diy solar

diy solar

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  • Post in thread: Hijacking Threads

    No one: OP: [starts cyber spat] OP: "I don't do cyber spats"
  • Post in thread: PSA report: I'm Steering Clear of Giandel

    If you otherwise like the device it might be worthwhile to replace the fan with a higher-quality one.
  • Post in thread: What’s your daily SOC range?

    I snowbird in the campervan with relatively ample panel and a relatively small bank my experience is probably not typical: charge gently (3.45Vpc + plus a bit of absorption) to ~100% ( a few percentage points lower, usually). The panel:bank ratio means the bank can get charged even under poor...
  • Post in thread: 12v vs 24v

    I see no particular need for 24v in this use case unless you just want it. OTOH if you were running 2000w-3000w inverter loads loads 24v would make a big diff in wiring sizes and maybe inverter efficiency. 12v bank also leaves open the possiblity of direct-charging from the alternator if you...
  • Post in thread: ADHD OCD mind on a DIY small budget not sure which way to go... Suggestions?

    successful stealth camping in the city list of cities with laws affecting folks (like me) who live in vehicles
  • Post in thread: Renogy 50a dc dc mppt charging profile w/engine on

    This is the most-misunderstood aspect of the charger. The dispositive section of the manual: I'd guess it's the most popular DC-DC/MPPT combo since its release. It has one significant limitation (25v PV input) and a couple useful features rare in other units of this type (low temp cutoff...
  • Post in thread: Melted Two Charge Controllers in One Week

    Please consider using paragraphs like this so we don't have to decipher a wall of text. Hit <Return> twice to begin a new paragraph. Thusly... I am guessing this is was a loose connection. Loose = heat = melting. It would be helpful to know the specs of the panel. Note that the HF...
  • Post in thread: Renogy DCC50S or Kisae DMT1250?

    Full disclosure: I have no dog in the fight. I own no Renogy products and do my charging with standalone solar charge controller and VSR. FDLFBR is an indicator of fixated thinking, counterproductive IMO on a forum dedicated to DIY projects and experimentation. It is often repeated by...
  • Post in thread: Questions about Renogy DC DC Battery Charger w/ MPPT!

    Yes. The Renogy will react to the bank voltage it sees. It does not know or care that the other charger is present. Multiple chargers can feed the same bank at once. The locals around here will often refer to this as "shore power", as the term ground has other meanings in this context.
  • Post in thread: Wills budget lifepo4 testing videos

    That's part of capacity testing, IIRC. Charge until HVC, then discharge to LVC.
  • Post in thread: What would be the top 3 best MMPT controller for Lithium?

    /raises coffee mug to the Victron Mafia out in force this morning :) It's not a secret, it's just not relevant to charging lithium {at the rates we do in DIY solar contexts}. It's like asking why it's a guarded secret how much chocolate milk chickens drink each day. They don't. The terms are...
  • Post in thread: What would be the top 3 best MMPT controller for Lithium?

    My main controller is an EpEver BN-series. The portables run on a separate A-series controller. Zero issues after 3 years offgrid in all kinds of temperatures, and with substantial ovepaneling. BN: the Victron bluetooth app is miles ahead of the Epever app in design and function if that...
  • Post in thread: Best DC to DC charger for smart alternator

    Caveat: I am not qualified but I have an opinion. :) * AFAIK most DC-DC on the market are non-isolated and have no issues with smart alternator functionality. Smart alt compliance typically means watching for the weird voltages "smart" alts put out. * the Victron descriptions of the...
  • Post in thread: Most efficient heating blankets, space heaters, hot plate and small fans?

