Building new Off Grid Home in Panama

Panamretiree

Re: Building new Off Grid Home in Panama

westbranch wrote: »

If the import export business is similar ( Ya I KNOW , it's Panama!) you will need an Agent &/or Customs Broker to handle the paper filing, etc. They also have their connections for freight handlers.

Do they have a 'Yellow Pages " down there?

Ask the Policia?

You guys in the frozen north catch on quick I have to tell you.

Have been trying to get in touch with the customs broker who we used to bring in our few personal effects when we moved here. They do not return emails and are not at work as regularly as one would like. When we got our effects out of customs, it was a Friday. Everything was in order, but we still had a $75.00 charge that went to the inspector and not the government coffers. Have to be careful as well. Can be told one thing and have another happen. Panamanians do not like to put anything in writing if they can help it.

There are no yellow pages as you would know it, nor have I seen any. Most people use cell phones and the cell phone companies do not give out any type of telephone books. Most of my searching for businesses down here has been on the internet, or through word of mouth.

There are no addresses down here either. When you purchase a home or property, the lot is registered, but there is no street address. For our house on the beach it was the last green house on the right as you went towards Ensenada Beach, and just before the local fish market.

The Policia are nothing more than traffic cops and cannot even step onto your property unless you invite them. Should you have an incident, these police show up, and not in a timely manner, and make sure that the perpetrators are not present, or if they are, they will do there best to arrest them. There is a tier above the locals that do have the authority to enter your property without your convent, but this is done only with due diligence, remember the Noriega days. Then there is one more tier, similar to the RCMP, but these boys are not seen or heard from very often, and from what we have been told, you really don't want them around.

Graft is alive and well down here. Traffic violations are a pain to take care of, and the traffic cops know this. You can get pulled over for not doing anything and they can and will ticket you. A lot of people travel with a $10.00 or $20.00 bill in their passports for just such an occasion. Happens all the time. Question one has to ask him or her self is do you succumb, or do you take the ticket and pay it with all the aggravation involved.

There is also the language issue, and the fact that Panamanians see all expats as being rich and will adjust their prices accordingly if they can. We are taking Spanish lessons once per week. Castilian Spanish is not spoken here, and there are differences that are specific to Panama alone.

Panama is not a very educated Country. School is only mandated to grades 6/7, after which it's out and get a job, maybe. Those who go further are generally from the more affluent families.

Sorry for the rant, but believe me, I am trying everything I know in a system that is not that advanced. I do appreciate being reminded of avenues I may or may not have tried or thought of.

It's still a great place to live if you don't weaken.

Cheers

Ernest

animatt

Re: Building new Off Grid Home in Panama

Sounds exactly like mexico. I am in the process of moving to mexico myself. Comparatively very inexpensive at locals prices. I usually send my wife into stores looking for materials. She is Mexican so she usually gets local rates vs rich gringo rates. Took a while to figure that trick out. If you are a foreigner in mexico with white skin your wallet must be so heavy filled with money many are so accommodating in trying to free you of that burden. While having people cheat you from every direction is very frustrating once you are done with the building it should get easier.

Matthew

westbranch

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

In Fiji the trick was to go to the market with a copy of the local paper under your arm, who knew that it was to wrap that fresh fish in after you got all your other shopping done.... ps we had 4 months of tan on board...

Panamretiree

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

animatt wrote: »

It has probably been mentioned but stealing forklift batteries would not be easy. Stealing 6v batteries is usually much easier. Not sure if you plan to stay in panama full time or will there be trips back to the states. If so who watches over things. I stayed out a house in mexico over a summer free of charge to just keep an eye on the system(summer 2009). It was a small battery array as the previous batteries, and panels were all stripped out of the house. The house was locked and there were locking hurricane shutters all up and locked. who ever stole the stuff had to manually take hurricane shutters off to get into the house. While not quick or easy with out electricity when you have tons of time it is not an issue. This was in a gated area that was very rural.

