My Small Solar Project in Progress

[john95]

I'm installing some of the components already. I have accomplished this based on the info that you kindly have provided me. Please tell me if I'm missing something. Here are some pictures of the project.

[Mike90250]

It will work well in Alaska in the winter. The panels are nearly vertical, and they should be tilted to be perpendicular to the sun, Otherwise, you are only going to get 40% of nameplate or less.

[ButchDeal]

I don't know about that inverter but the outback is not rated to be outdoors.

[john95]

It will work well in Alaska in the winter. The panels are nearly vertical, and they should be tilted to be perpendicular to the sun, Otherwise, you are only going to get 40% of nameplate or less.

Well, I did a test in different positions and regardless of position I get between 72 and 76 volts. Even without sun heat, just light about 7pm I get about 65 ~ 70 volts which is great. I'm in California.

[john95]

I don't know about that inverter but the outback is not rated to be outdoors.

It is a portable system. The batteries and components are going into the garage when fully charged. Also, I'll make it rain proof so the components don't get wet when raining. Good observation! Thanks.

[max2k]

Well, I did a test in different positions and regardless of position I get between 72 and 76 volts. Even without sun heat, just light about 7pm I get about 65 ~ 70 volts which is great. I'm in California.

panels produce current, voltage stays more or less the same within meaningful power range but current value is defined by irradiation.

[ButchDeal]

Well, I did a test in different positions and regardless of position I get between 72 and 76 volts. Even without sun heat, just light about 7pm I get about 65 ~ 70 volts which is great. I'm in California.

Ok a few things wrong here.

Voltage will be the same pretty much under almost any azimuth / tilt. Amps will vary.
PV does not work on heat or "sun heat" either. In fact the heat will cut performance.

[john95]

panels produce current, voltage stays more or less the same within meaningful power range but current value is defined by irradiation.

How could I know when the panels are giving their maximum in watts? These are 320 watt rated panels.

[john95]

Ok a few things wrong here.

Voltage will be the same pretty much under almost any azimuth / tilt. Amps will vary.
PV does not work on heat or "sun heat" either. In fact the heat will cut performance.

I tried with a 12 volt fan using a 100 watt 12 volt and the fan spins fast in multiple positions. Not much difference. I guess as long as the sun is hitting them is fine but I could be wrong.

[ButchDeal]

How could I know when the panels are giving their maximum in watts? These are 320 watt rated panels.

When they are directly pointed at the sun. Or use an ameter.

[ButchDeal]

I tried with a 12 volt fan using a 100 watt 12 volt and the fan spins fast in multiple positions. Not much difference. I guess as long as the sun is hitting them is fine but I could be wrong.

Your modules produce considerably more than the fan needs.

[max2k]

How could I know when the panels are giving their maximum in watts? These are 320 watt rated panels.

what do you need that for? If you're just checking the panels measuring short circuit current should have give you good idea. In real life MPPT controller takes care of tracking maximum power point of the panels under constantly changing conditions.

[john95]

I'll connect all the components this weekend and do more testing. So far batteries are fully charged. My load are: lights use (12 watt LED), computer, fan & TV; about 300 watts, which is what the Go Power 1500 watt inverter reports consuming. Quality of electricity is great! I guess better than the POCO. Also, I'll buy a 70 watt solar refrigerator, a 19" LED TV and more LED lights. Reducing watts consumption helps a lot.

[SunEagle]

The best way to get the most out of a solar panel is to point them due South (if you live in the Northern part of the world) and have them at an angle in the Summer close to the Latitude of where you live . For my area the angle would be about 28 degrees since that is also close to my latitude location.

In the Winter time the angle needs to be increased since the sun is lower on the horizon.

My portable panels have 3 different set points that allow me to adjust them if needed. I would suggest you build some type of mounting system that allows you some flexibility to adjust the angle and pointing direction.

Here is a couple of pictures of 4 of my panels tilted at the highest angle to allow connections. Once they are wired to my fused combiner box I can lower them. Since they are also on individual wooden bases they can be pointed to the best compass direction.

[john95]

The best way to get the most out of a solar panel is to point them due South (if you live in the Northern part of the world) and have them at an angle in the Summer close to the Latitude of where you live . For my area the angle would be about 28 degrees since that is also close to my latitude location.

In the Winter time the angle needs to be increased since the sun is lower on the horizon.

My portable panels have 3 different set points that allow me to adjust them if needed. I would suggest you build some type of mounting system that allows you some flexibility to adjust the angle and pointing direction.

Here is a couple of pictures of 4 of my panels tilted at the highest angle to allow connections. Once they are wired to my fused combiner box I can lower them. Since they are also on individual wooden bases they can be pointed to the best compass direction.

Thanks for posting those pics. You are giving me good ideas. Those are very nice!. My panels are 72 cells, very heavy panels, about 50 lbs with the 4x2 pieces of wood. I want to tilt them in the right position/direction to get the maximum power, possible I may install some wheels to move them around.