Going Partially Off Grid

Discussions about solar power and solar energy projects.
techman
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Re: Going Partially Off Grid

Post by techman » Mon Jun 16, 2014 2:01 pm

Solar98632 wrote:And are silicon panels any good?
Unless I misunderstand you, all solar commonly sold panels are made of silicon. There is a difference in how they are manufactured though which makes a difference on quality and price.

Solar98632
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Re: Going Partially Off Grid

Post by Solar98632 » Mon Jun 23, 2014 9:57 pm

interesting on that with the re-laing. not just that but the change.of wattage as well.
OK for a more serious question.
I am vexed with one question I understand they are cheap. but what I do not understand for the life of me is . how am I operating a 180 watt crock pot.

I do not know how to explain how 135 watts will run 180 watt device.
I do not have a kilowatt and after hacking on ebay..it sends shudders up my spine.


How ever I seem.to be breaking a few natural laws of physics..or these charge controllers have some weird properties or it is surging and and then settling at Ata lower watt.
on full sun incoming power is 15 volts at 90 watts and then when I flick the switch to 180 high, which is 180 watts, the charge we drop to 11.5 and remain there.

now I don't know what is going on from there. on cloudy days, forget the crock pot lol. and yes I have a gas grill I can use for cooking.

but in all reality even the guys from harbour freight says that is not possible , yes I probably have the math wrong.. but.. even he is confused .he says not possible. yet.. there it is on the video.

Solar98632
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Re: Going Partially Off Grid

Post by Solar98632 » Mon Jun 23, 2014 10:19 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhzqgJO2TbQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Solar98632
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Re: Going Partially Off Grid

Post by Solar98632 » Mon Jun 23, 2014 10:30 pm

OK understood on the charge controller will invest in an mppt.
but, will save them for there multiple purpose connections .. now that is a great idea.

Solar98632
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Re: Going Partially Off Grid

Post by Solar98632 » Mon Jun 23, 2014 10:31 pm

techman wrote:
Solar98632 wrote:And are silicon panels any good?
Unless I misunderstand you, all solar commonly sold panels are made of silicon. There is a difference in how they are manufactured though which makes a difference on quality and price.

ah ok.. got it ty.

techman
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Re: Going Partially Off Grid

Post by techman » Mon Jun 30, 2014 4:03 pm

Your batteries will give up the extra power that is needed when you turn on a high power device.

Your solar panels provide 135 watts all day to your batteries, which soak up the energy for later.

When you turn on the crock pot at 180 watts, 135 is from the solar panels and the rest is from the battery bank.

Solar98632
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Re: Going Partially Off Grid

Post by Solar98632 » Sun Jul 20, 2014 6:13 pm

Yeah, it is funny to see them renamed and wih a higher read on the boxes to..

ok, well, i lost my 350 watt inverter and this one i am using, well it has got to go. this auto shut off is a pain.

but in the long run, i can power my crock pot at 90 watts, and on super bright days i cn run it at 180 watts..

i have a 135 watt system not sure how or why it will opperate the thing. but instead of sulfating the batteries i will leave it on the 90 watts setting.


Now Were Cooking: http://youtu.be/H8UaAlZz3Rs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
and on a cloudy day we almost can run the crockpot untill it gets too dark.
135 Watt Solar System :Cloudy Day: http://youtu.be/v-l9FyJpgM4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

kida hard to partially go off grid when the APC automatically turns its sel off even with a full batterybank.

My Batteries: http://youtu.be/pzz7bMIyuEE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I now have a new problem. i ran out of space for a solar panels. i have room for one more. but that is about it.

Solar98632
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Re: Going Partially Off Grid

Post by Solar98632 » Sun Jul 20, 2014 6:15 pm

i could go with boosters and step up the voltage to 24 vdc.that would be 3 24 volt boosters in paralell.

Solar98632
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Re: Going Partially Off Grid

Post by Solar98632 » Sun Jul 20, 2014 7:32 pm

There is one thing i would like to add.
if you notice I have three Charge Controlers.

i did this to test a Theory.
My theory is that the 3 Charge Controlers that are taking the 135 watts from the Solar panels are sending constant charge to the batteries when in use.
and when not in use the chargers are tricked into cycling on and off. but it's not a straight on and off.

my theory is that the Controlers are sending a slow off..
but this raises another question.

does this set up interfere with the chargers in any way? that is does it make them think that the battery is fully charged when it is not?
I would like to hear opinions on this.
and has any one ever used more then one controller like this before?
what would occur if I add a 4th controller?

in theory how many Controlers can be added before failure occurs?

techman
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Re: Going Partially Off Grid

Post by techman » Fri Aug 01, 2014 10:20 am

The charge controller will reduce the amount of current going into the batteries when they start to top off. Then the controller will cycle on and off a bit to keep the batteries maintained. Using charge controllers (the same type) in parallel is common and perfectly acceptable.

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