Solar system ????

[CAELESTIS]

I have a 550amp@24v house bank. I am considering placing two large solar panels on an arch/bimini. I would like to know the best solar panels at the maximum output (2). What voltage do I need?

From reading various posts, I know I also need a MPPT controler. Outback makes a good one but some comment that it induces noise into HF radio.

Additionally, I would want a much smaller 12v panel to charge the 8D used for SSB radio.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Taffy]

Hi,

Solar panels give out 12v so you will have to connect your two panels in series to get 24v. The rating of the panel should be based on your daily power usage not the max rating of your batteries.
Often the physical size of the panel and mounting location is the limitation, althougth the cost will also help you decide what size to choose.

[noelex 77]

Go for the largest Panels you can fit. What about a 24V to 12V converter to power your 12v needs?

[Hud3]

Solar panels come in different flavors, both 12 V and 24 V. Single crystal photocells are more efficient, but polycrystalline perform better if they become partially shaded by the boom, or a wind generator, for example. Most cruisers seem to favor the Kyocera panels.

There have been a lot of threads on solar here. Use the Google search feature in the "Search" pull-down menu in the blue nav bar up top to search relevant keywords, and you'll have a day or two worth of reading.

[imagine2frolic]

Earth is the third planet away from the sun in our Solar System. Does that help????.......i2f

[camaraderie]

You can wire 12 nominal panels in series to provide 24V. Typical max voltage is around 17V on a 12V panel so you would be dealing with 35V or so in a series hookup.
If you are concerned about the Outback interfering with SSB you might also consIider the BUE Sky SB3024 as a 24V controller.
http://www.blueskyenergyinc.com/pdf/..._datasheet.pdf

In addition to the Kyocera's, the BP panels also are rated well. Note that STC ratings are often above what you may experience in the real world as the test conditions are structured for optimum output. With an MPPT controller, I would at MOST expect 1/3 the rated wattage to be delievered in amphours to your batteries on an average day. Probably slightly less.

The state of California rates most solar panels under a tougher set of standards for output and you may review those outputs here as a way of comparing various modules in the real world.
Eligible PV Modules List - Go Solar California!

[witzgall]

Does anyone have experience with the Solartech panels on Ebay? Price is great, but....

SOLARTECH 120 WATT SOLAR PANEL 125 W OUTPUT RV MARINE - eBay (item 170292438181 end time Jan-13-09 15:00:00 PST)

Chris