I have a Blue Sky MPPT solar controller. For 4) 120W panels I needed to buy the 50A model for about $450. I think it averages about 5% gain over standard, and it interferes with my SSB radio. More gain would be had if it was either colder or if I ran the batteries to below 50%. Then the voltage difference would be higher which gives more gain. I originally set the unit up as 24V in, 12V out, but found that the unit was much less efficient in that mode, due to the fact that below 1.5A of solar current, it goes to bypass, which in 24-12 mode is a 50% loss. Anyway, I wouldn't bother buying it if I had it to do over. I would buy a Xantrex with a feature that automatically shunts off excess current, which I would send to a 12V water heater element. Lee Haefele ----- Original Message ----- From: "Arild Jensen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 12:08 PM Subject: Re: [Liveaboard] Wire size and through deck install question.
> Hi Jim, > A little more prep work is needed I think. > There is a small utility program called wire sizer from Alden Trull that > is a free download. > I have been using it for years to calculate voltage drop and wire size in > odd lenghts and specific current levels. Great for non standard values > like > tables use. > > There is a product by Deutche(sp) who make water proof connectors for > the > back side of solar panels and other electrical connections.. > These connectors have the same style dust and moisture seals as you now > see > on al lautomotive engine connectors. LADD is the North Americna > distributors. > Its essentially a Y connector to daisy chain a row of solar panels > together then feed the whole lot into a charge controller. > I concur with the recommendation to use a MPPT style controller. I also > think it prudent to go at least #10 Ga . Even a 5% voltage drop is > excessive > in a solar array. MATRIX shows them in their catalog for solar panel > installs. > > Go to an electrical supply wholesaler and look for Heyco or Scepter brand > gland fittings. For a Coast Guard job we used exactly that. > If you cable is not round but oval, Scepter has variable sized/shaped > rubber inserts to suit most cable shapes. > And you only pay a couple of bucks per fitting instead of tens of dollars > at > the marine store. > Both are plastic ( engineered plastic not junk) so corrosion is not an > issue like with the chromed brass stuf from West Marine etc. > > regards > Arild > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Jim" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >> In preparation for installing my solar panels, I'm going to run the >> wires perhaps this weekend. I am planning on running #12. Does that >> sound reasonable? >> >> Also what's anyone use to get wires through the deck? > >> I plan on having a connector at the solar panel in a semi protected area >> so I don't probably don't want a connector on the deck. > >> Suggestions? >> >> Thanks, >> Jim. > > _______________________________________________ > Liveaboard mailing list > [email protected] > To adjust your membership settings over the web > http://www.liveaboardnow.org/mailman/listinfo/liveaboard > To subscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To unsubscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > The archives are at http://www.liveaboardnow.org/pipermail/liveaboard/ > > To search the archives > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > The Mailman Users Guide can be found here > http://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/mailman-member/index.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.6/1766 - Release Date: 11/4/2008 8:26 AM _______________________________________________ Liveaboard mailing list [email protected] To adjust your membership settings over the web http://www.liveaboardnow.org/mailman/listinfo/liveaboard To subscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] The archives are at http://www.liveaboardnow.org/pipermail/liveaboard/ To search the archives http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] The Mailman Users Guide can be found here http://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/mailman-member/index.html
