Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Solar systems
| Solar systems [message #94570] |
Wed, 04 August 2010 08:41  |
MIGUEL MENDEZ
Messages: 179
Registered: August 2004
Location: Montclair, California
Karma: 3
|
Senior Member |
|
|
For what it's worth, costco has a nice 4 panel solar systhem 160 watt complete, here in california , it cost 280.00.
i got one, just have not had the time to install it, but it is a good unit and the cost sounds good to me.
Anyone seen this unit???
Miguel
1978 Royale Pain in the %$@, side bath w/ a 403 that i love.
GMC name : The other woman
http://www.mgmgmc.com
|
|
|
|
| Re: Solar systems [message #94593 is a reply to message #94570] |
Wed, 04 August 2010 12:13  |
jtblank
Messages: 237
Registered: June 2007
Location: Tulare, CA
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Just checked their website and don't see it. 160 watt complete system for 280.00???
John Blankenship
'76 Palm Beach
Tulare, CA
|
|
|
|
| Re: Solar systems [message #94599 is a reply to message #94570] |
Wed, 04 August 2010 12:52 |
|
|
is it scaleable? if so 160 watts per kit would be good if you could string 4 or 5 together you would actully have some serious power...
73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Solar systems [message #94634 is a reply to message #94570] |
Wed, 04 August 2010 17:12 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
You mean 60 watts, right?
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems [message #94786 is a reply to message #94612] |
Thu, 05 August 2010 21:32 |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| Ken Coit wrote on Wed, 04 August 2010 12:03 |
I see four 15 Watt panels for around that price, but 260 Watts? Where?
Give us a link. Are they from China? Do they work when hot? Can they
withstand the rigors of bouncing down the road in a high wind?
|
Costco is one of my fav. stores but they don't always have the best things. The panels in this system they have are the amorphous type, which are less expensive, but take twice the area to produce the same power as the more common crystalline ones. Over the first year of use, they drop considerably in their output, then are stable for the remainder of their life.
Hard to say about the watt rating system they use. The good manufactures rate them "aged" and they produce more power the first year. Others may rate them as built, which would overstate their real capacity. It is impossible to tell about these. They do appear to be plastic rimed, and not very rugged especially for rooftop permanent mounting on an RV.
A good solar panel will last 25 years or more, but those are well built, and very rugged. I doubt that these Costco ones will have anywhere near that useful life.
Even if they are 60 watts total, that is not a great deal of charge power and you have to mount 4 panels. One good crystalline panel will have a larger output than these 4 total. Most start at 75 watts these days. Figure about $4 to 5 a watt for the panel, and another $100 for a good quality charge controller.
This Costco "system" includes a charge controller and a small inverter. Both are of minimal quality.
My very personal recommendation is to spend a little more on a higher quality system that will hold up for years in the difficult RV environment, if that is your use for it.
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC) [message #94912 is a reply to message #94794] |
Sat, 07 August 2010 00:52 |
Douglas Norton
Messages: 191
Registered: April 2008
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
$1.5 per watt is a great deal especially with tax rebates. Some things to consider: The amorphous panels are great at working with partial shade; I have one on My GMC. They do take up more space, nearly twice as much as the other types. These panels only put out 16.5 volts. Be careful, most 12 volt systems use 21 volt or 18 volt panels. If 16.5 is the maximum voltage, you will need added electronics to step up the voltage for charging a 12 volt system. Maximum wattage is well below the maximum voltage. This may not be a big issue with a big system where panels can be put in series or can use electronic voltage conversion technology, but for a motor home this may make the cost a bit higher than other systems (I got a 50 watt panel for $160 on Ebay and used the same standard low cost controller that was with my 65 watt amorphous pannel.
Thanks for the link. I bookmarked it as I am thinking about doing solar for my house. This may make it cost effective. Now, when the rates hear in "Newgreenland" (California) jump above 26 cents per KWH, I thank PG&E for an excuse to turn off the AC and take the GMC to the mountains or anywhere for at about two weeks a month. That keeps me out of the high rate tier.