Sorry if this has already been mentioned. Also any block wall you have should be pour solid with rebar if you expect to have a chance to protect items inside. Hollow block provides very basic security.

Matthew

We have moved here and are here under the Pensionado Program, permanent resident visa.

Well aware of the missing items issue. They call it "finding" down here, can't be stealing, 98% of the population are good Catholic church goers. The person who loses it is responsible. Had a meeting here with Tourism officials, Police Chiefs, Politicians regarding theft in the area. The Police Chiefs politely told us that if we did not provide the opportunity, there would not be an issue, go figure. This information is on the web.

Like I've said, if you don't weaken, it's a great place to live.

Cheers

Ernest

Panamretiree

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

westbranch wrote: »

In Fiji the trick was to go to the market with a copy of the local paper under your arm, who knew that it was to wrap that fresh fish in after you got all your other shopping done.... ps we had 4 months of tan on board...

With all our moaning, griping and whatever regarding Canada and the US, these are two great countries to live in. However, if you can get with the program, adjust ones naive North American ways, living in another country where it is always warm and where your dollar can go farther, it's a great experience. Lots of good people, both Nationals and expats.

Cheers

Ernest

Panamretiree

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

vtmaps wrote: »

One argument in favor of the L16s is that they are cheaper, and as a general rule of thumb we usually recommend cheap batteries for first timers. That is because many (most?) off-gridders murder their first set of batteries. You seem to be more on top of things than most folks... time will tell.

If I were ordering a new forklift battery (and I might, after I finish murdering my L16s), I would seriously look into ordering a battery with an electrolyte circulation system.
read: http://forum.solar-electric.com/showthread.php?9733

--vtMaps

Further to my last, there is an Interstate dealer in Panama City. It is on my its to phone.

Read the thread you recommended, very interesting.

Cheers

Ernest

Panamretiree

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

Did some research on batteries from NAWS, Solar Biz, and Wholesale Solar. Looked at other sites for batteries and pricing, but at this moment, no joy. There are probably lots of discount places but you have to be close enough to get to them, or have them delivered cheap. Anyway, thought I'd look at some prices from these two suppliers.

Here's what I have in Panama City (already imported):

L16 6V 420 AH: $500.00 - taxes in and delivered 60 miles to my house - fully charged
L16 2V 1100AH: $435.49 - taxes in and delivered 60 miles to my house - fully charged
Deka 24V Forklift Battery Bank 510AH @ 6hr rate - 803AH @ 20hr rate: $5281.00 - taxes in and delivered 60 miles to my house - fully charged

All three batteries are imported by dealer.

From NAWS:

Crown Forklift 24V Battery Bank 850AH @ 20hr rate: $4073.30
Trojan L16 RE 6V 370AH: $348.00
Rolls L16 6V 400AH: $346.00
Rolls L16 6V 450AH: $403.00
Rolls Industrial 6-CS-25PS 6V 820AH: $1235.00

From Solar Biz:

Rolls L16 6V 450AH: $359.97
Trojan L16 6V 420AH: $321.97
Trojan IND 13-6V 630AH: $989.25

From Wholesale Solar:

Interstate L16 6V 370AH: $269.00
Rolls S-530 400AH: $340.00 (L16 size)
Rolls 6-CS-25Ps 820AH: $1200.00

From NAWS, Solar Biz and Wholesale Solar, I would have to get them shipped to Miami, get them to Panama City, then to my house. I would be responsible to commission the batteries. All costs are incurred by me, and if there is an issue, no one here to go back to.

We shipped 5.3 cu meters of personal effects from Canada to Panama at a cost of $4.5K. We paid by the cubic, not by weight. When it comes to FLA batteries, if shipped dry - not to bad (can be complications when commissioning), if shipped wet - hazardous goods, etc. I have also heard that batteries are costed by volume and weight.

