Difference between revisions of "Solar Panel Charging"

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== Solar controllers ==
== Solar controllers ==
[[Image:Solar_panel_controller.jpg|300px|right]]
There are two kinds of controllers; MPPT and PWM charging mode, with the former being the preferred one on larger (>50W) setups.


There are two kinds of controllers; MPPT and PWM charging mode, with the former being the preferred one on larger (>50W) setups.
A reasonable decent solar controller starts at 50USD, for a 10 to 30A 12V setup.
 
* [http://www.ebay.com/itm/LCD-30A-MPPT-Solar-Panel-Regulator-Charge-Controller-12V-24V-With-USB-KJ-/181202497533?hash=item2a3082affd:g:jFIAAOSw3xJVVWvx Solar controller 30A 12V] - 44USD


== Batteries ==
== Batteries ==


Using regular 12V or 24V batteries makes it simple to get locally.
Using regular 12V or 24V batteries makes it simple to get locally.

Revision as of 15:19, 31 May 2016

Basics about solar panel battery charging.

Panels

Solar panel mono flexible.jpg

Monocrystalline panels are regarded as being the most efficient panel technology. Second to Polycrystalline panels.

Common configurations of individual panels:

  • 100W - common
  • 120W
  • 150W - common
  • 160W

Arrays are usually build by parallel installation of multiple of the same panel type, e.g. 10x150W panels is a 1500W or 1.5kW array.

Some cheap flexible panels:

Solar controllers

Solar panel controller.jpg

There are two kinds of controllers; MPPT and PWM charging mode, with the former being the preferred one on larger (>50W) setups.

A reasonable decent solar controller starts at 50USD, for a 10 to 30A 12V setup.

Batteries

Using regular 12V or 24V batteries makes it simple to get locally.