I have bought 3 solar panels for van roof 2x 200w mono, and 1x 170w panels. the reason is these are the only ones I can fit due to hatches etc. I have 2 deep cycle 100ah calcium batteries in good order and intend to a 50amp mppt controller and a 3000/6000w pure sinewave inverter.
We would like to free camp more often 7-10 ddays at a time and use gas for hot water, cooking and fridge but would like to run coffee machine (1450w), microwave (700w) for about half a minute per day and a heater and small tv etc will be on 12v. We are searching to find an economic heat source rated at 1-2 kilowatt to fit this system. questions
1. Is the planned system feasable, and will it be suitable for future upgrading to lithium?
2. What is the best route for wiring panels to mppt controler. i though maybe through roof down through fridge cavity, then through floor and forward to front boot and to mppt.
I have a 4 yo creative built 19 ft 2 person van.
Are there any suggestions as to a possible heating method and any improvements overall.
I am trying to keep costs down.
Ally
dragonfly1 said
08:10 AM Sep 11, 2017
That is similar to our set up keep your controller close to battries use heavy cables and keep inverter close to battries with short cables and fit a big 300 amp fuse between battries and inverter and only use one thing at a time
Dragonfly1
swamp said
01:42 PM Sep 11, 2017
HI
experience says that 4 x high out put batteries would be better with big cables also
U need the output spec for the batteries
USE At least the size of cable the invertor comes with or use there recommendation as a minimum GO BIG
U need to find out first if your items can run thru an invertor and how much strain that will place on your batteries
POWER AUDIT
The solar u have would be minimum another 160/200watts would be good portable ??
Wiring route, junction box on the roof, power post/busbar on the roof 1x neg 1x pos then run single of each [+][- ] down inside the van to controller .
Have another solar input Anderson plug on the A frame wired to controller
macka17 said
06:05 PM Sep 11, 2017
Chasing your arses trying to shuffle that lot around.
Just get a Genny with 40a AC Charger to top battery's and run Microwave, Kettle, Air-Cond.
and tools.
Nice and comfortable.
After 50 odd yrs. Do it simple.
350w panels. 2 x 110aAGM. 3.8kva Genny., and 40\25a AC Chargers.
25a IN van. 40a mobile.
with one or two 80\85w panels on roof of ute for top up.
We lived 3 ish months a yr, every yr mostly.
Never ran out.
Fergit the coffee thing.
Drink tea or those Cappuchino\Caramel mix packets I use.
There's NOTHING to beat a nice clean black unsweetened cuppa tea.
Just make sure you have enuff panel power to float battery's.
Or they won't last long. (Or buy a genny)
DAVEY123 said
09:07 PM Sep 20, 2017
lots of Nat Parks are generator free (thank god) we have 600 watts on roof ,3k inverter and use microwave etc
Thanks everyone
Davey 123 and dragonfly 1 what sized batteries are you using. I have 2 x 100a calcium.
Ally
macka17 said
10:47 PM Sep 20, 2017
Davey.
Wait till the day you get a week or more of rain\cloud.
Hope you have pedal power.
We just crank up Genny.
iana said
11:56 PM Sep 20, 2017
That's a neat installation Davey 123. Just be aware when installing solar panels, a shadow over one or two cells can take out the entire panel, I have made the mistake of installing a panel too close to the air con.
Aus-Kiwi said
09:21 AM Sep 21, 2017
Trouble is with generators . Some in past have been tragically noisy and smelly 2 stroke $300 specials . A good quiet brand and used at appropriate times are fine . Just some care etc for others . But it's strange how a geni can stir people up !! He's got what I want !! Comes to mind ?
macka17 said
11:27 AM Sep 21, 2017
Run till 8.30 ish at night. and nothing b4 7 in AM was most agreements.
Yrs ago. Probably the same still.
Apart from the whingers. Accept it mate.
As Kiwi says. the old 2 strokers were a problem.
BUT.. ALL 4 strokers can be given EXTRA silencing. Wet or dry to suit.
There's no excuse not to.
Just remember.
A lot of older people have breathing\Sleeping problems.
HAVE to use Genny's for guaranteed power off grid to stay alive virtually.
Huuuge panels look nice.
Just Remember.
Lose a tiny square of reflection area.
YOU lose 90% of the whole panel output.
