Keyboard Shortcuts
ctrl + shift + ? :
Show all keyboard shortcuts
ctrl + g :
Navigate to a group
ctrl + shift + f :
Find
ctrl + / :
Quick actions
esc to dismiss
Likes
Search
Re: Solar panels
|
Are you looking for specifically folding/portable? There are plenty of small/affordable panels available. Try to avoid amorphic unless it's a newer tech. You tend to get much better power per inch out of bi-crystalline or mono-crystalline, even better with CIGS.? I've had good luck watching the local Craigslist or Faecesbook?marketplace. But I also pick them up occasionally on amazon when I can catch a sale.? Eco-Worthy, Renogy, Allto, Future Solar, NewPowa are a few I've gotten. I used to buy Instapark but I don't think they make them anymore. More important than the panels is a good regulator. There's a local mom-and-pop here in Michigan makes great little MPPT regulators (DIY Solar For U), But renogy has a number of PWM and MPPT options available that are reasonably affordable and more reliable than China-no-name. Surprisingly, I've heard really good things about a new little one I just got for basic PWM setup. You see them all over amazon, ebay and aliexpress from multiple sellers. Seems the newest iteration is the 6v/12v 10a version. Here's just one example:?? (you won't get as good of charge rate as you would with a more expensive MPPT controller, but they seem to work pretty good)? Although there is one drawback that I find to be a plus. They have load monitoring and shut down at about 10.5v on the load output. (you can always connect straight to the power source if you want to risk draining a battery lower - these were made for outdoor water pumps for things like fountains, simple plant watering, hydroponic stuff, etc)? They turn back on again when the battery is back to about 12.5v There are some simple, 'in-line' MPPTs that are getting good ratings. I picked up one of these for my RV? but I'm curious about this one also:?? Those don't contain any 'load' output so they won't do any load monitoring for you. For stuff more elaborate, the low-end entry points for good regulators are Renogy and Victron if you want any kind of power monitoring. These are nice because they have addons which make monitoring wireless (bluetooth) capable but they are still affordable. (although they ream you on the bluetooth addon) . They both seem to make PWM and MPPT versions in multiple amperage ratings. Next is good power packs or batteries. If going lithium, I recommend LiFePO4 as it will be less prone to 'kaboom' of large lithium poly or lithium ion packs and will recharge much longer. The power per cell is lower, but you usually get more power on their 12v equivalent. (lipo/lion are 3.7 and usually chain 3 cells for 11.1v, lifepo4 are 3.2v and usually chain 4 cells for 12.8v).? On lithiums, try to find cells/packs that have a built in power monitoring / charge protection and that have a good rating.? Otherwise, a good AGM or gel cell lead acid can't be beat for reliability. I have no experience with thiis one, but I just ran into it the other day and I'm curious. They're large, single-cell LiFePO4 but apparently designed so they can be chained in series or parallel (e.g. get 4 of them for a 12v source and connect?+->- on the bridges between - even on LiFePo4 I'd recommend some kind of air spacer between or even a heatsink to keep heat even when charging). Like I say, I have no experience with them but the store seems to have good reviews:? SW On Fri, Apr 26, 2024 at 11:30?PM Joseph Wonoski via <N1khb=[email protected]> wrote: Hi all, |
to navigate to use esc to dismiss