Solar Hookup help
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15663
Printed Date: 15 May 2024 at 7:52am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Solar Hookup help
Posted By: Marvin
Subject: Solar Hookup help
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2023 at 12:23am
I will be installing 2 solar panels. I understand the best way is in series... ok, I get that. I also heard that when you do that... if you cast a shadow on one panel not only will you loos power from that panel, but the other one as well. You prevent that by adding a "Diode". But where and what voltage flow direction?  ------------- Marv 2019 RP178 Highly Modified 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Turbo Charger |
Replies:
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2023 at 10:36am
|
Most newer panels have built in diodes so that you should not really have to deal with that as much. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Marvin
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2023 at 1:03pm
|
Thanks. They are Renogy, so I'll go ahead and install and then test. ------------- Marv 2019 RP178 Highly Modified 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Turbo Charger |
Posted By: hank*pod
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2023 at 9:37am
| If necessary install the diode across the panel terminals so it's reverse biased when the panel is producing electricity. When the panel stops producing electricity the other panel will forward bias the diode and bypass the panel. |
Posted By: Marvin
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2023 at 9:43am
Thanks Hank. ------------- Marv 2019 RP178 Highly Modified 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Turbo Charger |
Posted By: Marvin
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2023 at 8:22pm
|
Your right... these panels have it built in. ------------- Marv 2019 RP178 Highly Modified 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Turbo Charger |
Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 23 Apr 2023 at 12:13pm
|
Each panel is most likely 12V nominal, 17.5 Vmax. If your wire them in series, you'll get a little more power at the beginning and end of the day, but you should either run a 24V battery bank (with PWM controller) or a MPPT controller to avoid losing that benefit. It is too easy to avoid shadows to allow that to be a consideration. ------------- John '16 R-Pod 180 |
Posted By: Marvin
Date Posted: 23 Apr 2023 at 1:23pm
|
Colt, Thanks for the information. As to you comment "iIt is too easy to avoid shadows to allow that to be a consideration", obviously you've never camped the Beautiful NW. Not an option for us... we love our tall forest here in the NW and go to every chance we get.  ------------- Marv 2019 RP178 Highly Modified 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Turbo Charger |
Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 01 May 2023 at 10:23pm
I guess you'll have to keep moving them into the sun.  ------------- John '16 R-Pod 180 |
Posted By: Marvin
Date Posted: 01 May 2023 at 10:47pm
|
That's too much work to move the trailer... I'll just plug into the trailer a 120 volt light and mount it to the top of the Trailer to light up the Solar panels. Keep smiling... LOL.  ------------- Marv 2019 RP178 Highly Modified 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Turbo Charger |