    I have excess solar power (and battery capacity) most days so have been playing with ways to make use of it. Electric cooking: a 150w/75w crockpot sees the most use (bread, cornbread, beans, lasagna, meat loaf, boiled eggs, etc). I also run a 300w rice cooker and 300w mini hotplate...
  • Post in thread: Cost of solar

    I agree that solar is an expensive capital expense for the Wh delivered. In my case I encamp in 14d increments before relocating, so a passive form of power harvest is rather nice. I am also grateful when other campers within earshot have made similar choices about silent power generation...
  • Post in thread: Debunk: Alternator DC to DC charger not required for big Lithium Battery

    LiFePO4 direct to alternator Alternator charging LiFePO4 LiFePO4 Batteries, Alternator, Li-BIM-225 and DC-to-DC Charging Question Charging lifepo4 without charge controller Experiences charging LFP from alternator WITHOUT a DC-DC charger 12v LFPo to Alternator question etc This is a DIY...
  • Post in thread: Tilted solar panels vs more flat panels for off road use

    Studying the effects should include both reading & testing with one's particular setup. I've A/B tested the following setups in partial shade (forests while boondocking): 2x 100w 18Vmp panels <-- portables 3x 190w 36Vmp panels <-- previous mounted array 3x 250w 30.1Vmp panels <-- mounted...
  • Post in thread: Getting Panel's Full Output When Charge Controller Goes Into Absorption Stage

    In an offgrid context solar power is only generated when demanded. It's like worrying your car isn't making all 200 rated horsepower at a stoplight; it doesn't need to. If you want to make more kWh for some reason then add opportunity loads. Heat water, cook with a crockpot, whatever...
  • Post in thread: Strange

    Voc and Vmp both trend downward as heat increases. To make matters worse cell temps > ambient temps. Here is a simple calculator to see the trends. Plugging in 105deg F (converted to C) and 2.7kW it says: Cell Temp 71.8°C Derating factor 22.464% Lost capacity due to temp 606.528W...
  • Post in thread: Is solar a possible solution for me?

    Powering a 7,700W load on solar for 8hrs/day cannot be done for super cheap.
  • Post in thread: MPPT maximum voltage - why no safety margin?

    It can be danged close when an MPPT needs to remove its foot from the gas pedal. Like when big user loads are removed in late Absorption or Float, or when transitioning down to Float voltage from Absorption voltage. Then factor in perfect storm scenarios that raise Vmp/Voc above rated spec...
  • Post in thread: Renogy 20 amp DC to DC charger

    Underappreciated factor. People assume 20A out means 20A in also.
  • Post in thread: Renogy DCC50S or Kisae DMT1250?

    See this thread on another forum; per Kisae you can shut down charging by inducing a fake E07 condition. This could be useful for manual intervention, low-temp protection, etc.
  • Post in thread: How Renogy customer service mislead me to buy an unneeded item...

    Can you return it? For me the play is at first base: read the published docs. The lower end of the market is fine for folks who are willing to do the homework. I fully support those who need/desire more individualized support paying for bigger margins more to get it. Horses for courses.
  • Post in thread: "Marine How To" is going through rough times

    That's a tough break. I hope they can keep the website powered on to keep disseminating Rod's knowledge.
  • Post in thread: Solar set up

    Gels are particularly sensitive to overvoltage. IIRC the Renogy gels have the charging setpoints printed right on the case. I'd doublecheck that the WFCO-8735P can charge at the lower voltages gel tends to require.
  • Post in thread: Epever 4210A - trouble changing paramaters to go fro 12v to 24v system

    There is an ascending order of voltages that has to be correct or PARA errors will pop. For example, it won't let float be higher than absorption. See this ordered list.
  • Post in thread: LiFePO4 100% SOC limit and relationship to charging current

    OffGrid Garage on YT has done some experimentation with this. I screencapped one of his charts for reference but can't recall which document it came from.
  • Post in thread: Balancing a prepackaged LFP battery that I don't think has a balancing BMS

    More likely the passive balancers are working but being overwhelmed with the charging current. It is common for balancers to siphon off tiny amounts of charging current, less than 100mA. It can take many cycles to balance at that rate. Reducing charging voltage, as @mikefitz wisely suggests...
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