--- On Thu, 8/5/10, Ken Morris <ken@aaaaimage.com> wrote:
From: Ken Morris <ken@aaaaimage.com>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC)
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Thursday, August 5, 2010, 8:50 PM
http://www.wholesalesolar.com/products.folder/module-folder/kaneka/kanekaP-LE055.html
buy 20 55watt panels for 1700.00 seems to be a good deal
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC) [message #94916 is a reply to message #94912] |
Sat, 07 August 2010 06:28 |
gmcrv1
Messages: 839
Registered: August 2007
Location: Memphis
Karma: -1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Douglas,
You mention several output voltages from the different solar panels. What
is the ideal output voltage voltage?
Thanks,
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier
Oakland, TN
On Sat, Aug 7, 2010 at 12:52 AM, Douglas Norton <nortocd@yahoo.com> wrote:
> $1.5 per watt is a great deal especially with tax rebates. Some things to
> consider: The amorphous panels are great at working with partial shade; I
> have one on My GMC. They do take up more space, nearly twice as much as the
> other types. These panels only put out 16.5 volts. Be careful, most 12
> volt systems use 21 volt or 18 volt panels. If 16.5 is the maximum voltage,
> you will need added electronics to step up the voltage for charging a 12
> volt system. Maximum wattage is well below the maximum voltage. This may
> not be a big issue with a big system where panels can be put in series or
> can use electronic voltage conversion technology, but for a motor home this
> may make the cost a bit higher than other systems (I got a 50 watt panel for
> $160 on Ebay and used the same standard low cost controller that was with my
> 65 watt amorphous pannel.
>
> Thanks for the link. I bookmarked it as I am thinking about doing solar
> for my house. This may make it cost effective. Now, when the rates hear in
> "Newgreenland" (California) jump above 26 cents per KWH, I thank PG&E for an
> excuse to turn off the AC and take the GMC to the mountains or anywhere for
> at about two weeks a month. That keeps me out of the high rate tier.
>
> --- On Thu, 8/5/10, Ken Morris <ken@aaaaimage.com> wrote:
>
> From: Ken Morris <ken@aaaaimage.com>
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC)
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Date: Thursday, August 5, 2010, 8:50 PM
>
>
>
>
> http://www.wholesalesolar.com/products.folder/module-folder/kaneka/kanekaP-LE055.html
>
> buy 20 55watt panels for 1700.00 seems to be a good deal
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC) [message #94929 is a reply to message #94916] |
Sat, 07 August 2010 09:38 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
You mention several output voltages from the different solar panels. What is the ideal output voltage voltage?
_______________________________________________________
Not Douglas here...
But I have picked up a bit of information over the times.
The Solar panels have some varied voltages, like wise, the voltage will vary due to Sun brightness.
The voltage, depending on the regulator, will be regulated to the needed voltage at that point. Some regulators just turn on and off, no voltage control, the voltage control comes from the actual connections at the battery.
Now to make it more confusing...
( I have CUT this portion of my message, I felt it too
confusing and I wanted more back ground and info before I
post this technical of info, apologies )
at least that is how I understand the system.
There are lots of formulas and other things that I have only dabbled in.
Both systems will work but the lower voltage will charge at a much slower pace.
Generally physical size will dictate the charging ability of the panel. We are limited by the space on the GMC roof to populate the panels.
Then again, it is best NOT TO MIX types of panels, try to get one type of electrically matched panels.
Dan Gregg has an interesting set up that serves him well.
This is what I have learned thus far and I am still learning.
LarC ( still tinkering with solar on the GMC )
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
[Updated on: Sat, 07 August 2010 09:43] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC) [message #94971 is a reply to message #94929] |
Sat, 07 August 2010 19:26 |
jayrabe
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
LarC,
Trying to understand the numbers here...
A panel that does 16v @ 2a is a 32watt panel, and so is the 32v@1a. But what happens to the amps if the voltage controller is working to reduce the voltage, doesn't that increase the amps so that the 32 watts is still consumed?
