DIY 60 watt Folding Solar Panel

[bdosborn]

Well now, isn't that slick. Well done!


Bruce

[dreadcptflint]

I am curious Raktity when you are level, what angle is your panel at?

[Ratkity]

I am curious Raktity when you are level, what angle is your panel at?

Ummmmm no clue!! I took it out for it's first use camping this past weekend. I was charged by 9 am (probably before - I didn't check) and it was facing full morning sun.

I'll check the angle on it when I get home from work.

Hugs,
Ratkity

[Lgboro]

What size fuse should be used with a Timetric 2025 RV battery monitor? Will a 30 amp blade type inline work or does it require a breaker type? I'm finally almost at a point in my build to run my wires. I am wiring in a Watco 8725 and have a solar panel off of an 90's solar lawnmower (probably in the 30 to no more than 40 watt) until I can purchase a larger one. Running all led lights, computer fans built into vent and a 12 volt television so not particularly a watt hog if I stick to my planned usage. I have a Morningstar SS10 if that makes any difference.

[bdosborn]

What size fuse should be used with a Timetric 2025 RV battery monitor? Will a 30 amp blade type inline work or does it require a breaker type? I'm finally almost at a point in my build to run my wires. I am wiring in a Watco 8725 and have a solar panel off of an 90's solar lawnmower (probably in the 30 to no more than 40 watt) until I can purchase a larger one. Running all led lights, computer fans built into vent and a 12 volt television so not particularly a watt hog if I stick to my planned usage. I have a Morningstar SS10 if that makes any difference.

Trimetric recommends a 2 amp fuse for the + wire to the meter:
Trimetric Install Manual

I would check the voltage of the panel with no load on it when its in full sun (Voc), the SS10 has a maximum input of 25V. I doubt the panel is higher than that but I'd check it anyways. Do you know what voltage the battery was for the lawnmower? Hopefully it was 12V.

Bruce

[KenC]

Bruce, thanks for posting all the info on the solar panels, its been a great help in deciding what to use.

My plan is to use 2- 45 watt panels and set them up as you have to be portable. I have 2 AGM batteries that I will use, my question is the Sunsaver 10 does not show that it will charge AGM's only sealed and flooded, can I use this controller or do I need to go to the Sunsaver MPPT which has the option for AGM batteries.

Thanks,

[bdosborn]

I have 2 AGM batteries that I will use, my question is the Sunsaver 10 does not show that it will charge AGM's only sealed and flooded, can I use this controller or do I need to go to the Sunsaver MPPT which has the option for AGM batteries.

Thanks,

Ken,

Check with your battery manufacturer for a recommended charge voltage but the Sunsaver 10 should work for an AGM battery. I poked around on the internet and found conflicting information. Some places recommend 14.1V and some recommend 14.4V. The SS10 can be configured for both with a jumper (sealed=14.1V and flooded=14.4V). The safe answer is to set the SS10 for sealed and you should be good.

Bruce

[KenC]

Bruce,

Thanks for the info, I greatly appreciate it.

[mikeschn]

Here's some information on MPPT
http://www.windsun.com/ChargeControls/MPPT.htm

And here is some on charge controllers
http://www.windsun.com/ChargeControls/ChargeCont.htm



Mike...