THAT's why I always say go for several smaller ones.
Plus the possibility of flex damage over larger areas.
One TV arial MAST shadow. NO or minimal Power input.
I've always run my panels in Parallel on roof. Wire to wire. down each side.
With one wire crossing roof on a seal line. to a Junction box.
Filled with silicon. Two into box.
ONE wire down through roof to Regulator hence to battery bank. as close as possible.to.
Without having to lie on floor to see it.
Closer the better .
Multiple 80\130w panels give more General power over the 24 hr cycle.
On aveage.
Unless kept out of cover full time.
I had my vans roofs triple coated with heat reflective paint Plus panels shielding it.
Plus carport shade one side. Roll out t'other.
and kept van OUT of shade 24\7.
Never in shade.
Decent air cond. Never hot inside.
DAVEY123 said
07:48 PM Sep 21, 2017
200 A/H GEL battery Allyoops , even in rain we get 4.5 amps never run out of power so far , one thing worst than generators is the second battery 4x4 brigade running a v8 diesel land cruiser to charge a battery is mind numbing, and is just a lack of respect to other bush campers ,
Iana yes take your point they are in parallel used to be in series as i use MPPT a shadow would kill it in that mode , try to point N/W if i can .
-- Edited by DAVEY123 on Thursday 21st of September 2017 07:58:05 PM
-- Edited by DAVEY123 on Thursday 21st of September 2017 08:03:36 PM
macka17 said
11:39 AM Sep 24, 2017
""200 A/H GEL battery Allyoops , even in rain we get 4.5 amps never run out of power so far""
Solid clouds that Sat signals don't Penetrate. for the same period.
Like we get up here in the Wet, for months?.
Don't think so mate.
Maybe down below Brisbane.
And a little 4.5 ltr V8 Ticking over.
You must have ears like a bat.
They a loverly sound with dual 3in pipes,
or 1 x 4in outlet.
Soothe you to sleep even.
Chill out people.
We ALL on relax time. Share it.
And appreciate life.
DAVEY123 said
09:50 AM Sep 25, 2017
Don't seem to get that sort of weather in WA Macka , sorry if i hit a nerve, stay cool .
dragonfly1 said
01:00 PM Sep 25, 2017
We have two 120 ah battries and have never run out of power even when raining we have a generator but don't take it any more
Dragonfly1
Allyoops said
01:09 PM Sep 25, 2017
Hi Dragonfly
What size solar controller and inverter do you use?
Which appliance has the highest current requirement?
Thanks Ally
macka17 said
02:49 PM Sep 25, 2017
""Don't seem to get that sort of weather in WA Macka , sorry if i hit a nerve, stay cool"" ----------------------------
Don't worry about me mate. ALWAYS cool. I'm an old fart, remember. Just bite back at some of the dork's. Sometimes..
Yea. We get no rain for up to 8 months a yr up here. But when it does. It all comes in one big lump basically. Runs down our street 6 in deep, No kidding. Washes you off your feet.
With a coupla Cyclones thrown in to blow away the loose junk.
Most Southerners come up here and Territory. Not realising the long wet patches we get at times. Where NO solar gets through at all.
Jumping the gun. Sorry Thought u wuz won of 'em. Drrrrr.
Plus the genny is for Air cond. Microwave. stove kettle. grinder. drill, whatever.
TOO useful to leave behind, a lot of us reckon. Some even tale electric chain saw instead of SKIL like me.
Regards.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 25th of September 2017 02:50:24 PM
Allyoops said
11:19 AM Sep 29, 2017
Hi folks
I am still researching solar controllers and find some of the information confusing.
I am looking at a victron 50a controller but the discription says the controller needs a minimum of battery voltage (12v) + 5 volts giving total of 17 volts current from panels in order to start the controller. The 3 panels (200wx2 + 170wx1) total 570w show an open a max open circuit voltage of 22.6v and a max power voltage of 18.7v.
Can anyone explain if this controller will be suitable for my system?
Thanks in advance.
Ally
macka17 said
11:32 AM Oct 1, 2017
If you have a load of panels on larger roof.
Maybe think of 2 x reg's. Smaller. 2 x 30a maybe.
gives LESS loss of input from shadows. IE. Shadow only turns off one side.
