm is uplifting that output to 2.12.
A plus of 4% efficiency may not seem a lot but this efficiency increases with panel output and really makes a difference as the watt output increases.

This current isn't required, due to the ctek, so is just being lost as heat via the heatsink on the charge controller. At that level it's cold to the touch.

So, the display is reading a total lifetime output from the panels of 104,320 watt/hours. I think that equates to 8600 ah near enough but @pkrboo will tell us if I've got the decimal point in the wrong place

@Razzyh , make sure we have a way of connecting the cable to the battery terminal. I don't know what you've got, but if you look at the top picture my terminals have separate screw down posts for accessory connection. You'll need the right size crimps for the cable to terminal posts although someone will have something if I don't...I'm sure.

 

??? Have you all started to use a different language and no one has told me, because I don't understand a single word of this thread .......

 

Yet I understand this

 

roughly about right at 12 volts

 

@theBusmonkey Acquired myself a couple of these: fh520

http://www.altecautomotive.co.uk/maxi-blade-fuse-holder-with-cover-829-p.asp

 

Solar Display Computer arrived today - looks nice bit of kit (built in Germany too!)

 

Where are you planning to mount everything?

 

Still waiting for the MPPT so until then not 100% certain, but ideally going to look to mount that in the wheel well. In theory it does need some airflow around it though so that might not be the best place once the cushions over the top of it all. By all accounts doesn't actually get that warm?

The Solar controller (above) intending to mount in the overhead locker as it will be easy to use but not obtrusive. Simple RJ45 connector between the 2 so loads of possibilities I guess if this doesn't work out.

 

After much deliberation I have actually changed my mind about a couple of things.

Firstly the panel. I have decided that its going to fail at some point and as such not entirely keen on just one panel and also physically attaching it to the pop top area with Sikaflex will make it difficult to remove. There were two options really the slightly more expensive BIARD panels (5 year guarantee) or these ones at 269.99 for 2x100watts (also with 5 year guarantee)
http://www.friendlygreengiant.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=25&product_id=49



Cost per watt is 1.15 for these compared to the 1.50 from Biard
http://www.beamled.com/80w-semi-flexible-solar-panel.html
and I get 200w instead of 160.

I also decided that a couple of these would be prudent - mounting kit 14.99 each. I bought 2.

When I can I will update the first post with these changes...

 

I would still sikaflex them on, with just a bead around the edge and if you need to get it off then you can cheese wire it off.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

The Green Giant panels look good value, i.e. cheaper than most but they don’t state the efficiency of the panels. Also note that collection is unavailable so I doubt if they have much, if any stock – their business unit is very small. And the T&Cs are so brief as to be meaningless and I wouldn’t put much value on a 5 year warranty.

I’d be concerned about the wind getting under the edge of the panel causing it to flap about with just 6 small adhesive points; the panel wouldn’t be as secure compared to fixing around the whole perimeter.

 

Yep spot on.. I will probably do that. So as to stop wind getting under it. But does mean I can replace them easier.

 

You pays your money and takes a chance...... They actually have reasonable reviews on other forums. They have stock and by all accounts delivered next week.
The point is a guarantee is only proven to be any good when you need to use it. For the difference in price I prepared to take a chance..

 

bump - first post updated now with new parts list and image.... should start the install next week

 

Are we all camping in the middle of the field at TE and hoping for some sun?

#techenderssolarpark

 

I think previous "hedge hoggers" should be banned from middle

 

Of course!!

 

Not a problem, I'll stick our electric heater and toaster in the van and skulk over by the hedge being smug and warm. Didn't want to be with the big boys out in the middle anyway, you might bully us.

 

So the first few parcels arrived today which was nice.

The Solar panels were well packaged and they look just as expected really. super service so far from them

I am less keen on this weathproof gland box however (just put it loose on roof so could see what it might look like) and may just end up returning that and yes I will clean the whole roof before i fit the panels




Also go the solar controller today and its quite compact!


Hoping to get out to the van later this week and start laying some stuff out for dry fit...