Hey folks, I have set up a couple of very small off grid PV systems, but am still a total novice.
I'm trying to calculate the efficiency of a pre-existing system so I can improve upon it. I know people consider this a backwards route,but I'm working with the materials at hand.
There is one 240 watt panel connected to a solar charger controller and a 1000 watt inverter. There are (4) 6 volt 220 Ah deep cycle batteries connected in series parallel creating a 12 volt 440 Ah battery bank.
These are my calculations to figure out whether this is an efficient configuration or not. Please feel free to correct them if they are incorrect!
Reccomended charging current is 5 to 13%.
440Ah x.05=22amps maximum
440Ah x .13=57.2 amps maximum
So my maximum amperage range for my battery bank is 22 to 57.2
For my panel ( this is a formula I found on a forum)
240 watts x .77 panel charge controller derating x 1/29 volts charging= 6.37 amps
so it would seem my battery bank has a muvh higher amperage capacity then what my panel has. How should I revise this system for better efficiency? I know undercharged batteries can create sulfation which has not happened yet, but I'm concerned it will.
Let me know your thoughts! Also I'm on a budget so trying to add, replace or subtract parts in an economical way!
Thank you.
I'm trying to calculate the efficiency of a pre-existing system so I can improve upon it. I know people consider this a backwards route,but I'm working with the materials at hand.
There is one 240 watt panel connected to a solar charger controller and a 1000 watt inverter. There are (4) 6 volt 220 Ah deep cycle batteries connected in series parallel creating a 12 volt 440 Ah battery bank.
These are my calculations to figure out whether this is an efficient configuration or not. Please feel free to correct them if they are incorrect!
Reccomended charging current is 5 to 13%.
440Ah x.05=22amps maximum
440Ah x .13=57.2 amps maximum
So my maximum amperage range for my battery bank is 22 to 57.2
For my panel ( this is a formula I found on a forum)
240 watts x .77 panel charge controller derating x 1/29 volts charging= 6.37 amps
so it would seem my battery bank has a muvh higher amperage capacity then what my panel has. How should I revise this system for better efficiency? I know undercharged batteries can create sulfation which has not happened yet, but I'm concerned it will.
Let me know your thoughts! Also I'm on a budget so trying to add, replace or subtract parts in an economical way!
Thank you.
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