The problem as I see it is that if you have a 12v system, you want ~14 volts to effectively charge it, and if all you've got is a panel that puts out 16v max, on a cloudy day it won't put out the 14 you need. So is that right so far?
But then the question of the controllers. Can a good controller take a 9v output from a 16v panel on a cloudy day, and bump that up somehow to still utilze whatever charging amps it can produce?
Thanks,
J
76 PB
Portland, OR
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: slawrence111@yahoo.com
> Date: Sat, 7 Aug 2010 09:38:12 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC)
>
>
>
> You mention several output voltages from the different solar panels. What is the ideal output voltage voltage?
> _______________________________________________________
>
> Not Douglas here...
>
> But I have picked up a bit of information over the times.
>
> The Solar panels have some varied voltages, like wise, the voltage will vary due to Sun brightness.
> The voltage, depending on the regulator, will be regulated to the needed voltage at that point. Some regulators just turn on and off, no voltage control, the voltage control comes from the actual connections at the battery.
>
> Now to make it more confusing...
>
> High voltage will transmit low amps vs low volts transmit high amps.
>
> ie: using 16vdc = 2 amps
> A panel that can output 16 vdc will transmit 2 amps of charge power at 16vdc( if the panel is designed for that load )
>
> A panel that can output 32 vdc will transmit 1 amp of charge power at 32 vdc ( if the panel is designed for that load )
>
> HOWEVER, when the load is regulated down to 13 volts, the charge rate is 2.2
>
> Though the charge difference is not significant, the charge force behind it Volts or ( charge push ) is significantly larger for a better charge.
>
> at least that is how I understand the system.
> There are lots of formulas and other things that I have only dabbled in.
>
> Both systems will work but at a much slower pace.
> Generally physical size will dictate the charging ability of the panel. We are limited by the space on the GMC roof to populate the panels.
>
> Then again, it is best NOT TO MIX types of panels, try to get one type of electrically matched panels.
>
> Dan Gregg has an interesting set up that serves him well.
>
>
> LarC ( still tinkering with solar on the GMC )
>
>
> --
> Gatsbys' CRUISER :d
> 74 GLACIER X, 260
> 455/APC/4 bagg'r(ver3)
> Remflex Manifold gaskets
> _______________________________________________
> Purchased 08-18-04
>
> _
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC) [message #94973 is a reply to message #94971] |
Sat, 07 August 2010 20:12 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I did make a cut on the message because I was getting too deep and I wanted to make sure I was correct..... You must be on email because it did not take the edit but I will try to answer as best and accurately as I can.
>Trying to understand the numbers here...
>A panel that does 16v @ 2a is a 32watt panel, and so is the
>32v@1a. But what happens to the amps if the voltage controller >is working to reduce the voltage, doesn't that increase the
>amps so that the 32 watts is still consumed?
In electricity, if the volts go up, the amps go down, conversley, if the volts go down, the amps go up.....
The job of the regulator is to deliver the voltage you need to operate or charge what is connected on the load side. Normally this would be a or a bank of batteries. If the panel can output 21 volts dc at 5AMP ( 105watt), and the regulator is regulating down to 15volts dc, your current should increase, rough guess about 7AMP, But if the panels architechture limits the loading, the out put current could be lower.
>The problem as I see it is that if you have a 12v system, you
>want ~14 volts to effectively charge it, and if all you've got
>is a panel that puts out 16v max, on a cloudy day it won't put >out the 14 you need. So is that right so far?
Solar Panels put Max output on a clear sky, sunny day with the panel aimed directly at the sun. If the panel is at an angle or turned to the side, the ability to produce drops dramatically. Clouds will also drop your ability to produce current to nearly the point of Nil depending on how cloudly the sky is. This is why you will sometimes see a coach that has a flat fixed solar panel with a plastic mirror like panel next to it shining additional sunlight on the panel.
But the Solar system, As in RV electric, not the nothingness of space, as a unit will more or less average your charges, on a cloudy day where the sun comes out and is covered and this is repeated all day. A good solar panel system will get some kind of charge. But you only have about 10 hours of good charge time. As the sun comes up, raises in the sky and continues to move and set, the output of the panel changes, continually. This is why it is so important to know what you will be using power wise to determine what you need to buy.
