308 replies to this topic

[VanGoOutdoors]

nice shot how many watts?

300 of renogy 100 watt panels

victron 100/15

victron battery monitor.  

 

11 amps is around what i get in decent sun

[Vic Harder]

That's awesome.  I just have a single 265W panel made by Canadian Solar.  It maxes out my Victron 75/15 on any kind of decent sunshine.  ;-)

[ckent323]

broverlanding,

 

I'm curious about roof weight.   Are you using flex panels or solid panels? 

 

Those panels in the picture look like monocrystalline panels which weigh about 17 pounds each without the connecting cables and mounts.  I'm guessing around 60 - 70 pounds total with cables and mounts.

 

Can you lift the roof unaided or do you need to use a speaker stand or equivalent?   

 

I have 2 monocrystalline panels on the roof of my Keystone and I think one more panel would make it too hard to lift without aid, particularly in the front (I do have the gas strut lifter helpers on the front -inside - but not on the back).  My panels are mounted in the middle and in the back (similar in location to the two panels in the middle and back on your roof).

 

I am considering using a flex panel to add another 100 watts and placing it in the front location but that will still add close to 10 pounds with cables and mounting.

 

BTW: I am very happy with my Victron charge controller and battery monitor.  They work great and the bluetoth app is very convenient to use.

 

Regards,

 

Craig

Edited by ckent323, 16 October 2017 - 05:56 PM.

[VanGoOutdoors]

broverlanding,

 

I'm curious about roof weight.   Are you using flex panels or solid panels? 

 

Those panels in the picture look like monocrystalline panels which weigh about 17 pounds each without the connecting cables and mounts.  I'm guessing around 60 - 70 pounds total with cables and mounts.

 

Can you lift the roof unaided or do you need to use a speaker stand or equivalent?   

 

I have 2 monocrystalline panels on the roof of my Keystone and I think one more panel would make it too hard to lift without aid, particularly in the front (I do have the gas strut lifter helpers on the front -inside - but not on the back).  My panels are mounted in the middle and in the back (similar in location to the two panels in the middle and back on your roof).

 

I am considering using a flex panel to add another 100 watts and placing it in the front location but that will still add close to 10 pounds with cables and mounting.

 

BTW: I am very happy with my Victron charge controller and battery monitor.  They work great and the bluetoth app is very convenient to use.

 

Regards,

 

Craig

3 solid panels from renogy.  The front is kinda harder, but its not all that bad.  I dont struggle or anything. 

[Happyjax]

Grant,

 

loved your Flickr stuff

[ckent323]

Broverlanding,
 
I just looked up the Renogy panels and optimum output is 18.9 V and 5.3 A.   Voltage is under 60 V but current can be over 15 A.  I note the short circuit current is 5.75A .  I have seen my Grape Solar 100 W panels  go slightly over the optimum current for short periods.
 
I am wondering what happens to your MPPT controller if the current is over 15 A.
 
I ask because I am considering adding another panel and I have been looking at the Victron 100/30 instead of the 75/15 or 100/15.
 
Regards,
 
Craig

Edited by ckent323, 23 August 2019 - 02:07 AM.

[rando]

The Victron MPPT limits the battery current to 15A but you shouldn't use panels with an output over 20A according to the spec sheet. 

[VanGoOutdoors]

The Victron MPPT limits the battery current to 15A but you shouldn't use panels with an output over 20A according to the spec sheet. 

correct.  I did contact them and they said this setup was fine.  they said if i did another panel i should step up to be safe if its a full time use.

 

with the 100/30 i can also add a spare panel at the rear for a flexible panel or something. 

[Vic Harder]

Yep, mine limits the current to 15A, but that isn't an issue often.  If doing my system over again, i would also opt for the 100/30.  

[Vic Harder]

I've got more build experience and solar thoughts over on my build thread:

 

 

And a recent trip up to a lake outside of Prince George, BC.  gave us another data point:  We were camped in partial shade.  The 330W rooftop panel could NOT keep up with our demand (which includes a 1800W inverter cooktop) can can easily keep up when we are moving about and parked at sunny trailheads.