vincent8542 need help with off grid systems

System

This discussion was created from comments split from: Thank you to the Super Moderators, no really!.

vincent8542

I need someone to review my design for a couple of off grid systems that worked fine in the lab but have failed in the field. I am new to this forum but could someone hook me up? Is it proper to give out my email address and other contact info here?
Please advise.thx

BB.

We generally don't post personal email addresses for privacy reasons, but you are welcome to do that.

I suggest that you tell us a bit more about the issues and roughly where they are located.

We have a few folks that do solar consulting for a living here that could help.

Or you are welcome to post the information here and get a group discussion going.

I am just a moderator here and I am not in the solar business (just try to be helpful).

Bill

vincent8542

We are a 501c3 non profit called working for the Son solar, inc
We repurpose and recycle pv solar modules and components
We designed, tested and installed two small off grid systems for some poor families in TJ/Ensenada and before i rush back down ahead of schedule to see what the problems are, i thought I would have someone outside our organization review our designs and see if we have miscalculated somehow in the design and equipment...
I have no problem folks having our info as we are public company/business/non profit and we do need to seek a consultant we can talk to ASAP
info@workingforthesonsolar.com
559 392 9831
Vincent Latham Sr
Chief cook and Bottle washer
President
www.workingforthesinsolar.com

Thank you
V

littleharbor2

Hey Vincent. Mike here. I bought those 80 Kyocera 12 volt panels from you a few months ago. I'd be happy to chat with you and hopefully work out the problem. I still have your number in my phone. Let me know when would be a good time to call.

BB.

If you want to tell us a bit more about the systems:

• Battery type/brand/model (i.e., 12 volt, 200 AH * 2 series * 2 parallel, flooded cell)
• Type and number of solar panels (i.e., Vmp=18 volts, Imp=5 amps, 4x series * 2 parallel strings, 20 degrees from horizontal pointing south)
• Brand/Model of charge controller (PWM or MPPT, max input voltage, remote battery temperature sensor, etc.)
• AC inverter (if present) (brand/model/Watts/Tare losses, on 100% of time, switched on when needed, has "standby mode", etc.)
• Expected power usage (aka 200 Watts peak, 5 hours a night, 1,000 WH per day, etc.)
• Any method(s) for local person to monitor system (battery monitor, volt meter, hydrometer, etc.)
• Hours of sun by month season for tilt of array
• Any buildings, overhead lines, local trees, mountain valleys that limit solar (shading)? Any shading on roof from chimney, vent pipes, etc....

And what kind of problems are you seeing? System goes dead just after sunset, blown inverter or charge controller, etc.?

My first guess for this type of system (somebody not really familiar with solar/battery systems) is that they simply try to get more energy from the system than it can supply/recharge every day... They just run loads until the batteries go dead, sun comes up next morning, and they run the loads again...

Sincerely,
-Bill

vincent8542

BILL OR MIKE PLZ CALL TOMORROW
...I'LL GIVE ALL THE SPECS ON EACH SYSTEM...THERE COULD BE MORE THAN ONE PROBLEM BUT IF AT LEAST YOU COULD DOUBLE CHECK OUR DESIGN, trouble shooting will be easier
Thx
559 392 9831

vincent8542

System 1
(4) Ritek 230 watt modules (see back plate screenshot) in parallel
Renogy Commander 40 amp MPPT
Renogy 1000 watt inverter
(2) 12 volt, 250 ah agm GS batteries in parallel
30 and 65 amp dc midnite solar breakers
150 amp battery breaker
Wire from modules to cc and to battery 10gauge
3 gauge from battery to inverter and jumpers

POWERS;
SMALL REFRIGERATOR 4 CUFT, WHIRLPOOL OR MAYTAG
32 INCH FLAT SCREEN TV APPROX 5 TO 7HRS A DAY
3 TO 4 - 25 WATT LED LIGHTS 3 TO 4 HOURS/DAY
USB RECHARGER FOR TELEPHONES as needed

vincent8542

South facing about 15 degree tilt