Please advise on solar kit

[bLEEp]

Since you have so much roof real estate have you checked out the great values that are out there on large panels?

From my earlier post:

The Commander controller webpage does not state that it comes with the available remote temp sensor.

If I'm spending a G ten bucks is AOK
I truly appreciate you letting me know I needed the extra part. I would not have thought of it.
I looked into 300 watt panels. Would the MPPT controlller handle the 24v to 12v thing?
I am not very well read.

 

[29chico]

If I'm spending a G ten bucks is AOK
I truly appreciate you letting me know I needed the extra part.  I would not have thought of it.
I looked into 300 watt panels.  Would the MPPT controlller handle the 24v to 12v thing?
I am not very well read.

The Commander controller is limited to a maximum input from the panel(s) of 150 volts and 50 amps total max short circuit current as listed on the solar panels.  If you are talking about input into the controller that is.  Since the highest voltage large panel that I am aware of has a max voltage open circuit of 72v I don't think that you have to worry about as long as you go with a parallel wiring of a multiple solar panel array.

If you are concerned with the controller working with a 12v vs. a 24v battery bank, the controller will automatically detect and adapt itself to either voltage.

 

[John61CT]

Two 72V's in series is close but should still be OK. Less voltage drop and/or cheaper wiring if long distances, MPPT has more room to optimize efficiency point, if you want to add panels, more total power without overloading amps rating.

Only disadvantage is partial shading kills series output more, but should be putting panels out in the open anyway. Or getting a small/cheap controller per panel.

 

[GotSmart]

Two 72V's in series is close but should still be OK. Less voltage drop and/or cheaper wiring if long distances, MPPT has more room to optimize efficiency point, if you want to add panels, more total power without overloading amps rating.

Only disadvantage is partial shading kills series output more, but should be putting panels out in the open anyway. Or getting a small/cheap controller per panel.

Mouting a 6.5 foot X 3.5 foot panel on top of an RV  is not reccommended.  Niether is using 72 volt panels on a 12v system.  You pay one way or another.

 

[jimindenver]

My 435w is 72.9voc and would be higher at altitude, even more so on a cold day. I wouldn't push it that close to a limit.

Recommended or not , the majority of newer systems I've seen on the likes of RV.net are the big panels. Cost per watt is what's pushing it and I've not heard of any bowing off yet. It is true a higher difference in voltages is less efficient but for the money you can't beat one panel for 30 amps to the bank.

 

[blars]

Most MPPT controllers get slightly more efficient close to their maximum input voltage, but some components are more likely to fail. I'd recommend at least a 20% margin between the rated VOC of the panels and the maximum input of the controller to allow for higher VOC at cold high altitude summer days.

 

[ArtW]

Bleep, just gonna be honest here
I know jack **** about solar
in your position, this is what I'd do
figure out what appliances I need, and what sort of wattage they'd all draw\
Asl Sternwake
Ask Jimindenver
Ask Gotsmart
Buy what they tell me to buy
Done

 

[bLEEp]

That is what was done
Solar is on the way.

 

[GotSmart]

We might want to order these to mount the panels.

https://www.amazon.com/Wellnuts-Mot...60695&sr=1-1&keywords=rubber+mounting+inserts

Also passthrough.

 

[bLEEp]

So those mount directly to the roof, the panels to them, and the wiring goes through the pass through we were talking about correct?
Any other thoughts on mounting solar to a fiberglass roof?
It's gone from 65 and sunny to snow and mid twenties real quick around here. I'm going to lose at least a day in the process, but I can bust out the paintbrush and detail saw to start working on the kitchen counter and cabinets.
bLEEp

 

[Almost There]

Any other thoughts on mounting solar to a fiberglass roof?

Use mounting blocks on the inside of the roof.

Most fiberglass roofs are only about a 1/4" thick and will crack out at the holes from stress.

 

[GotSmart]

So those mount directly to the roof, the panels to them, and the wiring goes through the pass through we were talking about correct?
Any other thoughts on mounting solar to a fiberglass roof?
It's gone from 65 and sunny to snow and mid twenties real quick around here.  I'm going to lose at least a day in the process, but I can bust out the paintbrush and detail saw to start working on the kitchen counter and cabinets.
bLEEp

https://www.amazon.com/LINKSOLAR-We...rd_wg=zh7NC&psc=1&refRID=02NF11KDAXA7BQ7GE6R0

Adheisive

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MTW34YQ?ref_=ams_ad_dp_asin_1

The panels are 21" X 41"   (For mounting planning)

You will also need to be able to connect the cables to each other.

Either this one

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Solar...247749&sr=1-32&keywords=solar+cable+connector

or this one.

https://www.amazon.com/YEME-Branch-...rd_wg=jhPRy&psc=1&refRID=0Y88K7H9JMTW79GVJ9SE

 

[bLEEp]

Is the 3M VHB tape really strong enough to hold panels?
Any first hand experiences? I've read it will do the job, it just seems so strange that it holds that well. Apparently they use it to hold windows in skyscrapers with no issue...
bLEEp

 

[GotSmart]

Read the reviews, and make sure it is not listed as "converted" Which means transfered from a larger roll onto a smaller one.  Renogy recommended it as an alternitive for mounting when I was a dealer. 

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Tape-5952-Multiple-Sizes/dp/B01EOEW25S