Solar breakdown sticky, stickier, stickiest?

[DLTooley]

Math in the real world isn’t precise. Figuring out your use is the basis for understanding why things are varying in actual use. You can generally find power ratings on the label with every device.

Hdr’s outline is pretty good.

What I am trying to figure out is how to build a system that is upgradeable. Given improving tech that is difficult. Handing down tech to someone just starting is part of the best solution.

Something you want is a way of measuring your actual performance on both the charging and use (load) aspects. Starting small makes the math easier to understand in practice.

 

[Motrukdriver]

Math in the real world isn’t precise. Figuring out your use is the basis for understanding why things are varying in actual use. You can generally find power ratings on the label with every device.

Hdr’s outline is pretty good.

What I am trying to figure out is how to build a system that is upgradeable. Given improving tech that is difficult. Handing down tech to someone just starting is part of the best solution.

Something you want is a way of measuring your actual performance on both the charging and use (load) aspects. Starting small makes the math easier to understand in practice.

Power ratings on the label sometimes isn't what the actual power use is.  The label ratings is the maximum power usage the device can use.  You can have a TV rated at 4 amps but the actual use might be 2 amps.  Using label ratings could cause you to purchase more solar than you actually need and if you are on a tight budget it might be an issue.   If you want an upgradeable system then buy a voltage controller that will handle more wattage than what you are currently using/needing and reserve extra space where ever you put your panels and batteries.  Buy a fuse box with plenty of free space as well and make your wire routing easy to access.

 

[bigskybob]

I'm interested in hearing about other folk's setups and experience.I think everyone considering solar power would benefit.So far,everyone is mum.

 

[John61CT]

Hundreds of detailed threads on the topic await your perusal.

Or, post at least a start of your own energy budget, a list of what you want to power, estimate how many minutes / hours per day, in your own setup and people will help you get to AH per day and make their recommendations.

Or figure out how many watts will fit on your roof, and we can discuss estimating what you can run off that - depending on latitude, season&weather, tilt or not, etc

 

[jimindenver]

Remember, you asked for this. hehe

On my 25 ft trailer I have three 250w Navajo Poly panels that produce 50 amp at 12v during peak and up to 25 amps in cloudy weather. The power comes down to a Morningstar TS MPPT60 and then on to three Lifeline AGM 8-D's that make up a 675 Ah bank.

On my Expedition there is a 435w tilting panel that is used as my portable on steroids. It is good for 30 amps peak but that is most the day since I move the truck to track the sun. There are two extensions for the front of the trailer, one allows for the panel to be plugged in on the road, the other is 50 ft to allow the truck to get where the sun is. The truck has provided the majority of power several times when the trailer was shaded. It's controller is a Morningstar TS MPPT 45 and combines at the bank.

The trailer is connected to the bank via a 6 gauge cable. A Trip-lite industrial inverter running 1250w and able to hold 2500w for 10 minutes provides the 120Vac to the outlets. The biggest things powered are a 5000 BTU A/C, a 450w water heater, the propane fridge on 120Vac, a 900 watt microwave pulling 1375w, a Engel MT 45 used as a freezer, a coffee maker, and smaller things like a dozen hotspots and phones, TV, etc.

My switches are red Bluesky switches. I use Bluesky terminal block fuses. Heavy wiring is 1/0 that I cut and use a 16 ton crimp tool to put the lugs on with.

So for a good portion of the day the system delivers 80 amps roughly. It is enough to run the little A/C and the water heater at the same time. I am a pig with the power, conservation to me is not running the A/C, water heater or other large draw/long term draws in bad weather. In 5 years of having solar I have used my 800w inverter generator for charging once after being under tree canopy for three days.

 

[frater secessus]

I'm interested in hearing about other folk's setups and experience.I think everyone considering solar power would benefit.So far,everyone is mum.

There is a list of setups and experiences here, with references.  I did mention the list earlier in the thread.