Solar setup help.

dehahn1984
dehahn1984 Registered Users Posts: 3 ✭
in Solar Beginners Corner #1

Hello all, im trying to setup a single solar panel in my rv, for the sole purpose of keeping the batteries charged while not in use. Heres what i got....


Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Z6CW7O?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


Sun YOBA Solar Charge Controller... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015ZBODDS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


SolarEpic EPEVER MT-50 Remote... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YAB0UVO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


And my 2 batteries are...

https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/sligc115


My issue with understanding comes down to the stock parameters of the charge controller / mt50. I get setting the amp hours to 220 but im not sure about the rest and would love to know if they need adjusted. To be clear in going by the flooded values. Thanks!


Screenshot_20190409-175224.png


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Comments

  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2

    If this is purely for keeping a full bank full, you might want to consider setting the "boost" voltage down to the same as float voltage. Going through this cycle every day isn't needed for a battery not in active use, and causes needless aging. If the controller has a setting to equalize every 'X' days, I'd set it to do so at the boost voltage every 14 days or so. This should be enough for acid mixing to avoid stratification, while also avoiding excessive gassing and water loss.

    If unattended, be certain the panel can't get shaded (eg by snow or leaves). Also, be sure to check water level before storing, and charge to full.

    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
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  • dehahn1984
    dehahn1984 Registered Users Posts: 3 ✭
    #3

    Thanks. As far as the rest, it looks good? I thought a battery would be full at 12.6v or so, but this charge controller is wanting to bring it up to 13.8 volts or more. Is that normal?

    20190409_172502.jpg


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  • littleharbor2
    littleharbor2 Solar Expert Posts: 2,113 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #4

    It should bring it up to 14.8 for a flooded battery then hold it there for absorption until full, then transition to float, ie 13.8. After dark the voltage should settle down to 12.8 or less depending on loads.

    2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old  but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric,  460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.

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  • dehahn1984
    dehahn1984 Registered Users Posts: 3 ✭
    #5

    Thanks. Just wanted to make sure it wasnt overcharging my batteries.

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  • Tecnodave
    Tecnodave Registered Users Posts: 437 ✭✭✭✭
    edited April 2019 #6

    This the same as the EP SOLAR Tracer, the voltage of these units wander and setting the correct voltage for a true deep cycle battery is difficult. In 6 months I wasted enough fuel using a generator to top off my batteries I could have bought a Classic 150. I threw out the Tracers and bought a Classic 150. I haven't run the generator to top my batteries since. If they work for you then good enough. Correct bulk/absorb voltage for a true deep cycle is 14.4 for most and float is 13.6 volts The voltage presets on these are for an automobile combo start/deep cycle, not suitable for GC-2 or L-16 true deep cycle, they will leave such a battery undercharged.

    2 Classic 150, 2 Kid, 5 arrays 7.5 kw total  2ea.  2S6P Sharp NE-170/NE-165, 1ea. 12P Sanyo HIT 200,  2ea. 4/6P Sanyo HIT 200, MagnaSine MS4024AE, Exeltech XP-1100,  2 Banks L-16 battery, Rolls-Surette S-530 and Interstate Traction, Shunts with whizbangJr and Bogart Tri-Metric, iCharger i208B  dc-dc buck/boost converter with BMS for small form lithium 8S 16650 or LiFePO4,
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