Recent content by Mattb4

You could run a shunt and monitor on each string. I use a PV shunt setup on one of my arrays since the AIO does not accurately indicate incoming watts/amps.

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...

It doesn't do what I want. Victron, while fine equipment, lacks the features I mentioned in my first post. It is only split phase when you combine 2. It has no integrated SCC's, no control panel on unit for settings and is lacking off grid certification.

Thanks to the internet there is many places you can find information. For instance if you Google "Fundamentals of heat transfer" there are many resources including videos and books. Or you can search "understanding Solar Energy".

Ack! Victron. Only cost you your first born child (heck with arm and leg costs). Being an old solitaire, that never reproduced, I lack the necessary child.

Sure it is. You can feel it can't you? If it was gone immediately the panel would not get hot. Does it dissipate due to transfer to the environment? Yes. Eventually all heat does this. But for a while it is stored. People use thermal mass to attenuate and store heat for longer periods. It don't...

Potential energy the unloaded panel gets from the sun's energy is stored as heat. Walk out and put your hand on a unloaded panel in the sun and you can feel it. Heat is not convertible by the panel to electricity so it does not contribute to anything other than warming up the surroundings...

Based on size of panel I would estimate it is 25-30w. Thus about 2-2.5amps max charging a 12vDC battery. Hard to say what your fan is without an amp draw or wattage rating. A 7ah battery may not have enough to run it for more than a hour. (75w fan) One question I have is the hookup of the fan...