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Not a big deal for most of you, but I got the solar all hooked and I am really jazzed. Once I got the connectors put on like Croft had made for me for the inverter, I was ready to install the charge controller. It took all of a few minutes and being the procrastinator I am, I regret having waited so long.
The sky is overcast and it is 10 a.m. and the controller screen shows 13.5. I hope that's good! Even though we won't be using the rv until September, I already feel an added sense of freedom. We have the generator but it is not built in so it is a PIA most of the time not to mention the noise. We will continue to travel with it for emergency use only.
This is really great. Now I need to read the manual and play with all the options that are available. Too cool! Thanks to everyone who has helped us along the way with the install.
Heading out tomorrow for San Miguel de Allende, can't wait to get there. This week the high is 39C here at the house. Adios calor!
Wow, this is the perfect post for me to see today. I'm going to install (have installed) solar panels.
ReplyDeleteSimple job, right? Told ya!
ReplyDeleteThe voltage reading depends on how much sunlight is hitting the panel. 13.5V is good for overcast and it will increase when the sun gets better. Good job!
What is the make and model of your controller?
ReplyDeleteMary-Pat, do it! It means freedom. If you wait until this fall and go back to HC, I'm sure the gang will do the install like they did mine. I was just missing the charge controller to complete the install.
ReplyDeleteCroft, it has no name. It is Chinese and all it says is "Intelligent Solar Charge Controller", 12/24 Auto. The one page manual makes very little sense :)
ReplyDeleteAs you use it, you'll learn the limitations of the system and how long it takes for the batteries to recharge under whatever sunny or cloudy skies you've got.
ReplyDeleteRemember that you still shouldn't let your batteries get below 12.1 resting volts. Croft is right that 13.5 is okay for cloudy skies but that probably means that your batteries are pretty much fully charged. Even in the bright sun it should only go to 14.0 or so at the most and then drop down to 13.5 or so when they're fully charged and stay there under a "maintenance" charge.
Once you go solar, you never go back. :-)
They were pretty much charged when I hooked up the controller. The trailer is parked where it is in the shade most of the afternoon but gets heavy sun from 5 to 8. So I guess if it is not being used, I can just leave everything hooked up while we're gone for the summer (?)
ReplyDelete