Solar Panel Advice: Also do all panels/wind generators hook up to the house electrical system or do some of them just charge batteries?
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You can start by reading my diy kit list http://www.amazon.com/solar-electric-system-installation-panels/lm/R3H36N9YJR062F/ref=cm_lmt_DYNA_f_3_russss2?pf_rd_p=496997171&pf_rd_s=listmania-center&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000CIADLG&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1E5RPX0Q3THV5P8S8XH6 - then email me with questions. it *IS* possible to DIY a solar system, but the net result is you will be using it to reduce not eliminate your dependence on the grid.
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Install batteries in the main unit. Place the panels into the main unit. They should charge from main unit after several hours.
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Todd,I am assuming that by hooking up your generator, you mean through a battery charger. If that is the case, I have not had any issues charging my batteries on cloudy days with a battery charger.
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I am charging two batteries(lawn mower size) from the panel through the regulator I am adding a transformer to smooth the circuit,,, it ends at a 1000watt inverter, everything seems good, the panel generates electricity even on cloudy days... MPP
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You can hook them up together in PARALLEL, so that the total voltage output is still 12 volts. I would wonder why you would want to? Remember that solar panels are primarily used to keep batteries charged and this panel, at max output will provide you with 12 volts at 10 amps, plenty to charge or keep a battery charged. I would spend my money and buy a bigger battery or several batteries you can hook together in parallel.
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The panels will charge when attached to the base. Make sure they are completely and properly attached. Also, I've found that when the batteries in the base run low, the panels do not charge as well if at all.
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Tisa, it would really help if you do some research before you set up the panel/battery/controller. When I started I had so many questions and so many things came up that I wasn't sure about, even with a small system. There are books like "the solar electric home" by Joel Davidson (an oldie but goodie) and you can also go to websites like Alt-E and backwoods solar for video and reading resources. Good Luck, John
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Hello,This particular kit is intended for the use of charging 12v batteries but definitely the type of panel can be used and extra equipment.You should contact your local power/utility company to get more information on what type of system you can get on your home.There are certain building codes that must be met so there may only be a certain amount of panels that your home can support for mounting and such.If you need more information please feel free to contact us any time.Kind Regards,AW
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Any battery will charge with solar panels. Unfortunately when I bought them I thought they were 100amp hour, but their not. That's what you need if you want to go solar. Golf cart Batteries are what you might want to look into, they store a lot more energy and that's the whole key to solar! Hope this helped.
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Hello, My wind generators have their own built-in Charge controllers which can get confused when hooked to a another Charge controller (you can disable the internal wind gen. CC to get around this problem). I would recommend using one Charge controller for wind power and a separate CC for solar...that's the way I have configured my system. BTW, the Xantrex 60 amp CC manual has very comprehensive instructions with diagrams to show you how to configure your system for wind and solar. Hope this helps.
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You must use a solar charge controller and absolutely 'not' connecting the solar panel to the battery bank directly. I'm using Xantrex inverter, but there're a few brands work well also. Make sure it's a "true sine" wave inverter, well worth the money. You also want to look into if you want just an inverter or an inverter with charger? The combined unit may save you some time in troubleshooting problems later on. Talk to a few RV installers before making purchase, and avoid the shops who say they'll do whatever you want.
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Well that depends.are you going to run the pumps all night? I use my panel to charge a 12 volt,110 amh battery that runs 12 volt lights through out the house. Works absolutely great!
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You are more likely to over charge the battery with a 12 volt unit. Just ensure the whole solar array is in the sunlight for optimal charging.
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It's been several years since I installed mine and I cannot remember the specifics of the wind generator. I put a charge controller on my system because it was a hybrid system with solar panels. Not for sure if the internal regulator of the wind generator just limits the output of the wind generator itself or the charged capacity of the batteries. I guess for the cost of a charge controller it might be safe to put one in. If the wind generator's regulator is only monitoring it's output I would put a charge controller in to ensure the batteries are only receiving a trickle charge when at full capacity. It's been several years since I installed mine and I cannot remember the specifics of the wind generator. I put a charge controller on my system because it was a hybrid system with solar panels. Not for sure if the internal regulator of the wind generator just limits the output of the wind generator itself or the charged capacity of the batteries. I guess for the cost of a charge controller it might be safe to put one in. If the wind generator's regulator is only monitoring it's output I would put a charge controller in to ensure the batteries are only receiving a trickle charge when at... » Read More It's been several years since I installed mine and I cannot remember the specifics of the wind generator. I put a charge controller on my system because it was a hybrid system with solar panels. Not for sure if the internal regulator of the wind generator just limits the output of the wind generator itself or the charged capacity of the batteries. I guess for the cost of a charge controller it might be safe to put one in. If the wind generator's regulator is only monitoring it's output I would put a charge controller in to ensure the batteries are only receiving a trickle charge when at full capacity. « Show Less
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In order to safely and effectively charge your batteries the panels should run to a solar charge controller, I use Morningstar and they are what was recommended to me, then to your battery. The controller manages the incoming and outgoing voltage so that you don't over charge or over discharge your batteries. Whenever sunlight hits the panels they produce electricity and you need the help of our robot overlords manage the awesome power of the sun.
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This is a good solar panel. I have 2 batteries connected parallel, + to +, and - to -. This gives me the same voltage- 12 volts. I run my garage door opener and some accessories in my garage off a power inverter. The Ramsond solar charge regulator shuts off when batteries are full. Like T.J. said, make sure you aim the panel for best results, and hopefully its not foggy where you keep your boat!
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This IS an off-grid system. I have never been on-grid at my present location. I run 24/7 with 4 of these kits (8 panels), feeding a set of 4 panels through the included 30-amp charger to recharge 3 large deep-cycle batteries each set (6 batteries altogether). The batteries feed an 800-watt Cobra inverter (also from Amazon) to provide all the power I need. For high-drawing electrical shop tools, I use a 3500-watt LPG generator. See my video series at my website, DroidPals dot com.