They're identical richsolar Polycrystaline 100w cells as you recommended. I did three in August and they worked amazingly well. As the sun rises there's a 10 minute period when some are shaded, but then they're all in the sun and angled the same. Thanks!
yes was thinking about underground storage as well. I also found that theoretically lipo batteries should be able to get VERY cold if not charged or discharged. Renogy seems overcautious. Also, I doubt their claim that the BMS has a thermometer and will shut the battery down if too cold...
One thing I've recently discovered is that I can mostly avoid an inverter by hooking things up to USB outlets. This is widely possible thanks to two gadgets. The first is the 12v USB quick charge outlets usually put into cars and boats. I'm wiring these up in numerous locations. The second...
Looking at a variety of possible solar controllers (all mppt), Some specifically say they are lithium battery compatible and others do not. A great example is EPEVER https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TTFWG4C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Xj0QDb8JN3HEE which looks like a great unit but specifically says it...
So, if I want to charge my LiPO batteries from a wall outlet, can I just buy an amazon car charger like
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079FBWS69/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_L-0QDbAAYPSYR
then plug in and charge? Also, it’s a 4a charger so should I assume it puts 4a/hr into the battery so a 100ah battery...
Yes this is the question. Many places say cold is good for storage; manufacturers specifically list minimum temps around freezing. People seem to universally say it’s a bad idea to charge the battery when very cold. But I think maybe they’re generalizing the charging caution to storage.
one factor is that the battery isn’t water based so there’s likely nothing magical about 32 f. I bet Renogy would give will access to someone more knowledgeable than tier 1 support to get a better answer?
Happy to save a bit of money IF there's no real penalty. I'm hoping to get a 60 amp controller for an upgrade but they are few and far between, many don't support lithium explicitly.
This one is a great deal, but it’s for common positive. I currently have a Renogy Rover 30amp that’s a negative ground model.
What are the implications of common positive versus negative ground?
setting up 4 100w panels going into a 30 amp renogy rover contoller. the four panels will be close to one another on a roof and are shaded vs sunlit together. I could do 2x2 series/parallel or just go series. I'm currently thinking it doesn't matter because both are the same power and the...
I fly home to Seattle, so have to leave the batteries. So I bit the bullet and did Lithium which I hope will self discharge little and tolerate the cold.
My system is in a 2-3 season cabin in the woods. When I'm not there, I really want to make sure things are safe.
Basically, I have a controller that connects to (1) solar panels (2) batteries. Diagram is below (by the way, any feedback on my wiring and fusing appreciated!). My plan is to add...
Good question! will watch this space for other ideas.
I've been using a 12v pump for water
lots of 5v USB appliances can be controlled from a usb charger socket, easy to install and 12v for automotive applications
12v ceiling fans
5v window box fans (via USB)
Actually, I think I'd need to put it between the battery and the whole circuit since the DC loads go straight off of the bus bar. But yes, thematically that makes sense. For the rest of my family I"m still toying with a full unplug since then it's SUPER CLEAR if it's been done or not.
Am I...
$99 on Amazon. Just ordered it after accidentally discharging my solar bank. Testing here at home shows it works very well. Was easy to set up. If you’re looking for a coulomb counting battery meter, this is a great alternative. Works up to 500 amp hours on a 12 V battery.
Just did it here in Michigan. Sandy soil! augered in 3 feet and then pounded the rest without hitting rocks. Lucky! But my whole system is grounded now!
Elevating this from another topic. I have two Renogy Lipo batteries that I hope to store in my cabin over the winter. This will mean they are sitting, disconnected, through a couple of very cold winter months, getting down to below zero. Is this potentially damaging? Some info on the web says...