Looking at the numbers, I would suspect that an additional $100.00 per battery would not be out of the ordinary to get each battery here for the L16 variety. For the Crown forklift battery, tack on an additional $1K or better for delivery of two banks - not out of the realm of possibilities considering these are probably shipped wet and are quite heavy. From my perspective, there is not a lot of difference in price when I factor in all the issues.

The company I am dealing with in Panama City commissions the batteries, delivers them and puts them where I want them, and I have a local company to go back to for warranty. They have the hassle of getting them into the country and to me. There has to be something said for this.

As for used equipment in this country, not a chance. I have seen how equipment is handled and taken care of here, and you don't want to be on the receiving end. Since employers supply most if not all work and personal work equipment (clothing, boots, etc.), there is not a lot of caring going on. Buyer beware takes on a whole new meaning down here.

Yes, when you have choices, are familiar with the system, have a good idea where and what you are dealing with, and have a good delivery system to boot - I say go for it. I'm all for shopping around and getting the best bang for my buck.

As has been stated on various threads, you only get what you pay for.

Thought I'd do a little research into this issue.

Cheers

Ernest

NorthGuy

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

Panamretiree wrote: »

There are probably lots of discount places but you have to be close enough to get to them, or have them delivered cheap.

And I thought it was hard to buy batteries in Canada

Panamretiree wrote: »

L16 6V 420 AH: $500.00 - taxes in and delivered 60 miles to my house - fully charged.

IMHO, that's the best choice. "Only" $8K.

Equivalent at NAWS is $319 - you would save $2880, but that may be close to what you would have to pay in shipping and taxes.

animatt

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

In mexico I always found importation a real pain is the arse. Since they have your stuff on a boat you are kind of at there mercy. And like you say getting things agreed to and written on paper is not something they are fond of. I would at least get an audio recording of any agreements made. At minimum it will stop they from claiming they did not say x. So unless I was saving a good bit of money I try not to do it.

Like you say there are enormous learning lessons to be had. It really makes you appreciate many thing in the USA and Canada. I believe most people would complain less if they lived in a developing country for a bit.

But financial reasons are hard to argue against these areas. Something about anyone/any entity wanting to take vast amount of money from you for obligated services make places in developing areas very appealing. My experiences in mexico is reverse what it is in the USA. Mexico almost everybody tries to nickle and dime and get one over on you. In USA it is kind of the government doing it rather than an individual. Being an individual does not have much power over another it is preventable where going against a government body, or government back body it a hard thing to do (and win).

matthew

animatt

Re: Building new Off Grid Home in Panama

I was originally thinking about buying crown batts from NAWS. I contacted Crown to see if there was anyone in Salt Lake City that distributed the batteries. Thinking I could save shipping. No dice. No one in the area. But when I asked if I could buy direct I could and did.

I can not remember the exact price but it was like $858 for 8 of the cr-235 including shipping. For a total of 470ah @24v.

I saved about $380- $400 when you account for shipping. This was about 10 weeks ago. Not sure what prices have done since.

I think the only way you could possibly save enough money would be buying direct from a manufacturer. Even then it maybe close on whether it is worth the stress or not to import.

matthew

Surfpath

Re: Building new Off Grid Home in Panama

Ernest,
No need to ship to Miami and then to Panama.

Look up DC Battery Specialist in Miami. They are known for exporting direct to L.A.

Their blurb: "DC Battery Specialists (a division of DC Marine Systems, Inc.) is an established Miami, Florida, USA, based battery supplier. DC Battery celebrates more than thirty-five (35) years of service as a battery supplier to North America, the Caribbean, South & Central America and the world."


http://www.dcbattery.com/

Perhaps they can be of help.

If you import it'll be a challenge no doubt. But it can be done.

Panamretiree

Re: Building new Off Grid Home in Panama

Surfpath wrote: »

Ernest,
No need to ship to Miami and then to Panama.

Look up DC Battery Specialist in Miami. They are known for exporting direct to L.A.

