[Guide] Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -

Dual Solar panels - always better than one?​






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As above if there is a chance of shading on one panel then connect in parallel, say if the van was parked under a tree,

but most modern solar panels have bypass diodes to help out the situation. (that means you can connect either way)

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the main thing is to try and match the panels as close as possible, so no connecting a 10W and 100W panel.

but, try and go for 100W + 100w or 100W + 120W, or even 100W + 150w. (matched panels is always best)

I've connected 200W + 50W and managed to get 230W out with panels that had similar VOC`s. - so mismatched can work.



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The standard recommendation and the advice from "Victron Solar" is to connect your multiple panels in SERIES and use a MPPT controller.

The reason for this is that the series panels will generate a higher voltage (than the battery) for a longer duration (hours in the day) which will equate to more charge over a 24hr period.

most solar controllers wont start charging until the PV voltage is around 2.0v above the battery voltage . . . say 13.2v AGM battery needs 15.2 PV to start.

with 2x 100w(18v VOC) panels the PV voltage are added . . . 18v + 18v = 36V

that means that the series panels will start rising the PV voltage from sunrise and generate more than the required 15.2v for longer in the day.

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having said all that the solar controller is very important, a decent MPPT controller will out perform any PWM controller in all secumstanses


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remember in series the VOC (panel volts max) is added - but the ISC (panel current max) stays the same

remember in parallel the ISC (panel current max) is added - but the VOC (panel volts max) stays the same


make sure your solar controller can handle either of the VOC or ISC max values before connecting




example panel is 100W 18v VOC, 5.5A ISC (w=v*a)

series - 18v + 18v is 36v x*5.5a = 200W

parallel - 5.5a + 5.5a is 11a * 18v = 200W

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more info here:


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[Guide] Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -

Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It - There is loads of background to this . . . . . but for now here is a vid for you all. =] Just remember W = V*A and as a general rule a good 100W panel will give you up to 6A charge with good sun. 25w = 1.5A 50W = 3A 100w = 6A 200w = 12A 300w = 18A...
www.t6forum.com
www.t6forum.com



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ronenergy.com%2Fstatic%2Fimg%2Fvictron-energy-logo.png

Victron Energy

Victron Energy - the professional choice for independent electric power
www.victronenergy.com
www.victronenergy.com




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Finally got a chance to try out my 200w Lensun solar blanket setup in the wild, and I’m delighted with it! I’ve got the MPPT controller mounted under the drivers seat with a short lead and an Anderson connector to make it easy to plug into. Then when I want to use the blanket I just connect it to the 5m cable and plug that into the internal connector. Really easy to set up when needed, and it’s been doing a great job of charging the leisure battery today

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Needing some more advice from you guys and probably @Dellmassive. So i have a folding suitcase solar panel, 100W that i got from Alpha batteries a while ago, spec below. Im looking to do away with the pwm and replace with mppt as i should be able to i crease the usable power from it, im probably going to go with the victron after the success of the charger but which one? I think i will go with the smartsolar due to the bluetooth but would the 75/15 be sufficient?
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Needing some more advice from you guys and probably @Dellmassive. So i have a folding suitcase solar panel, 100W that i got from Alpha batteries a while ago, spec below. Im looking to do away with the pwm and replace with mppt as i should be able to i crease the usable power from it, im probably going to go with the victron after the success of the charger but which one? I think i will go with the smartsolar due to the bluetooth but would the 75/15 be sufficient?
View attachment 126924
View attachment 126925
75/15 will be perfect.

Make sure you get the blue tooth version.
 
75/15 will be perfect.

Make sure you get the blue tooth version.
If I might jump on this…..my 100watt Renogy suitcase struggled to keep up in the rain/cloudy sky so I have bought a second 100watt suitcase. Will the 75/15 be ok for these two panels together?
many thanks
 
If I might jump on this…..my 100watt Renogy suitcase struggled to keep up in the rain/cloudy sky so I have bought a second 100watt suitcase. Will the 75/15 be ok for these two panels together?
many thanks
Yes, no problem.

its rated for 220w . . . but I've had 250w connected.

just keep under the MAX.