PLUS. (a big one) One half goes for any reason. The other half still getting you home.
I did that on 2 x yachts. Over stern rail with Wind Genny, and on forward coach house. Only losing 50% when sailing or swinging on pick.
Wind genny great for boosting battery amp's at night. Often made the difference. Should stick the one in shed back up Hey. If it still works. been sitting there for 16\17 yrs.
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 1st of October 2017 11:34:33 AM
Allyoops said
03:47 PM Oct 1, 2017
Thanks Macka I hadn't thought of that, I will give it some serious thought.
Ally
Cruising Cruze said
09:19 PM Oct 1, 2017
@ Macka
We live in QLD for the last 24 years and we never seen rain for a week
My solar hot water as long as we have it was only once on 240 power due lack of sun
Cheers John
macka17 said
12:42 AM Oct 2, 2017
Hi Cruzin.
I think the longest session we had a coupla yrs ago was 9 or 10 days with one sprinkling day. All others raining.
Cyclones usually give at least 5 days wet. 2 or 3 days b4 and after centre. We often get 4 or 5 day sessions, with no reception from Sat.
One thing about the Evac Tubes HWS. as long as the air warm\hot. It heats the water in tubes.
I checked first. MUCH more efficient than the Plate units with tank alongside.
Ours sits on roof like a shag on a rock. Several Cyclones over 9 ot 10 yrs. so far, still good. 315 tank in garage, under it.
It's just kept 5 adults 2 showers a day. plus normal running of home. on itself. NO heater turned on. 2 plus the cat. It's a doddle.
Which reminds me. Cat due for monthly bath tomorrer. Fun all round hey. At least he just stands and whinges now. First coupla yrs we fought the while way through.
Hey. Foregone conclusion on game we know. But they fought to the end.
GREAT team.
At least they had Queensland players in team.
According to Gus. Melb had everyone BUT Victorians in theirs. Queenslanders. Islanders, Fijians, and Aboriginal. NOT one Victorian player.
Plus. The game held in NSW and playing that queer song. Provided plenty of empty seats too. What's wrong with an Australian artist then. None up to scratch or sumfin??.
They gave plenty tickets away apparently. and still had around 30k not filled it said 430 comments on net after. Not many for.
Tells you something hey. More and more large screen TV's. better coverage at home in own chair. They cutting their own throat with this political bullpup.
PS.
Where do you call Q'LAnd. down the South East. or up here above Gladdy
where the tropics actually start.
Don't forget Q'land don't start till you get croc's in your creeks and offshore
plus Toadies to splat in back yard.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 2nd of October 2017 12:47:54 AM
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 2nd of October 2017 12:52:58 AM
mr glassies said
10:49 PM Oct 25, 2017
I think some times . The people that say they have so much in batteries and never run out of power . What do you realy run of your batteries now be honest
Dibs
macka17 said
01:26 AM Oct 26, 2017
Dibs.
I have 1 x 85w AGM in Coromal. With 1 x 85\1 x 80w Wet cells in tray.
Will never run out.
Mt Genny fixes me. along with a 40a AC Charger, floater.
plus 10a installed in van, plus 7a in tray.
Hi all
I have bought 3 solar panels for van roof 2x 200w mono, and 1x 170w panels. the reason is these are the only ones I can fit due to hatches etc. I have 2 deep cycle 100ah calcium batteries in good order and intend to a 50amp mppt controller and a 3000/6000w pure sinewave inverter.
We would like to free camp more often 7-10 ddays at a time and use gas for hot water, cooking and fridge but would like to run coffee machine (1450w), microwave (700w) for about half a minute per day and a heater and small tv etc will be on 12v. We are searching to find an economic heat source rated at 1-2 kilowatt to fit this system. questions
1. Is the planned system feasable, and will it be suitable for future upgrading to lithium?
2. What is the best route for wiring panels to mppt controler. i though maybe through roof down through fridge cavity, then through floor and forward to front boot and to mppt.
I have a 4 yo creative built 19 ft 2 person van.
Are there any suggestions as to a possible heating method and any improvements overall.
I am trying to keep costs down.