Their blurb: "DC Battery Specialists (a division of DC Marine Systems, Inc.) is an established Miami, Florida, USA, based battery supplier. DC Battery celebrates more than thirty-five (35) years of service as a battery supplier to North America, the Caribbean, South & Central America and the world."


http://www.dcbattery.com/

Perhaps they can be of help.

If you import it'll be a challenge no doubt. But it can be done.

Surfpath: Thank you. Will be on my list for next week. There weren't any hours of operation.

Did you get your gen fixed?

Cheers

Ernest

Panamretiree

Re: Building new Off Grid Home in Panama

Surfpath wrote: »

Ernest,
No need to ship to Miami and then to Panama.

Look up DC Battery Specialist in Miami. They are known for exporting direct to L.A.

Their blurb: "DC Battery Specialists (a division of DC Marine Systems, Inc.) is an established Miami, Florida, USA, based battery supplier. DC Battery celebrates more than thirty-five (35) years of service as a battery supplier to North America, the Caribbean, South & Central America and the world."


http://www.dcbattery.com/

Perhaps they can be of help.

If you import it'll be a challenge no doubt. But it can be done.

Sent an email today, hope to hear back.

Panamretiree

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

Been busy perusing threads and equipment.

Looked at the Schneider XW-MPPT80-600 Solar charge controller. It is a beast. Price I saw was just a hair over $1100.00. Went looking for the specs and found the install manual. Able to manage 2-2400W strings of panels up to 550V operating (600V max I guess). Integrates with the XW system components, shares info over the XANBus (almost started singing "magic bus"). Interesting charging profile as well.

Does not have all the bells and whistles that the Classic has. Maybe a good thing.

Cheers

Ernest

BB.

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

If you need the long distance wire run from Array to the Battery Shed--There is not much out there that will beat it.

If you can live with lower voltages--Then look at normal 150 VDC max version (~100 Vmp-array maximum).

Somebody like Dave Sparks can tell you of the advantages from using an integrated charge controller with the XW series inverters. He sells and installs off grid systems in the California Mountains and really loves the XW product line (as I recall). You could try sending him a PM (been a few weeks since Dave last logged on here).

-Bill

Panamretiree

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

BB. wrote: »

If you need the long distance wire run from Array to the Battery Shed--There is not much out there that will beat it.

If you can live with lower voltages--Then look at normal 150 VDC max version (~100 Vmp-array maximum).

Somebody like Dave Sparks can tell you of the advantages from using an integrated charge controller with the XW series inverters. He sells and installs off grid systems in the California Mountains and really loves the XW product line (as I recall). You could try sending him a PM (been a few weeks since Dave last logged on here).

-Bill

The longest wire run from the array(s) to the CCs will be under 100 feet, probably less. The workshop is only 6' from the south end wall.

You can buy two Classic 150s for the price of one Schneider XW80-600.

Will look at the Schneider XW60-150, and PM Dave Sparks. Thanks for pointing me in that direction.

Cheers

Ernest

NorthGuy

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

Panamretiree wrote: »

You can buy two Classic 150s for the price of one Schneider XW80-600.

One XW80-600 can handle almost as much as two Classic 150s.

Also, since your strings get much longer, you save quite a bit on combiner boxes (you don't need them any more) and
MC4 cables (you need only one per string).

You can also look at this thread.

Panamretiree

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

NorthGuy wrote: »

One XW80-600 can handle almost as much as two Classic 150s.

Also, since your strings get much longer, you save quite a bit on combiner boxes (you don't need them any more) and
MC4 cables (you need only one per string).

You can also look at this thread.

Have been reading the install and operation manual for both XW80-600 and XW60-150. It appears these CCs do what the Classic 150 battery monitoring System will eventually do and that is "when charging, the XW SCC regulates the battery voltage and the output current based on the amount of DC power available from the PV array and the state of charge of the battery."

"During the float stage, the voltage of the battery is held at the float voltage setting. Full current can be provided to the loads connected to the battery during the float stage from the PV array. When battery voltage drops below the ReCharge Volts setting for 1 minute, a new bulk cycle will be triggered." The operative word in this sentence is "can", I take this to mean not necessarily, but if loads are present the power would come from the array, not the battery bank (I think this is the meaning).