75v PV VOC / 15A

average is 6A per 100w - so 200w will be 12A/18v in parallel or 6A/36v in series.


above 250w of PV - look at upgrading to a Vic mppt 100/20.



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Having a short break In Cambridge....

Sun's out so solar time.....

The neighbors are looking at me like I'm mad..... Solar panels out when I'm pitched up in the middle of a EHU field ..... Lol.. (we with family who are on EHU)

Anyway..... Heres the setup.

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..

That's 200w Renogy suitcase panel.

Connected to a Victron 75/15 mppt.

Connected to the Poweroad 100ah Lifepo4 battery box.

..

Power wise. Sun out. 185w.

Screenshot_20210823-144147.jpg


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I'm happy with that.
 
I promised to share some pics earlier in this thread. So here is my setup. Victron all round (100w flexible panel on the pop top) with a extra mobile connection under the bonnet for additional capacity. Van is very new, so still testing and will report back.

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Hi. We have a fantastic 6.1 which we use as a lightweight day van, largely for surfing. It has the basic factory supplied leisure battery installation. We have a compressor cool box/fridge with battery protection which turns itself off if the voltage drops too low. In our old T5 this could happen if we parked up in the high summer for more than a day or two - especially as we sometimes rent cheap accommodation but leave the van permanently parked up close to the beach with all the boards stored inside and the fridge running, to keep the wine nice and cool obviously. I don't want to fit permanent panels to the roof as we quite often have boards on the rack. What I'm after is a flexible blanket style as shown in some of the posts in this thread, that I can just put on the roof or on top of the boards and top up the leisure battery. I want the controller to be inside the van so that I don't worry if it rains. Given that this technology is changing so quickly I'm asking for suggestions, what size (power output) and supplier - also for connector plug set up that i can fit to the roof - I'm looking at some marine ones but they don't tend to be designed to be plugged/unplugged regularly. Thanks.
 
@NoHurryHarry

1st take a look over these threads - Dellmassive’s "How I Done It" blogs.

then have a look at these:

get one or two of these LENSUN waterproof 120w panels . . .


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use these MC4 extension cables to get cables inside the van . . . (MC4s are waterproof )







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get a victron 75/15 smart controller



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or look at the upgrade for more power . . . . eg 100/10 unit





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connect to the battery with a fused Anderson style connector . . .

or other . . . . this depends on how much power / current you going to charge at.

rough average is 6A per 100W of solar max then volt drop over cable run.

Look at XT90 cable and connectors also . . .



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remember you must fuse any connection to a battery . . . .

MIDI style . . .




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...


MAXI style .






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ATC style . . .







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Then have a look over here: Diagrams, Schematics & Wires -- How I Done It --



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Welcome to 2022 people. . .

The sun has started to peak through the clouds . . . happy days.


so . . . . . you know the deal - SUNS OUT PANELS OUT -


I've added links back to specific panels for easy reference.




******************************************************************

SOLAR:

My Panels:




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lets see those panels.



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Thanks @Dellmassive. Really helpful as ever. Sorry if you just thought "why don't you read all of this thread" :) Do you reckon I could just close the side door over the cables without pinching them? Has anybody fitted a permanent plug through the roof of their van, just like a boat would have through the deck? I was hoping to do this and lead the cables down the passenger door pillar to the leisure battery. And yes you definitely need to fuse anything connected to the positive terminal. I've paid my subs, I'd like to know where the earth points are in the back as I'm going to put in some roof lights and usb charger, do I just pm you directly with my vin? Thanks again.
 
I'd like to know where the earth points are in the back as I'm going to put in some roof lights and usb charger, do I just pm you directly with my vin? Thanks again.
 
@Skyliner33 - looks like he has added a set of PowerPole conectors under the bonet.

to add addtional mobile solar setups


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HmmI hadn't really thought of this, I might do the same but with Anderson or MC4 connectors instead. Do you know if either of these to blanking plugs for weather protection, or is it a case of use silicone normal ones?
Then I need to find another route in through the bulkhead.
 
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