Solar Setup for simple use

BB. · February 2009

Re: Solar Setup for simple use

Yes, there are 4 basic ways of monitoring your battery's performance (really, it is monitoring how well your system plays with your battery bank), roughly in order of preference (least to highest preference)...

Measure the "resting voltage" (no loads/charging for several hours) with an accurate DVM (0.xx V accuracy) and temperature of the battery.
For flooded cell batteries, use a hydrometer + thermometer. Probably the most accurate, but takes time, messy, and you can contaminate the battery cells.
Take a look at this Doc Wattson Combination Meter--a very educational tool for understanding battery performance in smaller systems (don't know company or product--but if it works as documented--a very cool tool)... Really not for the job of monitoring the battery state--but for measuring the Amp*Hours in and out--Measuring Amp*Hours turns out to be very accurate. Batteries are about 100% efficient when measuring Amp*Hours (Watt*Hours or AH*Volts is about ~10-20% loss between discharging and charging).
Battery Monitor. Too big/expensive for you small system--but the way to go for full off-grid systems. Basically tells you almost everything you need to know about the state of your battery bank. Easy to read for non-technical folks (spouses, visitors to the cabin--i.e., "don't go below 50% state of charge or you owe me a new battery bank"). The Trimetric is the lower cost. The Xantrex are the higher cost meters.
Battery Charge Controllers that have a Remote Battery Temperature Sensor. Not really a tool to measure battery performance (for the end user)--but used by the charge controller to ensure that your battery is always getting the correct charging voltage/current. Batteries charging voltage requirements change with temperature. Having an RBTS is almost mandatory to ensure proper charging with the larger/better charge controllers.

Read this Battery FAQ for an idea on how the basic Lead Acid battery works. Under charging / over discharging is probably the #1 killer of batteries. Storing partially discharged batteries and over charging/boiling dry probably accounts for many of the other common methods for killing batteries.

A good Battery Monitor will help you keep your battery bank running well.

-Bill

RWB · February 2009

Re: Solar Setup for simple use

Here are some pics of my small portable system that is just a larger scale than yours but works the same.

The battery is Lithium Polymer 26Ah and is designed to be charged via solar panels.

I am also using the Watts Up meter, you don't need the Doc Wattson meter cause it reads way to hi, the Watts UP meter is better for these small systems, its more detailed.

My 75watt peak foldable panel can recharge the battery to Full with 1 full day of sun, a perfect match really.

Anyways though you would like to see the pics.

BB. · February 2009

Re: Solar Setup for simple use

Here is a nice detailed review of the Watt's Up and some other comments. Also appears to be a very useful tool for the smaller solar/off grid systems.

-Bill

niel · February 2009

Re: Solar Setup for simple use

i have used a sunsaver pwm cc straight through as a regulator without a battery, but a small lead acid battery would be cheaper for your fix to this problem. just remember to disconnect your loads (aa charger) and keep your lead acid battery properly charged up. the pv should deliver at least 5% of the battery ah rating.

homerramirez · February 2009

Re: Solar Setup for simple use

I have 3 of the Sunsei 25000 charge controllers and the monitor , they were given to me for free new on the box , those controllers are for 12/24v @ 25A max., 400w of panels for 12v and 800w max. @ 24v....they are PWM, the Sunsei 10000 is a10A.@ 12v Charge controllers, they do very good on small sys. also I think he is using it with the 18w Sunsei portable solar panel....I have 9x130v and 3x100w Sunsei solar panels, wired @ 24v with said controllers, for my set up I could get more with an MPPT controller but with my 400ah @ 24v I'm producing more than I can store....

......Today with my new Samlex S-2024 we did 3 laundry loads while kid watching our 35" tv and the batteries still got a full charge....I my opinion Sunsei makes a good quality products and the panels exceed it's ratings...I was lucky getting lots of my sys. for free from the distribuitor

.....by the way Sunsei solar panels are polycristaline.....My 2 cts.:cool:

mike95490 · February 2009

Re: Solar Setup for simple use

Here's a photo of a large version of what you are trying. It's a 60W panel, (not visible), connected via a charge controller (C12) to a 12V deep cycle boat battery (below, not visible)
You can see wires, fuse block, and cig lighter outlet, and a 12V USB charge adapter is plugged in, charging my Treo phone. Also, have a 4 cell battery charger too

http://www.mike-burgess.org/images/Mono_2005_CS_061.JPG

here's a better overall photo of it:
http://www.mike-burgess.org/images/Mono_2005_CS_056.JPG

and plans if you get really interested:
http://www.ae-zone.org/Designs/monolith/monolith.html
Now linked to my facebook page, which is open access to this album:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2074858&id=1196643274&l=7e66e96c3c

homerramirez · February 2009

Re: Solar Setup for simple use

I forgot to say this....the distribuitor that gave me all charge controllers for free, he gave my son an small solar charger (free) for his PSP....new on the box...it does comes with 4 or 5 USB connector cables and the brand is Sunsei, you can charge an IPod, PSP,cell phone...every thing that has a USB port...I'm sorry I can't post the pictures because my son left it yesterday in my wife's car (his PSP bat. was low so he was using it while playing)...it is so compact that fits on your hand and folds to protect the cell...do not waste any more money!!!!!...check back again on this thread and you will see the pictures around 7:00 p.m. today.....;)
:cool:

mike95490 · February 2009

Re: Solar Setup for simple use

homerramirez wrote: »

it is so compact that fits on your hand and folds to protect the cell...do not waste any more money

Is that like the one on the shelf in this photo -
http://www.mike-burgess.org/images/Mono_2005_CS_061.JPG
you can see the 2 halves, and the USB port on it. Holds 5 NiMh AA batteries. But it takes 2 days to get a full charge. Very handy, and I wish I could locate another one, stick a USB flex light with LED on it, and you have a nice table lamp too.

homerramirez · February 2009

Re: Solar Setup for simple use

Sorry for the delay, finally I found my son's PSP,IPod etc. charger...I set it up on the floor on 12x12 tile so you have an idea how handy is, look how many diferent of USB adaptors came with...my son love it...;)

homerramirez · February 2009

Re: Solar Setup for simple use

Here the other picture, for some reason did not attached on last post....what do you guys think?.... it was free new on sealed box.....:cool:

mike95490 · February 2009

Re: Solar Setup for simple use

Yep, that's the same USB, hinged lid solar charger I have. Got a source for them ? They are a great show & tell item.

homerramirez · February 2009

Re: Solar Setup for simple use

No, it was a gift from the Sunsei ditribuitor, no brand on the box or the solar charger...that's why I think is a Sunsei product.....by the way, it works great...any way it is not good to recharge small electronics too fast...:cool:

Solar Setup for simple use

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