Ally
That is similar to our set up keep your controller close to battries use heavy cables and keep inverter close to battries with short cables and fit a big 300 amp fuse between battries and inverter and only use one thing at a time
Dragonfly1
experience says that 4 x high out put batteries would be better with big cables also
U need the output spec for the batteries
USE At least the size of cable the invertor comes with or use there recommendation as a minimum GO BIG
U need to find out first if your items can run thru an invertor and how much strain that will place on your batteries
POWER AUDIT
The solar u have would be minimum another 160/200watts would be good portable ??
Wiring route, junction box on the roof, power post/busbar on the roof 1x neg 1x pos then run single of each [+][- ] down inside the van to controller .
Have another solar input Anderson plug on the A frame wired to controller
Just get a Genny with 40a AC Charger to top battery's and run Microwave, Kettle, Air-Cond.
and tools.
Nice and comfortable.
After 50 odd yrs. Do it simple.
350w panels. 2 x 110aAGM. 3.8kva Genny., and 40\25a AC Chargers.
25a IN van. 40a mobile.
with one or two 80\85w panels on roof of ute for top up.
We lived 3 ish months a yr, every yr mostly.
Never ran out.
Fergit the coffee thing.
Drink tea or those Cappuchino\Caramel mix packets I use.
There's NOTHING to beat a nice clean black unsweetened cuppa tea.
Just make sure you have enuff panel power to float battery's.
Or they won't last long. (Or buy a genny)
Davey 123 and dragonfly 1 what sized batteries are you using. I have 2 x 100a calcium.
Ally
Wait till the day you get a week or more of rain\cloud.
Hope you have pedal power.
We just crank up Genny.
Run till 8.30 ish at night. and nothing b4 7 in AM was most agreements.
Yrs ago. Probably the same still.
Apart from the whingers. Accept it mate.
As Kiwi says. the old 2 strokers were a problem.
BUT.. ALL 4 strokers can be given EXTRA silencing. Wet or dry to suit.
There's no excuse not to.
Just remember.
A lot of older people have breathing\Sleeping problems.
HAVE to use Genny's for guaranteed power off grid to stay alive virtually.
Huuuge panels look nice.
Just Remember.
Lose a tiny square of reflection area.
YOU lose 90% of the whole panel output.
THAT's why I always say go for several smaller ones.
Plus the possibility of flex damage over larger areas.
One TV arial MAST shadow. NO or minimal Power input.
I've always run my panels in Parallel on roof. Wire to wire. down each side.
With one wire crossing roof on a seal line. to a Junction box.
Filled with silicon. Two into box.
ONE wire down through roof to Regulator hence to battery bank. as close as possible.to.
Without having to lie on floor to see it.
Closer the better .
Multiple 80\130w panels give more General power over the 24 hr cycle.
On aveage.
Unless kept out of cover full time.
I had my vans roofs triple coated with heat reflective paint Plus panels shielding it.
Plus carport shade one side. Roll out t'other.
and kept van OUT of shade 24\7.
Never in shade.
Decent air cond. Never hot inside.
200 A/H GEL battery Allyoops , even in rain we get 4.5 amps never run out of power so far , one thing worst than generators is the second battery 4x4 brigade running a v8 diesel land cruiser to charge a battery is mind numbing, and is just a lack of respect to other bush campers ,
Iana yes take your point they are in parallel used to be in series as i use MPPT a shadow would kill it in that mode , try to point N/W if i can .
-- Edited by DAVEY123 on Thursday 21st of September 2017 07:58:05 PM
-- Edited by DAVEY123 on Thursday 21st of September 2017 08:03:36 PM
""200 A/H GEL battery Allyoops , even in rain we get 4.5 amps never run out of power so far""
--------------------------------------------------
Heavy. Solid rain for a week or more
Solid clouds that Sat signals don't Penetrate. for the same period.
Like we get up here in the Wet, for months?.
Don't think so mate.
Maybe down below Brisbane.
And a little 4.5 ltr V8 Ticking over.
You must have ears like a bat.
They a loverly sound with dual 3in pipes,
or 1 x 4in outlet.
Soothe you to sleep even.
Chill out people.
We ALL on relax time. Share it.
And appreciate life.
We have two 120 ah battries and have never run out of power even when raining we have a generator but don't take it any more
Dragonfly1
Hi Dragonfly
What size solar controller and inverter do you use?
Which appliance has the highest current requirement?
