Community Forums

lpkirby · 01-11-2012, 05:49 PM

Hi I just wanted to see if anyone see anything that I should avoid. I am ready to order 2 panels and a controller. What do you think?

Controller,
Morningstar TS-MPPT-45 Tristar 45 Amp MPPT Charge Controller

Possible solar panels??
Canadian Solar Panel 230 Watts 29.60 Vmp for $262.20 a piece. Kind of wonder if these panels are two large? They are 64.5 x 38.70"

Thanks for any input and the many many threads about solar that I read!

CapnMorgan · 01-11-2012, 06:04 PM

The main issue with larger panels is that they are expensive to ship. I haven't seen anyone say that they are more prone to breakage positioned flat on the roof.
The large size may also mean that you will have more difficulty locating them so that you avoid shadows from the AC and other objects on the roof.

Wanderman · 01-11-2012, 06:24 PM

lpkirby,
Before you go and spend hard earned cash on any solar product, make sure you have system that will meet your needs. I spent an awful lot of time planning and comparing and reading before I jumped in. It's a god thing too, since I would have made a few VERY costly mistakes and had a system that I would not have been happy with.

I wrote a 6 part article recently for the rvnewsletter folks that goes through my research, purchases and install.

There are quite a few other articles and web sites out there that talk about solar, my suggestion is to read all you can and then make an informed decision. Feel free to ask questions here as well..myself and many others will likely chime in!

WanderMan: A Better Solar Charging Mouse Trap.PART 1

Hope yo have an uneventful project!

Rich "The Wanderman"

John Hilley · 01-11-2012, 08:43 PM

The only concern I would have is whether or not the frame can stand up to the rigors of mobile use. Judging by the cost and size, I would guess that they are mostly meant for arrays on a house.

okmunky · 01-11-2012, 08:58 PM

Have you measured to make sure they will fit on your roof without being shaded by an A/C unit? I have been told that shading even a part of a panel can cause a big decline in effectiveness.

jimbo16720 · 01-11-2012, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lpkirby

Hi I just wanted to see if anyone see anything that I should avoid. I am ready to order 2 panels and a controller. What do you think?

Controller,
Morningstar TS-MPPT-45 Tristar 45 Amp MPPT Charge Controller

Possible solar panels??
Canadian Solar Panel 230 Watts 29.60 Vmp for $262.20 a piece. Kind of wonder if these panels are two large? They are 64.5 x 38.70"

Thanks for any input and the many many threads about solar that I read!

Solarblvd.com sells 2-80watt panels and a Morningstar MPPT controller for $429 total.

lpkirby · 01-11-2012, 10:34 PM

okay back to more reading... Great information Wanderman on you site. I will get up there and start measuring tomorrow. I noticed AM Solar has a 150 watt panel that is pretty small. Although it is much more in price than everything else right now.
Thanks again everyone for the help. I will ask more questions after I read more....

Happy Prospector · 01-12-2012, 05:32 AM

I have the same controller as you only the 60 amp model, it works great, no complaints, I have had it for about two years.

I installed two of the AM Solar 150 watt panels, built great, work great, silence is golden.

Make sure you have no shadows on your panels, mine tip for winter use.

Use large wire in your installation to keep voltage loss to a minimum.

Read up on Handy Bob's thoughts on solar issues.

Kevin

Wanderman · 01-12-2012, 05:47 AM

lp,
Glad I could help a bit. I know what a challenge it was when I first started!

Rich "The Wanderman"

mgscott4 · 01-23-2012, 07:41 PM

What size wire from panels to controller?
How long is the run from panels to controllers?
You using a combiner box?
What about a disconnect?
What size fuses are you using?

We want pictures and details when your done. Thanks

KJINTF · 01-24-2012, 09:53 AM

Happy Prospector,

Good to hear others are using the TS MPPT-60 - it is indeed a GREAT if not the VERY best controller available today. Do you use the computer interface either the RS232 or the Ethernet? If it's two years old you should upgrade the firmware they came out with new efatures and several bug fixes.

Why with only 300watts did you decide on that specific controller?

Ken

TechWriter · 01-28-2012, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJINTF

Why with only 300watts did you decide on that specific controller?

Planning for the future?

lpkirby · 01-28-2012, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJINTF

Happy Prospector,

Why with only 300watts did you decide on that specific controller?

Ken

I am buying 3 of the panels and 4 AGM 6 volt batteries. I still doing research and trying to keep myself from buying too soon and get something wrong!
-Leon

mgscott4 · 01-28-2012, 06:55 PM

I just bought a tri-metric 2025 RV battery monitor. Best purchase I have bought for my MH. It tells me exactly what my battery charge is and how much is going out or coming in. I now know I use about 100-125 amps between 5pm and morning, watching SAT TV, lights and furnace.

I also now know that my engine alternater can put back 90 amps down to 20 amps in 1/2 hour while my converter/charger barely tops 15 amps. My converter/charger takes 6-12 hours to put back the top 15 amps that top off my 4 - 6v golf cart batteries.

Anyway, until you know how many amps you use, you won't know if 460 watts of solar is going to be enough or too much (never too much).

TriMetric Battery System | Bogart Engineering