Recent content by Mattb4

Check the voltage of the 2 older panels with a meter while they are in the sun but not connected to anything. They should read close to Voc. You can also do an amperage check if you know how to hook up your meter. Many DMM's allows up to 10a and a 100w panel is likely around ~6a Isc. One...

The Magnum has one of the best manuals I have ever reviewed. Too bad that the unit is hobbled by lack of on device control/readout panel and battery selection types. It is another High class unit that seems to be stuck in the past (I notice the Manual was copyrighted for 2016). It could use some...

Sorry but my efforts to implement it a couple of years ago were disappointing so I instead went to an AIO. Much easier to work with.

Perhaps some standardization of definitions would help. Each SCC with MPPT your AIO has connects to its own PV array. Each Array has panels that are wired in series and parallel. A group of panels that are series connected form a string which is wired to a combiner box or Y connector. You can...

Most of the mobile inverters lack any ability to adjust low voltage shutdown. Workarounds with a external low voltage relay tend to be hard to implement and often do not do what you want. Your best option is to buy those inverters that allow you to adjust various voltage events. These tend to be...

Schneider made good equipment but they seem stuck in the 80's and 90's when it comes to innovation.

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I described some of the things I would like to see in my Thread on Off grid AIO: https://diysolarforum.com/threads/an-off-grid-aio-i-would-like-to-see.83391/ along with others. I am not all that conversant with EG4 products other than what I read here on the Forum but I noted some issues with...

With new solar panels being so low cost I would suggest not buying used unless they were practically free for the taking. Go 48vDC battery since you are likely to expand the loads you wish to power in the future. Since you are only going to be temporary at first going the component route for SCC...

Higher voltage less amps. This can favor the 48vDC to allow for smaller cable for heavier and more loads. 24vDC however is a bit less cost to get into and a bit safer to work with. Some folks that have gone the 24vDC route (I am one) can feel trapped by the sunk costs preventing easy switch over...

Well heck, I just purchased a Ampinvt 24vDC, 5000w split phase inverter charger. They had one for special sale of Used -Like New on their website for such a good price ($460 with free shipping) I decided I could not pass it up. I had been thinking of having a 240vAC split phase supply for those...

I have no idea if it is reliable or if it would last. I just know from the measurements for size of the fold-able panels that the 120w rating is likely to be accurate. Not a small thing for many of these portable kits. One thing I am not sure of is if the pictured USB power converter is...

Uh no.. The input to the AIO from a 120vAC source would work to charge from is the gist of my request. If a 240vAC input was available it would work normally. I agree it is a Unicorn until someone makes it. My thread here is a shout out to the void to see if any Solar inverter company is...

The first thing I would check is all your connections. Having voltage unloaded does not always tell you if a connection is good. Summer with subsequent heat cause materials to expand and could contribute to a poor connection issue.

Just got done adding some new panels and my budget is a bit depleted. Unfortunately I start paying for medicare next month and I lose $175 from my monthly worthless old guy pension payment. May be awhile before any other purchases can be made. I will just have to wait and see what the wind and...