Thanks Ally
""Don't seem to get that sort of weather in WA Macka , sorry if i hit a nerve, stay cool""
----------------------------
Don't worry about me mate. ALWAYS cool. I'm an old fart, remember.
Just bite back at some of the dork's. Sometimes..
Yea. We get no rain for up to 8 months a yr up here. But when it does.
It all comes in one big lump basically.
Runs down our street 6 in deep, No kidding. Washes you off your feet.
With a coupla Cyclones thrown in to blow away the loose junk.
Most Southerners come up here and Territory.
Not realising the long wet patches we get at times. Where NO solar gets through at all.
Jumping the gun. Sorry Thought u wuz won of 'em. Drrrrr.
Plus the genny is for Air cond. Microwave. stove kettle. grinder. drill, whatever.
TOO useful to leave behind, a lot of us reckon.
Some even tale electric chain saw instead of SKIL like me.
Regards.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 25th of September 2017 02:50:24 PM
I am still researching solar controllers and find some of the information confusing.
I am looking at a victron 50a controller but the discription says the controller needs a minimum of battery voltage (12v) + 5 volts giving total of 17 volts current from panels in order to start the controller. The 3 panels (200wx2 + 170wx1) total 570w show an open a max open circuit voltage of 22.6v and a max power voltage of 18.7v.
Can anyone explain if this controller will be suitable for my system?
Thanks in advance.
Ally
If you have a load of panels on larger roof.
Maybe think of 2 x reg's. Smaller.
2 x 30a maybe.
gives LESS loss of input from shadows.
IE. Shadow only turns off one side.
PLUS. (a big one)
One half goes for any reason.
The other half still getting you home.
I did that on 2 x yachts.
Over stern rail with Wind Genny, and on forward coach house.
Only losing 50% when sailing or swinging on pick.
Wind genny great for boosting battery amp's at night.
Often made the difference.
Should stick the one in shed back up Hey.
If it still works. been sitting there for 16\17 yrs.
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 1st of October 2017 11:34:33 AM
Ally
We live in QLD for the last 24 years and we never seen rain for a week
My solar hot water as long as we have it was only once on 240 power due lack of sun
Cheers John
Hi Cruzin.
I think the longest session we had a coupla yrs ago was 9 or 10 days with one sprinkling day. All others raining.
Cyclones usually give at least 5 days wet.
2 or 3 days b4 and after centre.
We often get 4 or 5 day sessions, with no reception from Sat.
One thing about the Evac Tubes HWS. as long as the air warm\hot. It heats the water in tubes.
I checked first. MUCH more efficient than the Plate units with tank alongside.
Ours sits on roof like a shag on a rock. Several Cyclones over 9 ot 10 yrs.
so far, still good. 315 tank in garage, under it.
It's just kept 5 adults 2 showers a day. plus normal running of home. on itself.
NO heater turned on.
2 plus the cat. It's a doddle.
Which reminds me. Cat due for monthly bath tomorrer.
Fun all round hey.
At least he just stands and whinges now. First coupla yrs
we fought the while way through.
Hey.
Foregone conclusion on game we know.
But they fought to the end.
GREAT team.
At least they had Queensland players in team.
According to Gus.
Melb had everyone BUT Victorians in theirs.
Queenslanders. Islanders, Fijians, and Aboriginal.
NOT one Victorian player.
Plus.
The game held in NSW and playing that queer song. Provided plenty of empty seats too.
What's wrong with an Australian artist then.
None up to scratch or sumfin??.
They gave plenty tickets away apparently. and still had around 30k not filled it said
430 comments on net after. Not many for.
Tells you something hey.
More and more large screen TV's. better coverage at home in own chair.
They cutting their own throat with this political bullpup.
PS.
Where do you call Q'LAnd. down the South East. or up here above Gladdy
where the tropics actually start.
Don't forget Q'land don't start till you get croc's in your creeks and offshore
plus Toadies to splat in back yard.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 2nd of October 2017 12:47:54 AM
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 2nd of October 2017 12:52:58 AM
Dibs
I have 1 x 85w AGM in Coromal. With 1 x 85\1 x 80w Wet cells in tray.
Will never run out.
Mt Genny fixes me. along with a 40a AC Charger, floater.
plus 10a installed in van, plus 7a in tray.
3.85KVA runs Aircond plus full van. Comfortably.