From the above, it would seem to me that if you are gone for a few days and using very little power, you would not have to worry about damaging your battery bank.

From reading the XW60-150 owners manual, it does appear to provide much the same information the Classic 150 does. The classic 150 can; however, be connected to a laptop with a wireless bridge so you can monitor the system from a remote location. i have not found this in any XW literature so far, more reading to do I guess.

As for the panel strings, the XW80-600 CC would allow for uneven number of panels to be put in series, and as you say, you save on combiner boxes. The diagrams I saw for the XW80-600 show the string of panels going directly to the CC. The XW80-600 CC can have an array of 4800 W maximum for a 48V system - 2 strings - 2400W each, or 3 strings of 1600W each. I believe this is what I read and understood. Using 305W panels, this would mean 7 panels per string. Using this controller may require a new direction regarding solar panels, smaller wattage but more of them. Use the example in the XW80-600 manual of 10 by 240W in 2 strings. Canadian Solar has a 240W panel.

With this configuration there would only be approximately 8.0A coming from each string combining in the CC for 16A. Must be quite the step up to AC then down to DC for charging.

More machinations to decipher and assimilate.

Will look at the thread you recommend.

Cheers

Ernest

NorthGuy

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

Panamretiree wrote: »

Have been reading the install and operation manual for both XW80-600 and XW60-150. It appears these CCs do what the Classic 150 battery monitoring System will eventually do and that is "when charging, the XW SCC regulates the battery voltage and the output current based on the amount of DC power available from the PV array and the state of charge of the battery."

"During the float stage, the voltage of the battery is held at the float voltage setting. Full current can be provided to the loads connected to the battery during the float stage from the PV array. When battery voltage drops below the ReCharge Volts setting for 1 minute, a new bulk cycle will be triggered." The operative word in this sentence is "can", I take this to mean not necessarily, but if loads are present the power would come from the array, not the battery bank (I think this is the meaning).

From the above, it would seem to me that if you are gone for a few days and using very little power, you would not have to worry about damaging your battery bank.

All charge controllers work that way. They don't let battery voltage to go over absorption voltage (or float voltage when in float). Loads will take the power first, the rest goes to batteries. If that would rise the battery voltage above the set level, the controller dials down and part of the energy is wasted.

Panamretiree wrote: »

As for the panel strings, the XW80-600 CC would allow for uneven number of panels to be put in series, and as you say, you save on combiner boxes. The diagrams I saw for the XW80-600 show the string of panels going directly to the CC. The XW80-600 CC can have an array of 4800 W maximum for a 48V system - 2 strings - 2400W each, or 3 strings of 1600W each. I believe this is what I read and understood. Using 305W panels, this would mean 7 panels per string. Using this controller may require a new direction regarding solar panels, smaller wattage but more of them. Use the example in the XW80-600 manual of 10 by 240W in 2 strings. Canadian Solar has a 240W panel.

You need to be careful with string sizing. For XW80-600 the combined V_MP cannto be less than 230V, and the combined V_OC cannot be more than 550V (normally you would derate for coldest temperature, but I guess you don't need to). In that range you simply select the size of the string that fits you the best.

Panamretiree

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

NorthGuy wrote: »

You need to be careful with string sizing. For XW80-600 the combined V_MP cannto be less than 230V, and the combined V_OC cannot be more than 550V (normally you would derate for coldest temperature, but I guess you don't need to). In that range you simply select the size of the string that fits you the best.

I noticed on the thread that you recommended that there was one fellow who stated that he had 20-210W panels in a single string attached to the XW8-600 CC. From what I read, this does not seem to meet the information in the install manual. Am I missing something?