You also have to consider during the day, most of your lites and such are off, and you are only using power occasionally, as you need it. At night you will become a big user of the stored power, lights, tv, etc
>But then the question of the controllers. Can a good controller
>take a 9v output from a 16v panel on a cloudy day, and bump
>that up somehow to still utilze whatever charging amps it can
>produce?
The regulator only regulates down, in some cases, the battery is used as the load to drop the voltage for charge rate. Those regulators a cheaper and more or less, just turn on and off. To increase voltage you need a different piece of equipment but then you are losing power from the voltage raising and the current will drop even lower
There are some good sights, try searching how does a solar panel work, or just search SOLAR PANEL and some of the dealers talk heavily about it.
LarC ( Beginning to get in deep with solar Panels )
Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
[Updated on: Sat, 07 August 2010 20:16] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC) [message #94998 is a reply to message #94973] |
Sat, 07 August 2010 23:16 |
jayrabe
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Thanks Larry, that was helpful. Yes, I'm doing a lot of reading/surfing.
:-)
J
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: slawrence111@yahoo.com
> Date: Sat, 7 Aug 2010 20:12:35 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC)
>
>
>
> I did make a cut on the message because I was getting too deep and I wanted to make sure I was correct..... You must be on email because it did not take the edit but I will try to answer as best and accurately as I can.
>
> >Trying to understand the numbers here...
>
> >A panel that does 16v @ 2a is a 32watt panel, and so is the
> >mailto:32v@1a. But what happens to the amps if the voltage controller >is working to reduce the voltage, doesn't that increase the
> >amps so that the 32 watts is still consumed?
>
> In electricity, if the volts go up, the amps go down, conversley, if the volts go down, the amps go up.....
>
> The job of the regulator is to deliver the voltage you need to operate or charge what is connected on the load side. Normally this would be a or a bank of batteries. If the panel can output 21 volts dc at 5AMP ( 105watt), and the regulator is regulating down to 15volts dc, your current should increase, rough guess about 7AMP, But if the panels architechture limits the loading, the out put current could be lower.
>
> >The problem as I see it is that if you have a 12v system, you
> >want ~14 volts to effectively charge it, and if all you've got
> >is a panel that puts out 16v max, on a cloudy day it won't put >out the 14 you need. So is that right so far?
>
> >But then the question of the controllers. Can a good controller
> >take a 9v output from a 16v panel on a cloudy day, and bump
> >that up somehow to still utilze whatever charging amps it can
> >produce?
>
> Solar Panels put Max output on a clear sky, sunny day with the panel aimed directly at the sun. If the panel is at an angle or turned to the side, the ability to produce drops dramatically. Clouds will also drop your ability to produce current to nearly the point of Nil depending on how cloudly the sky is. This is why you will sometimes see a coach that has a flat fixed solar panel with a plastic mirror like panel next to it shining additional sunlight on the panel.
>
> But the Solar system, As in RV electric, not the nothingness of space, as a unit will more or less average your charges, on a cloudy day where the sun comes out and is covered and this is repeated all day. A good solar panel system will get some kind of charge. But you only have about 10 hours of good charge time. As the sun comes up, raises in the sky and continues to move and set, the output of the panel changes, continually. This is why it is so important to know what you will be using power wise to determine what you need to buy.
> You also have to consider during the day, most of your lites and such are off, and you are only using power occasionally, as you need it. At night you will become a big user of the stored power, lights, tv, etc
>
>
> There are some good sights, try searching how does a solar panel work, or just search SOLAR PANEL and some of the dealers talk heavily about it.
>
>
> LarC ( Beginning to get in deep with solar Panels )
>
>
> --
> Gatsbys' CRUISER :d
> 74 GLACIER X, 260
> 455/APC/4 bagg'r(ver3)
> Remflex Manifold gaskets
> _______________________________________________
> Purchased 08-18-04
>
> _
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC) [message #95008 is a reply to message #94916] |
Sun, 08 August 2010 02:03 |
Douglas Norton
Messages: 191
Registered: April 2008
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Sorry to be slow in replying and so wordy.
