Pulled the trigger on 4 x 100w flexible panels and a Morningstar TS-MPPT-60

[autumnbreeze27]

I went out at 1pm and uncovered the panel and did some tests. Unfortunately, it's overcast, so I was only getting about 50% power from the panels (about 2.5-3 amps)

I experimented with shading the panel. This is in overcast conditions, but I held large rectangle shade over panel. If I put the shade flat over top the panel and shaded even down to 20% of the panel, it would still pretty drop to nothing (less than 1 amp). Which end didn't matter. Which side didn't matter.

If I held the shade on end, so the shadow was only 1" wide or so, I'd lose 50% power, so it would drop to 1.5 amps or so.

Not a very scientific test, I admit, but at least I know now that if a line crosses it, it might still put out some power, but if a spar shades it, no bueno.

[gypsy wanderer]

Originally Posted by jostalli

Can't say that I have experience with them but these look like the best deal on flexible panels 180w $296: EVTV Motor Verks Store: Flexible Solar Panel 180w, Solar and Boat, 180wsolarpanel

Cells made by Sunpower

Nominal Capacity: 180watts
Length: 1302 mm / 51.26 inches
Width: 796 mm / 31.34 inches
Thickness: 3 mm / 0.118 inches
Efficiency: >20%
Open Circuit Voltage: 20.3 volts
Short Circuit Current: 11.57 amperes
Max Power: 16.8v @ 10,71 amps

Thanks for the link. 6.6lbs. is really good.
These look really similar to the ones being sold at Home Depots website.
Grape Solar PhotoFlex 100-Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel-GS-PHOTOFLEX-100W at The Home Depot

Same weight but only 100 watts. Picture and price look similar as well.
So I guess I am a bit suspicious, but very interested. That extra 80 watts would help me alot.
Guess I will have to investigate it further.
Thanks again.

[jseas]

Originally Posted by socaldmax

Can you give us more details? What is their rated power output? What solar controller are you using? How much power are you seeing on sunny days?

My panels are 50w each. I run them in parallel. I'm seeing about 10 amps on the best sunny days out of all four (200w) but I also have another 210 watts of hard panels. I use a Morningstar 25 amp Duo. It is not an mppt charger.

[jseas]

Here's a close up of how I'm hiding the cables.

[autumnbreeze27]

Thanks for the tip. I need to figure out what to do about connectors, cables, and thru-hulls. Any tips on where and what to buy before I start searching the forums?

I tried to look up the connector that's on mine and it's not listed. It's a basic 2 connector in a circular plug that you plug in and then screw to make "waterproof"

[jseas]

Originally Posted by autumnbreeze27

Thanks for the tip. I need to figure out what to do about connectors, cables, and thru-hulls. Any tips on where and what to buy before I start searching the forums?

I tried to look up the connector that's on mine and it's not listed. It's a basic 2 connector in a circular plug that you plug in and then screw to make "waterproof"

You may have missed it above but ebay seller podiumline1226 has everything you need. You'll use MC4 connectors. No special tools needed. Super easy to assemble. No soldering. Get the Y connectors already made up from same seller.

[jseas]

Forgot....here's the cable gland to get through the deck.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230661650625

[autumnbreeze27]

Is the best way to wire them port and starboard each in series and then parallel them below?

Based on my earlier testing I'm guessing I should run them fore & aft, that way if the boom shades one it doesn't take out the other.

So I'd get a junction box to connect the panels to MC4, then get a Y to run 2 panels in series, and then another Y to connect port & Starboard in parallel, then run that throug the deck to the MPPT? and I just need patch cables to get from junction boxes to series Y, and then another to parallel Y, and then one last run to the MPPT?

Did I get that right?

[jseas]

I had started out with that same plan but the shadows are just not my friend so I simplified and went all parallel. Unless you are running very long cables you won't see much improvement from series.

[jseas]

Heres a photo of my home made junction box.... But it was not complete when I took this photo, but will give you an idea. And a few more photos.

[gypsy wanderer]

Originally Posted by jseas

Heres a photo of my home made junction box.... But it was not complete when I took this photo, but will give you an idea. And a few more photos.

Attachment 79856

Attachment 79858


Attachment 79857

That is nice ****.
Care to share where you got the plastic box? Switches?

[jseas]

This box came from online, but plastic gray box from homedepot works just as good. Fuse block found at auto parts store.

[autumnbreeze27]

What a bunch of drama. After waiting and waiting for the MPPT to arrive, it never did, so I contact the seller, and start googling the person. I find all these negative reviews on websites like ripoffalert, so I'm thinking GREAT, a scammer! Long story short, he ended up being a good guy and even though he dropped the ball he overnighted the thing to me so it ended well. Then I'm wondering where my cables I ordered from podiumline1226 are? So I look online and it says they were delivered today! Except I was home all day and they weren't delivered! So the solar saga continues. Will we get our parts before we have to be out of the house? Will the post office figure out what they did with our boxes? Deep breaths... deep breaths...

[Red Sky]

Originally Posted by autumnbreeze27

Strictly sail panels were all a joke. I got 4 for the price of maybe 1 at show price!

Do you mean those semi-flexible,150 watt, outrageously priced ($10/watt) panels?

[autumnbreeze27]

Originally Posted by jseas

You may have missed it above but ebay seller podiumline1226 has everything you need. You'll use MC4 connectors. No special tools needed. Super easy to assemble. No soldering. Get the Y connectors already made up from same seller.

Do you know podiumline1226? I ordered my parts from that vendor but it appears they are ripping me off. I've asked for help finding the box they supposedly had delivered and they aren't responding except to ebay to tell me to screw off. Very unprofessional. Sent them another message today.