Solar

[GuitarPhotog]

I finally finished the solar PV system I began more than 18 months ago. I bought an 80 Watt, 12 V panel from Solar Blvd along with a Morningstar Sunsaver PWM controller. I used 25 ft of AWG 10 boat cable to connect the panel to the controller. After struggling to find a waterproof bulkhead connector rated at 10 Amps, I ended just poking a pigtail with the connectors out the bottom of the trailer.

Since this is a one-time deal, I didn't want to invest $45 in the proper crimping tool, so after carefully crimping the pin on the end of the wire with pliers, I soldered each connector. I have much more faith in my soldering ability than in my ability to improvise a crimp.

I put the panel out in the sun in the yard (the trailer is in the barn), and checked that the battery was charging and that all was well.

I'm off to Brian's Farm Gathering this weekend, so I'll report back how effective the system is in keeping me charged up.

<Chas>

[MtnDon]

[GuitarPhotog]

After 2 weeks on the road, I can say the solar system is a complete success!

At the Farm Gathering, I was parked in full sun, so I just leaned the panel against the tongue and turned it a couple of times each day to follow the sun. The battery was fully charged by early afternoon each day.

At the Nelson City Park Campground, my site was in full shade, so I plugged the trailer into shore power. Took 75 feet of extension cord but we did it.

At Farragut State Park on Lake Pend Orielle in Idaho, my site was partially shaded all day, so I moved the panel around several times a day to follow the sun, and still had no problem recharging the battery each day.

Several people at the Farm Gathering asked "why such a big panel?" I replied that more surface is better, and a bigger panel would produce more power when partially shaded than a smaller one.

Thanks to Bruce and Mt. Don for their advice.

<Chas>

[Madmike8]

I can say the solar system is a complete success!

It got off to a rocky start... But it's been chugging along since then... 24/7/365...

[Greg M]

I'm particularly fond of the third one out from the middle

Glad to hear the system is working out so well for you.

[GuitarPhotog]

Thanks!

I completely overlooked the solar system reference when I wrote it. Must be getting old.....

<Chas>

[jonw]

I have a 120w folding 2-panel suitcase style system purchased on sale from Solar Blvd. The controller failed which they replaced with a Phocos model free of charge. Works great and allows me stay off-grid indefinitely.

When not in use it travels in my car. In use I just position it in the sun anywhere near my teardrop (which can be parked in the shade).

It seems Solar Blvd doesn't sell these anymore but I have seen them on Amazon...