I am not an expert but have watched my charging monitor and see what the panels and controller can do. The charge controller regulates the voltage to keep from overcharging the battery. When my two batteries are at say 80% charge, they can take about 40 amps at about 14.2 volts and the amps will drop as the batteries get near fully charged. My panels can not give them more than 6 amps so the voltage gradually increases from 12.5 or so with max amps up to 14.2 volts with only 1 amp (14 watts from a 60 amp system. My 50 watts of panels (less than full sun on 100 plus watts) will put out near maximum watts until near 95% charged. My 40 amp charger will only be putting in 2 amps at 98% charge (like the solar controller, the voltage max is limited to 14.2 volts.
The crucial issue is to have adequate amps at the charging voltage. For a 12 volt battery, the charge voltage usually goes up to 14.3 volts but maximum amperage and maximum wattage seems to happen below 14 volts. At it's maximum voltage, a panel has no charging capacity (amps). I have not measured volts at maximum amps, but is is well below maximum volts; maximum amps comes at a short which I guess is near zero volts.
Thus, I concluded that a 16.5 volt panel (maximum voltage and zero amps) would probably not be able to put out near it's rated watts at 13.5 volts. I might be wrong, but most panels used to charge 12 volt batteries have a maximum voltage from 150% (18 volts) to 180% (21 volts) above the battery voltage. I may do some experiments or a net search to find the percent below maximum voltage where maximum watts are generated. I suspect it is nowhere near the maximum or minimum voltage of the panel. If maximum voltage is 16.5, that is only 137% of battery voltage. Putting two 16 volt panels in series will increase the power output but not more than the wattage of one panel (I think). However, any voltage can be electronically altered to maximize the power. For example, if my panel puts out only 1 amp at a maximum of 14.2 volts electronic processing might get 50 watts out of my panel by pushing the voltage way up, perhaps to a very high voltage
which would damage my battery. Electronic systems can make maximum use of one or more panel's potential. I think I have written more than all I know.
--- On Sat, 8/7/10, Tom Eckert <gmcrv1@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Tom Eckert <gmcrv1@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC)
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Saturday, August 7, 2010, 4:28 AM
Douglas,
You mention several output voltages from the different solar panels. What
is the ideal output voltage voltage?
Thanks,
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier
Oakland, TN
On Sat, Aug 7, 2010 at 12:52 AM, Douglas Norton <nortocd@yahoo.com> wrote:
> $1.5 per watt is a great deal especially with tax rebates. Some things to
> consider: The amorphous panels are great at working with partial shade; I
> have one on My GMC. They do take up more space, nearly twice as much as the
> other types. These panels only put out 16.5 volts. Be careful, most 12
> volt systems use 21 volt or 18 volt panels. If 16.5 is the maximum voltage,
> you will need added electronics to step up the voltage for charging a 12
> volt system. Maximum wattage is well below the maximum voltage. This may
> not be a big issue with a big system where panels can be put in series or
> can use electronic voltage conversion technology, but for a motor home this
> may make the cost a bit higher than other systems (I got a 50 watt panel for
> $160 on Ebay and used the same standard low cost controller that was with my
> 65 watt amorphous pannel.
>
> Thanks for the link. I bookmarked it as I am thinking about doing solar
> for my house. This may make it cost effective. Now, when the rates hear in
> "Newgreenland" (California) jump above 26 cents per KWH, I thank PG&E for an
> excuse to turn off the AC and take the GMC to the mountains or anywhere for
> at about two weeks a month. That keeps me out of the high rate tier.
>
> --- On Thu, 8/5/10, Ken Morris <ken@aaaaimage.com> wrote:
>
> From: Ken Morris <ken@aaaaimage.com>
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC)
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Date: Thursday, August 5, 2010, 8:50 PM
>
>
>
>
> http://www.wholesalesolar.com/products.folder/module-folder/kaneka/kanekaP-LE055.html
>
> buy 20 55watt panels for 1700.00 seems to be a good deal
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC) [message #95009 is a reply to message #94916] |
Sun, 08 August 2010 02:13 |
Douglas Norton
Messages: 191
Registered: April 2008
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Now that I spilled my guts, I realize that others have done good and clearer explanation which makes what I said redundant. Hope my reply helped.
