Portable Solar Plan

[Tizi]

I have decided to go portable for my solar for several reasons 1) I like the option to move them around, 2) want to use them before committing to additional on my camper or trailer, and 3) I think it's pretty cool.

My choices are buy a pre-configured system from Zamp, GoPower, Renology, etc., Or purchase the items I need and build my own. The problem with the kits is they come with PWM controller. Everything I have read is a MPPT controller is more efficient and provides better charging. The MPPT controller should be mounted close to the batteries, but the PWM in the kits are mounted at the panel. Why is that? Also, I think I can build a better system myself for less...?

I have picked out some panels/Controller/Wires:Here.

MPPT Controller
Wires x 2

Did I miss anything? I likely need wires from controller to battery and a fuse?

[Tizi]

Going to be adding purple and gold graphics to the exterior: Big Ws!!!

[jimh406]

What's left ... adding the purple and gold to the inside? 🙂

[Tizi]

Got it almost completed:

[Tizi]

there was a sale in March.

[Canonsue]

How did you get such a deal? Now the Grape 150 system is $300.

[Tizi]

are my posts showing up???

[Tizi]

Tested and working good.

Set up


Panels - 3x 50 watts


Charger and Bluetooth app - super cool. Pulling over 5 amps

[towpro]

lead acid batters product hydrogen as they are changed. that same gas was used in the Hindenburg. they just be in boxes vented to outside.

AGM is supposed to be OK inside, as long as charger is working correct....

[Tizi]

One more question: Can I charge and use these batteries inside of the travel trailer without safety issues?? They will be in an appropriate container.

[Tizi]

Hemi Joel wrote:
I am running a pair of $80 Duracell 6V golf cart batteries from Sams, and they work great. I wouldn't spend the bucks on AGM.

I just got 2 of them! Thanks for the advice. They were $40 less each than AGM. Since I will be using these in my cargo trailer allowing easy access to service them.

I have 2 group 27 that I will leave in the camper. The 2 6 volts will go in my cargo trailer, powered by solar.

[maxum1989]

Tizi wrote:
So why the big fuss 6v vs 12v batteries? Seems like either would be good options. I currently have 2 12v group 27 @ 100ah each.

As mentioned above the golf cart batteries can withstand a little more abuse than the 12 volt batteries. But, if you keep the discharge levels to a reasonable level then 12 volt batteries do just fine. There is nothing wrong with the 2 group 27 batteries you already have. I would just use them until they need to be replaced and then decide what to do.

[dewey02]

If your 12 volt batteries are true deep cycle batteries then there is not that much difference.
But many 12 volt batteries are not true deep cycle, but rather a hybrid often called "marine/deep cycle". Their plates are thinner and they don't hold up as well to repeated discharge to 50% capacity or below, which is what your RV batteries may be required to endure.

Here's a link to an article called "The 12 volt side of life" which discusses all sorts of battery applications, including 12 volt and golf cart 6 volt batteries. Link here

[Tizi]

So why the big fuss 6v vs 12v batteries? Seems like either would be good options. I currently have 2 12v group 27 @ 100ah each.

[maxum1989]

Tizi wrote:
So, if I have 2 12v at 100ah, if wired in parallel gives me 200ah?

Correct. Because in this case you are already starting with a 12 volt battery, so you double the amp capacity. Or even triple it for three batteries etc.
In the 6 volt golf battery case, you need the second battery to make 12 volts therefore you do not double the amp ratings.