Solar guys?

[toskeysam]

I am planning my final solar work. I already replaced the 50 watt panel with 100 watt. Now adding 2 more 100 watt panels, a new controller and monitor rework (shunt in wrong location). Yes, batteries too.....

I remember a few of you folks moved the TV antenna to the top of the AC (reinforced lid). Anyone have anything to report on how that worked out for them?

Also noticed some located the controller in the front panel under the rear couch (behind the fold-down door)....notice any heat problems for the controller in that position?

Snow and rain have not been my friend this winter, so I am way behind on this task. Looking forward to finishing it soon. The combination of the new panel and the old Atkinson controller did better this year, but still doesn't do the job.... Two weeks of heavy clouds and snow did not help at all.

All thoughts appreciated!


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[dznf0g]

You and me both! My wiring and mounting has been delayed and will be until temps get above 50* or so. Interior is a dis-assembled MESS!!!!

My controller is in that location, and no, I haven't had heat concerns....but, my 160Watt suitcase hasn't been hooked up, so I'm only operating a bit above 1/3 of the rated amperage of the controller. It's barely warm. When I'm operating at 90% of capacity, I don't know about the temperature increase.

[Boxster1971]

I mounted my 30 amp Blue Sky controller in same location. No heat issues. Also relocated the TV antenna to top of AC unit. It works OK, But there are also smaller antennas available that you could use mounted directly to the roof.


- - Mike
2013 Interstate Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[JayP]

I am about to perform the same upgrade with 400 watts of Amsolar's GS100 panels. Antenna is definitely a shadow waiting to happen on my 2015 but not directly in the way for mounting the panel. I don't have the answer for it yet, have not used the antenna once since ownership began.

I was considering an MPPT for the extra charging feature but the install instructions clearly stated 6" above and below clearance for airflow so I chose the Trimetric PWM with a much smaller footprint that will fit where the OEM controller currently resides. No way I have the 12 extra inches and unless I add a lot more batteries the MPPT is wasted money anyway.

My first issue is to bring the cables down from the combiner box to under the seat. There is an excellent empty area right behind the bathroom sink where the vent for one of the tanks goes through the roof. I figure I'll use that vertical run, just need to determine what hardware to go through the roof, strain relief, etc.

The weather here has slowed me down also, but this weekend will be nice.

[Boxster1971]

JayP - just use the AM Solar combiner box on the roof and cut hole to drop main wires and seal box to roof. The area you describe is the best place to make the drop.


- - Mike
2013 Interstate Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by JayP

...... I was considering an MPPT for the extra charging feature but the install instructions clearly stated 6" above and below clearance for airflow so I chose the Trimetric PWM with a much smaller footprint that will fit where the OEM controller currently resides. No way I have the 12 extra inches and unless I add a lot more batteries the MPPT is wasted money anyway.
......

Which MPPT controller were you considering? The Blue Sky MPPT controller I used does not require any special clearance. It just has to be mounted vertically.


- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[JayP]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

Which MPPT controller were you considering? The Blue Sky MPPT controller I used does not require any special clearance. It just has to be mounted vertically.

Was thinking about the Morningstar Tristar 30A. Read good reviews about it and it works a remote meter. I absolutely have to have a remote meter, lack of real estate. The Bogart PWM allows me to combine the solar charge meter with the Trimetric battery monitor meter all in one box that will fit where my current Sun Explorer is mounted. My model year has a smaller control panel than previous year models as you can see.

[lewster]

Go with the Blue Sky 2512iX-HV solar charge controller and use their iPN-PRO remote, which is also a full function battery monitor. You will need space for only 1 monitor panel that is about 4 x 4".

I use these components in every Interstate solar upgrade that I do.

[LB_3]

Pics or it didn't happen.

[lewster]

OK,…………Here ya go!

[LB_3]

I didn't mean you Lew. You've given away enough of your trade secrets already. I wanted to see toskeysam' finished install. :-)

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by lewster

Go with the Blue Sky 2512iX-HV solar charge controller and use their iPN-PRO remote, which is also a full function battery monitor. You will need space for only 1 monitor panel that is about 4 x 4".

I use these components in every Interstate solar upgrade that I do.

Agree 100%. I have this setup and it works great! Here is photo of my control panel area. I have added a few extras. 😀

- - Mike
2013 Interstate Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

Agree 100%. I have this setup and it works great! Here is photo of my control panel area. I have added a few extras. 😀

- - Mike
2013 Interstate Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

Couldn't get photo on last post for some reason...



- - Mike
2013 Interstate Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[UKDUDE]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

Couldn't get photo on last post for some reason...
Attachment 257596


- - Mike
2013 Interstate Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

Very professional looking. I'm sure you've told us before, but what's the Progressive Industries box?


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[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by UKDUDE

Very professional looking. I'm sure you've told us before, but what's the Progressive Industries box?

It is the remote display for my hardwired Energy Management System (EMS) surge protector that monitors the incoming AC power when plugged in to external power. Several other forum members have installed this same unit.
http://www.progressiveindustries.net/#!ems-hw30c/cuun


- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

It is the remote display for my hardwired Energy Management System (EMS) surge protector that monitors the incoming AC power when plugged in to external power. Several other forum members have installed this same unit.
http://www.progressiveindustries.net/#!ems-hw30c/cuun

I've always heard that a surge protector was sacrificial and protected against one surge before needing to be replaced or refurbished. Which is one reason I've always resisted going with a hardwired system.

[UKDUDE]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

It is the remote display for my hardwired Energy Management System (EMS) surge protector that monitors the incoming AC power when plugged in to external power. Several other forum members have installed this same unit.
http://www.progressiveindustries.net/#!ems-hw30c/cuun


- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

Thank you Mike!


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[JayP]

Originally Posted by lewster

Go with the Blue Sky 2512iX-HV solar charge controller and use their iPN-PRO remote, which is also a full function battery monitor. You will need space for only 1 monitor panel that is about 4 x 4".

I use these components in every Interstate solar upgrade that I do.

Lew,
Size looks great, would fit great even with my smaller control panel, just some warning signals in the Blue Sky literature -
1. ) Do not connect to a PV array capable of producing greater than 20 amperes of short circuit current @ STC.
2.) Solar BoostTM 2512i-HV and 2512iX-HV are improved versions of the original SB2512i and SB2512iX 12 volt 25 amp Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) photovoltaic (PV) battery charge controllers. The new HV versions retain their original 25 amp 340 watt rating when used with conventional 12 volt 36 cell PV modules, but are also able to operate up to 270 watts of higher voltage 60 cell “grid tie” type modules.

I have 400W and Isc for 4 panels = 24.4A
I just don't understand how they market a 25A controller and then limit it to 20A?

[Boxster1971]

Lew will likely chime in. The 20A limit is for 60 cell PV panels. The normal 36 cell panels used on most RVs is 25A. Also the Blue Sky unit has a built in current limiter as described a few pages further in their manual. Copy attached.



- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[toskeysam]

To LB_3... No pics yet. Just figuring out where to put things. Probably will not do the work until March-late....if the Tn rainy season permits.


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