Small System Opinion

Crystal

I found this for sale locally. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/895246220872763/

Wondering if it's a good deal. We only need to charge a few batteries to run a few led lights and charge a couple devices.
I know most charge control is optimal but will this be sufficient?
Also if I want to upgrade and get more panels will this sharp be easy to match?
TIA

mike95490

Batteries not included.   What would be suitable, a pair of 6v golf cart batteries (wired in series).

The charge controller needs to be a MPPT style for best charging of a 12V battery

Crystal

Right I was thinking the same thing on the controller. MPPT auto corrected to most lol

Thanks!!

littleharbor2

With a single 12 volt panel the charge controller in the listing is better suited than an MPPT controller.
You should be able to find a 120 watt panel to pair with that one fairly easily. If you do add another panel then , while the included controller will still be fine, an MPPT controller will be applicable if you series wire the pair of panels for higher voltage.

mike_s

Sure, MPPT would be more efficient. But it would be cheaper, and provide more power, to simply add a second panel in parallel.

mountainman

With The 30 amp prostar a good quality controller it  would even take  a third panel in parelell.
Imho 370 watts would be a better  match than 250 watts for 2 200 ah GC batteries. 
 Unless it's a long distance 50 foot or more to the array
I'd stick with the controller it comes with.
 2 more panels would give more amps and be cheaper than a quality mppt controller.

Crystal

Thanks for the suggestions. So do I have to get the same panel to be compatible?

littleharbor2

Crystal said:

Thanks for the suggestions. So do I have to get the same panel to be compatible?

Not necessarily, As long as the voltage is within10% of the original you'll be fine. Pretty much all 12 volt, 36 cell panels will work. In parallel the current will add.

Crystal

So it's a Maximum 17.2 volts. 

My next question can I put a larger wattage panel with it? The sharp is 123watts and I'd like to get a 300watt to add to it.

Does it have to poly or will mono work with it?

littleharbor2

Crystal said:

So it's a Maximum 17.2 volts. 

My next question can I put a larger wattage panel with it? The sharp is 123watts and I'd like to get a 300watt to add to it.

Does it have to poly or will mono work with it?

The Sharp 123 will work fine. Any 300 watt panel is too high of voltage to mix with the 36 cell, 12 volt panels.