MrWizard
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all panels are parallel
all are on the BS 2000e controller
all the unisolar panels are 17.5 working volts
the originals are 16.5 working volts
i thought about a different controller and i have tried disconnecting them, there was a drop in output when they were disconnected so they are contributing
with the wire runs involved i doubt separating them would contribute a significant enough increase in total power to be worth the effort and materials involved
the only shadowing i've noticed is very early morning and very late afternoon
the very thin AM/FM radio antenna is a non-issue, it did not affect anything until i placed these panels putting that one there on Sunday
I normally try to avoid being camped with the windshield facing the sun (too blasted hot) so that tiny shadow isn't even there most of the time
its supposed to rain, so NO clear sunny weather until maybe Sunday, but at least all the panels will get washed
* This post was
edited 04/10/12 10:42pm by MrWizard *
Options, always have options, and the journey goes much smoother
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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Thanks for the feedback. I've got AC shadow concerns on my future solar but have concluded that it is what it is.
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Bob
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JiminDenver
Denver, Co
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Thanks for the pics Mr W, you have a nice set up.
You are right about the higher voltage panels though. I was so elated about getting my panels so cheap and almost depressed when I found out it was 3x the cost for the mppt controller. I could get more panel at the cheap price but that pushes the controller cost up hundreds. (just seems a waste to not get the panel cheap while I can)
I can't wait to get it up and running to see how it compares.
JinD
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BFL13
Victoria, BC
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Still hoping Mr Wiz can elaborate on his WFCO 100 amper over in the PowerMax thread.
Mr Wiz is showing us how to do long term off-grid in all seasons with a balance of solar and gen/charger and size of battery bank, with tactics for how to use it all. Extremely useful info, thanks.
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bdosborn
Colorado
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MrWizard wrote:
all the unisolar panels are 17.5 working volts
the originals are 16.5 working volts
Why not try moving the 16.5V panels on to the Xantrex controller and run it in parallel with the Blue Sky controller? That would maximize the output of the 17.5V panels on the Blue Sky controller.
Bruce
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MrWizard
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another fairly long run of wire, plus more space stolen from storage compartment to install the C40 controller
IMO the questionable gain would be small and not worth the cost and effort
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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Compatability of 2 controllers might also be a concern.
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MrWizard
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you who live here in southern California know what today was like
morning was rain with brief periods of sunshine followed by more rain
afternoon was clouds interrupted by brief sunshine
when it came thru it was intense
today's numbers
100.84 AmpHrs
1347.5 watt hrs
25.37 peak amps
350.8 peak watts
several times I stepped outside to observe the power meter and saw it holding 21+ amps as long as the break in the clouds held open
I'm surprised the totals were this high, looks like the extra panels are going to really pay off
I ran the Onan 1 Hr during the rain this morning breakfast coffee and morning boost
then waited until 5 pm for the evening two Hr run
while that 2hrs of charging may not have been enough to make up the 511watt Hr difference between yesterday's Solar charge and today's charge
it's close enough to not worry about
I've had days with much less total combined AmpHrs/watt hrs,
* This post was
edited 04/11/12 08:53pm by MrWizard *
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MrWizard
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cool cloudy breezy day
I installed the C40 controller for a temporary test period
just too see what the overall difference will be over the next few days
will i loose morning and afternoon amps, will i get a higher charge during the middle of the solar day, will the total be less , more, or about the same ??
its rated for a higher capacity 40 vs 25 but can the panels deliver enough to make it the preferred choice
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi,
Since the C40 isn't MPPT I think that for the most intense part of the day you may not gather as much energy.
Thanks for taking time to make the change to test the difference.
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts Unisolar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries, 2500 MSW watt inverter.
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