Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Definition of "battery panel"

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Definition of "battery panel"

    Back after long break with an emphasis on smaller systems this time. Have encountered the term "battery panel" several times recently. For example, in Sunking's (excellent BTW) sticky "12 Volt Design and Safety Considerations." down in the "Econimcs" paragraph the implication is they can only be run in parallel.

    So, is a 12 volt panel that can be run in series not a "battery panel"?

    Understand they are more expensive. Well until you consider shipping then they are actually cheaper. Costs almost as much to ship two panels as a whole pallet full. Not had any luck finding larger GT (style) panels locally. In the north metro Atlanta area so any tips on local sources appreciated.

  • #2
    Panels have a "system voltage" rating. years ago, small battery charging panels had no system voltage rating . And there were no MPPT controllers to utilize panels in series.

    But today, many panels have a 600v system rating, and many have 1,000V rating for large PV arrays. So a new 12V battery panel may carry a 600v rating, just look at the spec sticker on the back
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

    Comment


    • #3
      Small 12 volt panels are considered battery panels. While they are fine for charging a 12 volt battery you generally won't find these small panels in large roof top arrays. They aren't produced in huge quantities that larger "grid tie" panels are so are priced much higher per watt.
      You may series wire 12 volt panels to achieve higher voltages for charging higher voltage battery banks but your cost doing so will not make sense with these expensive, (per watt) panels.
      2.2kw Suntech mono, Classic 200, NEW Trace SW4024

      Comment


      • #4
        Thank you! So basically a hold over term from the old days.

        Already have relatives and coworkers eagerly waiting on my success (or failure Might have some real panels in the future with several of us splitting shipping costs on a full pallet. Have another project in mind where 12 volt panels would be ideal so they will not go to waste.

        Comment

        Working...
        X