Looked at the CS 240W panels. Vmp is 29.9V, Voc is 37V. This tells me that two strings of 10 of these panels or equivalent should meet the operating parameters. Putting them in one string would be too much on the Voc rating.

vtmaps

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

Panamretiree wrote: »

The longest wire run from the array(s) to the CCs will be under 100 feet, probably less. The workshop is only 6' from the south end wall.

You can buy two Classic 150s for the price of one Schneider XW80-600.

Another consideration: safety. High voltage DC is a different beast and needs special precautions. You should have an arc fault combiner box with disconnect. This will be required in the upcoming revision of the NEC. Arc fault protection at the charge controller does NOT provide the same protection that an arc fault protection at the combiner does.

Personally, I would spend a bit more on the cable and keep my Vmp as low as possible.

--vtMaps

NorthGuy

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

Panamretiree wrote: »

I noticed on the thread that you recommended that there was one fellow who stated that he had 20-210W panels in a single string attached to the XW8-600 CC. From what I read, this does not seem to meet the information in the install manual. Am I missing something?

I think he had "12V" evergreen panels. I may be mistaken.

Panamretiree wrote: »

Looked at the CS 240W panels. Vmp is 29.9V, Voc is 37V. This tells me that two strings of 10 of these panels or equivalent should meet the operating parameters. Putting them in one string would be too much on the Voc rating.

The good thing is that you have a choice of how long your strings are. With these, you probably can go from 10 to 14 long strings.

Of course, higher voltage is more dangereous. So, the longer your strings the more probability of being toasted if you accidentally touch it.

Cariboocoot

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

For what it's worth, the higher the array Vmp compared to nominal system Voltage the less efficient the controller and the more power dissipated as heat within the controller. I have never seen any numbers for efficiency of the Xantrex 600 CC but doubt it is as good as even a Classic 250 when asked to run at 500+ Volts.

offgrid me

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

I am the guy with the 20 evergreen 210 panels in a single string. The highest voltage I have ever seen on a cold morning (-20F) was 436v. Usual its around 380v. The cc seems to sit at around 94% conversion efficiency with these voltages and rarely gets warm. I have seen over 80amp of charge current from the 80 600 but now have it set at 75% max to save my batteries from to high a charge rate. For the longish run I needed the 80 600 was about the same price as the combiner, mc4 cables, 4awg wire and breakers needed for a conventional CC. After 2 years I do not have a single complaint about the 80 600 and would recommend it to anyone who needs to run over 100' from their panels to their power room.
Ned

Panamretiree

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

Thinking of ways to economize and a couple are:

1. Custom combiner box similar to PW's;
2. Make your own cables for connecting panels to combiner box. This would also permit the use of "yellow" 10 gauge wire in accordance with the new ABYC recommendations for ground cabling on boats, and have red cabling for the positive side. Have seen the MCT4 male and female connectors on the web. Considering the number of connections that are made in an RE system, this should not be a huge leap. Another issue this would prevent is crossing the wires when in the combiner box, or wrapping red tape around the appropriate end.

Thought I'd throw this out there for comment.

Cheers

Ernest

mtdoc

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

Panamretiree wrote: »

Thinking of ways to economize and a couple are:
Make your own cables for connecting panels to combiner box. This would also permit the use of "yellow" 10 gauge wire in accordance with the new ABYC recommendations for ground cabling on boats, and have red cabling for the positive side. Have seen the MCT4 male and female connectors on the web. Considering the number of connections that are made in an RE system, this should not be a huge leap.

For my recent system expansion, I made my own cables using inexpensive ebay MC4 connectors and crimper - was not difficult at all and saved a lot of money. I say go for it!

westbranch

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

fyi, the crimpers shown for Anderson Power Pole connectors use the same jaw pattern as needed for MC4 connectors....
cheers....

Panamretiree

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

Definitely going to make my own MC4 cables.

