can you daisy chain these panels for more power? i have a goal zero nomad 7. can i daisy chain the two together?
639435
Not as they are configured from the factory.the only accesible power output is a USB female jack.The USB output appears to be direct solar output.
639436
Not as they are configured from the factory. the only accesible power output is a USB female jack. The USB output appears to be direct solar output.
2043650
If you order the panels from Goal Zero then no additional hardware is needed. Check compatibility www.goalzero.com
1729372
It could be done, but 50 watts probably wouldn't do the trick. You could tie together more than one panel, though, for more power, or use a larger panel. If you do buy solar and plan to use a lead-acid battery, spend a little more and buy a PWM controller. (Look at Sunguard controllers). It costs a little more, but you'll get more output from the same panel. Controllers are used to prevent overcharging lead acid batteries. So, in short, it can be done. I love the Instapark panels. I dropped one from my RV and replaced it with the same model. Still need to see if I can have the glass replaced. They are not fragile, though. Have fun. It's a project.
1994200
I have not tested these for daisy-chaining them, but with other simular (these are better built) I have done 2. I personally do not go beyond that. If you need to go longer, I would consider USB over Cat5 adapters (not internet.. the adapters just use Cat5 cable) OR better yet.. Move the equipment in question.
1771956
This controller will handle up to 30amps. So for example, I have 3 panels at ~145w each (~7.5 amps) that are connected to each other and run to this controller. Since I'm only bringing in max around 22 amps, then this one controller is plenty. I could actually add one more panel to it of the same size as my current and it should continue to work fine. To answer your question though, yes, if your panels are large enough to put you over 30a with two panels, then run them side by side and connect the two controllers to the same battery bank without issue.
1440214
Yes, they recommend 3 panels at least, but you can use 4 or 5.....depending on the set-up you want.
2278438
Yes, to run more panels, I'm no pro, but from what I've found with this unit is that you can run higher voltage if you're running in series vs. strictly parallel. I have 4 panels and I run 2 in parallel and then the 2 sets in series for a total of 24 volts. It's actually higher than that most of the day - between 32 and 37 volts depending on the sunshine - I haven't seen my maximum voltage (in direct sunlight, at the perfect angle) yet, but so far, so good. I also don't know if this controller can handle 48 volts. I'm not saying it can't, but I've never seen the theoretical maximum that this controller can handle. Like I said, I'm not a pro - and I'm still learning. Be careful out there :) Yes, to run more panels, I'm no pro, but from what I've found with this unit is that you can run higher voltage if you're running in series vs. strictly parallel. I have 4 panels and I run 2 in parallel and then the 2 sets in series for a total of 24 volts. It's actually higher than that most of the day - between 32 and 37 volts depending on the sunshine - I haven't seen my maximum voltage (in direct sunlight, at the perfect angle) yet, but so far, so good. I also don't know if this controller can handle 48 volts. I'm not saying it can't, but I've never seen the theoretical maximum that... » Read More Yes, to run more panels, I'm no pro, but from what I've found with this unit is that you can run higher voltage if you're running in series vs. strictly parallel. I have 4 panels and I run 2 in parallel and then the 2 sets in series for a total of 24 volts. It's actually higher than that most of the day - between 32 and 37 volts depending on the sunshine - I haven't seen my maximum voltage (in direct sunlight, at the perfect angle) yet, but so far, so good. I also don't know if this controller can handle 48 volts. I'm not saying it can't, but I've never seen the theoretical maximum that this controller can handle. Like I said, I'm not a pro - and I'm still learning. Be careful out there :) « Show Less
117612
My understanding is that 4 panels can be linked together but no more without having a separate controller. Call the company, their customer support is amazing.
15208
You can, but you'll need a way to keep the rails from drooping. Should be easy to address, but yes, you can daisy chain together as many as you would want.
1600079
You could but what if you need to do some work on the panels? You need to kill the power some how. These connectors are nice after a few times connecting and unconnecting they get easier to work with. thanks for the question.
199698
Yes you can use multiple panels but keep in mind 2,400 KW = 2.4 million Watts. These are amorphous panels and are only about half as efficient as crystalline panels. In other words, you can at least double your efficiency with crystalline panels. You would need 70 of these 144 watt panels and 8 hours of unobstructed sunlight per day to generate 2,400 KW per month (70 x 144 x 8 x 30 = 2,419,200) not including losses. And that's 24 volts, not 120 volts. So you can see, it is not an easy task.
400720
While there is no way to "daisy-chain" multiple units, you CAN interconnect two switches together using the "HP ProCurve 10-GbE al Interconnect Kit" (J9165A). I've been using a 48-port and a 24-port switch hooked together this way for the last three years... works like a charm and provides 10 Gbps bandwidth between the two switches, which is more than enough for my needs.
827819
Yes they can, they are basicly like a battery. The only thing you will need to watch is that the charge controller will handle the increased amperage. I am running 2 of them with a 10 amp controller (overkill) with no problems. Pricewise, if you haven't purchased these panels yet you could probably get a 50 watt panel cheaper.
1680258
From My experience the "30 amp" Sunforce controller is not robust enough for the output of the 4 158 Watt panels. I had to buy an Outback controller. Because there does not seem to be a good inexpensive controller in the realm of 30 to 60 amps out there. You could get 2 controllers and split the panels. A little more info on the Sunforce controller, they die quietly for the most part, and there are some Websites out there that may have figured out a way to beef up the controller. The world of solar is very seductive and can suck your wallet dry in minutes... or months. If you are just trying to supplement your home use, and do not need power at night, you should consider getting a 500 watt grid tie inverter. During the day the inverter will produce power, and run reduce the speed of the electric meter, if it makes more than you are using it will run the meter backwards.They plug right into the house, and they have island protection, meaning that if the power goes out the inverter stop. Amazon has them,
1783342
The panels do not hold a charge themselves. You can charge directly from the panels or connect an external battery (not included) and charge that as your future power source.
769919
Yes, I have two of these and they can be daisy chained together. The units are also significantly louder when used with 110 vs battery power.
1808352
You could probably daisy chain them if the total current draw doesn't exceed the rated capacity of the unit.