Doug - 73 Sequoia.
--- On Sat, 8/7/10, Tom Eckert <gmcrv1@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Tom Eckert <gmcrv1@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC)
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Saturday, August 7, 2010, 4:28 AM
Douglas,
You mention several output voltages from the different solar panels. What
is the ideal output voltage voltage?
Thanks,
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier
Oakland, TN
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC) [message #95024 is a reply to message #95008] |
Sun, 08 August 2010 09:35 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Putting two 16 volt panels in series will increase the power output but not more than the wattage of one panel (I think).
Putting Two 16vdc 5 AMP panels together in SERIES will give you 32vdc at 5 AMP. NOW putting two 16vdc 5AMP panels together in PARALLEL will give you 16vdc at 10 AMPs. Works as it does in batteries.
However, any voltage can be electronically altered to maximize the power. For example, if my panel puts out only 1 amp at a maximum of 14.2 volts electronic processing might get 50 watts out of my panel by pushing the voltage way up, perhaps to a very high voltage
If you panel can only output 1 AMP at max of 14.2 volts, you will never get 50AMPS. Only 1 AMP.
How you gain charge is bright sun over an 8 to 10 hour period.
Over an 8 hour period with bright sun, you might get an 8 amp charge with a 1amp panel. Your battery will continue to charge, add AMPS until the sun goes down. At this point your coach will begin to use the stored energy until it is gone or the sun comes back up.
Remember you have to balance what you are using vs charge during the day so if you are using 2 AMPS of power, you are still not charging with a 1 AMP panel but you are using less from the battery as the panel helps supply energy.
LarC ( Would be great if we did not need to hookup for power )
Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
[Updated on: Sun, 08 August 2010 12:21] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Solar systems (could be on a GMC) [message #95026 is a reply to message #95024] |
Sun, 08 August 2010 10:18 |
gmcrv1
Messages: 839
Registered: August 2007
Location: Memphis
Karma: -1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
With the weather that has followed some of the rallys this year - maybe wind
power is the answer. lol...
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier
Oakland TN
On Sun, Aug 8, 2010 at 9:35 AM, Larry <slawrence111@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> Putting two 16 volt panels in series will increase the power output but
> not more than the wattage of one panel (I think).
>
> Putting Two 16vdc 5 AMP panels together in series will give you 32vdc at 5
> AMP. NOW putting two 16vdc 5AMP panels together in SERIES will give you
> 16vdc at 10 AMPs. Works as it does in batteries.
>
> However, any voltage can be electronically altered to maximize the power.
> For example, if my panel puts out only 1 amp at a maximum of 14.2 volts
> electronic processing might get 50 watts out of my panel by pushing the
> voltage way up, perhaps to a very high voltage
>
> If you panel can only output 1 AMP at max of 14.2 volts, you will never get
> 50AMPS. Only 1 AMP.
>
> How you gain charge is bright sun over an 8 to 10 hour period.
> Over an 8 hour period with bright sun, you might get an 8 amp charge with a
> 1amp panel. Your battery will continue to charge, add AMPS until the sun
> goes down. At this point your coach will begin to use the stored energy
> until it is gone or the sun comes back up.
>
> Remember you have to balance what you are using vs charge during the day so
> if you are using 2 AMPS of power, you are still not charging with a 1 AMP
> panel but you are using less from the battery as the panel helps supply
> energy.
>
>
> LarC ( Would be great if we did not need to hookup for power )
> --
> Gatsbys' CRUISER :d
> 74 GLACIER X, 260
> 455/APC/4 bagg'r(ver3)
> Remflex Manifold gaskets
> _______________________________________________
> Purchased 08-18-04
>
> _
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Sat Sep 21 14:59:31 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.08268 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