Had an interesting look into the mail system here in Panama. Third party stores such as Mail Boxes Etc are not allowed to compete, much like the US and Canada; however, courier type services are allowed to handle mail and are not considered direct competition. Having said all this my choices for sending mail were:

1. Panama mail service - 6 to 8 weeks delivery to the US - $1.00
2. EMS Courier service - 2 to 3 weeks - will deliver to a PO Box - $36.00
3. UPS or equivalent - 2 to 3 days - need actual address - $64.00

I chose option 2 through Mail Boxes Etc. Courier service is recommended for anything sensitive, time constrained or if you want insurance, with the exception of EMS Courier - it allows tracking, but no insurance.

Also found out that MBE will import items/equipment into Panama right to Coronado, 12 Kms down the road. I also found out that if you can prove the items/equipment are made in the US with a Certificate of Origin, because of the Free Trade alliance, there is no duty, but you may have to pay sales tax at 7%. This takes about 4 weeks from receipt at its office(s) in Florida.

Things are shaping up. Pleased with todays findings.

Cheers

Ernest

Photowhit

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

Just some personal opinions from reading the last doz replies.

The Xantrex might be a great controller, but it's still an 80 amp controller, so it'll handle about the same number of panels as the Classic 150 or 200. I think someone stated it would handle 2x's...

A charge controller's job in life is to monitor and control the charging so you don't have to, 24 hours after mine was setup I left for 3 days. I suspect/hope, your system will quietly fade into the background of your life. Some people feel they must constantly monitor their system, there is nothing wrong with those people, but I personally have other things I like to do, my system is rather hands on now, but my goal is for it to fade into the background. I'm manually turning the water heater on and off now, and will connect a timer to minimize this during this week, and perhaps have a daily timer that I can use as well.

Odd number of panels... not sure where I read that, but as far as I know, no charge controller require an even number of panels, they deal with incoming power regardless of what panels it comes from, you can even have different strings made of different voltage and number of panels so long as the power they generate is about the same voltage(so you have minimal losses).

I made my own MC4 cables, it's not a pain, but does require a bit of patience. My after market crimper (I think you can fine the thread on crimpers) liked to have a have one side roll nicely and the other fold flat with 10 gauge course wire (7 strand?) but made nice crimps on more multi strand wire. On colored wire, I'd pass! I've seen several reports of anything but black wire deteriorating quicker in the sun than black. Just check before you wire things up, breakers off or no fuse installed, I have a friend who thought he had to do his wiring at night!

inetdog

Re: Bulding new Off Grid Home in Panama

Photowhit wrote: »

Odd number of panels... not sure where I read that, but as far as I know, no charge controller require an even number of panels, they deal with incoming power regardless of what panels it comes from, you can even have different strings made of different voltage and number of panels so long as the power they generate is about the same voltage(so you have minimal losses).

+1
What is true is that where small numbers are concerned, odd numbers also turn out to be prime numbers a lot of the time.
If you have six panels and a very high Vmax CC like the Classic, you may be able to put all six in a string or with almost any CC you can do two strings of three or three strings of two. Or all six in parallel.
If you have five panels, you can make one string of five or five strings of one and that is it.
If you have nine panels, you have 1, 3 or 9 strings.
So the odd number being bad has to be a reference to the total number of panels, not the number in each string.
21 is a nice number if you can handle the voltage of three panels in series, but seven in series is not likely to work with anything but a grid-tie inverter.
As for mixing size and type of panel, it is true that you can get away with a lot more than most people think at first glance, but it is not a great idea to start out planning to buy a mixed set of panels either. :-)

PS: A psychologist gave a test to a mathematician, a physicist and an engineer.
He asked them if it was true that all odd numbers were prime.
The mathematician said "Well, 3 is prime, 5 is prime, 7 is prime, 9.... Nope, the hypothesis is false."
The physicist said "OK, 3 is prime, 5 is prime, 7 is prime, 9 -- not prime, 11 is prime, 13 is prime. Yes, the hypothesis is true, since 9 was probably just experimental error."
The engineer said "Hmm, 3 is prime, 5 is prime, 7 is prime, 9 is prime, 11 is prime, 13 is prime....."