|
|
05-04-2021, 09:54 AM
|
#41
|
2 Rivet Member
1968 24' Tradewind
Eureka
, California
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 53
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob
Hi
If you do go for raw cells ( I have piles of them sitting here), you also will need:
1) An enclosure that properly supports / protects them.
2) A good / reliable BMS with all the right features and current ratings.
3) Interconnects and possibly fusing (depending on config).
At that point you still don't have a 10 year warranty on the result .....
Bob
|
I think the warranty isn’t worth the price difference. I could buy this set up 4 more times for the price of Battle Borns. With the quality of the cells, I don’t think that could ever happen. Battle Born is counting on the same thing.
|
|
|
05-04-2021, 03:13 PM
|
#42
|
Always learning
1974 27' Overlander
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Woodway
, WA
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 14
|
This is great, I'd never head of that battery type in my search so i'll be looking into these as well for sure!
Thanks!
|
|
|
05-05-2021, 08:18 AM
|
#43
|
Rivet Master
2016 28' International
Trois-Rivieres
, Quebec
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 696
|
There are two components that secure the feet, the VHB tape (there are different grades) and the Sikaflex 221 which has to completely cover the foot on all 4 sides. With that setup the VHB is protected from the elements and the Sikaflex becomes a strong complementary adhesive.
__________________
2016 International Signature CCD, RBQ, Dual A/C, 28'
2018 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD, 4x4, Crew Cab, Duramax Diesel, Leer cap
Lift kit, 16" wheels, Michelin Agilis CC LT
DIY Solar: 500W Renogy panels, AM Solar hdw, Blue Sky MPPT controller, 470ah Rolls battery bank, 2000W Renogy inverter.
|
|
|
05-05-2021, 09:25 AM
|
#44
|
2 Rivet Member
1968 24' Tradewind
Eureka
, California
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 53
|
This is my current 200Ah setup
Quote:
Originally Posted by barryz
This is great, I'd never head of that battery type in my search so i'll be looking into these as well for sure!
Thanks!
|
These are the CALB cells. Nothing fancy but very effective. Still testing at 100%.
|
|
|
05-06-2021, 07:41 PM
|
#45
|
Always learning
1974 27' Overlander
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Woodway
, WA
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 14
|
Wow, thanks for the pics, I've never seen that sort of set up but i'm liking it! Need to get by brain around that layout!
|
|
|
05-07-2021, 08:36 AM
|
#46
|
2 Rivet Member
1968 24' Tradewind
Eureka
, California
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 53
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by barryz
Wow, thanks for the pics, I've never seen that sort of set up but i'm liking it! Need to get by brain around that layout!
|
Check out some info at Mobile-solarpower.com. This system is very easy. Don’t let the look of it make you think it is difficult.
There are 5 parts. 4 individual batteries @3.2volts. All of them are tied in series connection to make 12.8volts. Then add the BMS. If you are interested the money savings is large! But I do understand that many people don’t have the time to work on ever bit.
Good luck. If you want more information PM me and I will help with anything you may need.
|
|
|
05-12-2021, 02:21 PM
|
#47
|
Rivet Master
1960 33' Custom
Athens
, Georgia
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,373
|
I'm loving the Miasole CIGS panels! I found 50 watt panels and could run 4 down the centre of my trailer roof inline between the vents which I think would look good. Just wondering if combining them in parallel or series is the way to go on a 12V battery with a Victron 100/30 MPPT? The panel specs say Pmax 50W, Vmpp 13V, Impp 4.0A, Voc 16V and Isc 4.7A, which if my extremely basic understanding is sound means I'd be OK and would end up with peak Voltage of 16v x 4, 64V in parallel. Anyone got any guidance?
__________________
1960 Sovereign 33' Pacific Railroad Custom
|
|
|
05-12-2021, 03:11 PM
|
#48
|
Rivet Master
2022 25' Flying Cloud
NCR
, Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,085
|
check this site. he has many panels under review
|
|
|
05-12-2021, 03:14 PM
|
#49
|
Rivet Master
1960 33' Custom
Athens
, Georgia
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,373
|
I have watched that one, he has another one here talking about the CIGS panels, it's pretty convincing stuff, starts on CIGS at 1:32.
__________________
1960 Sovereign 33' Pacific Railroad Custom
|
|
|
05-12-2021, 04:41 PM
|
#50
|
Lost in America
2015 27' FB International
2006 25' Safari FB SE
2004 19' International CCD
Santa Fe
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,151
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by truckasaurus
I'm loving the Miasole CIGS panels! I found 50 watt panels and could run 4 down the centre of my trailer roof inline between the vents which I think would look good.
|
Where did you buy and what was the cost?
__________________
This is the strangest life I've ever known - J. Morrison
2015 Airstream International Serenity 27FB
2017 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax Diesel
|
|
|
05-12-2021, 05:47 PM
|
#51
|
Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
KW
, Ontario
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 996
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by truckasaurus
I'm loving the Miasole CIGS panels! I found 50 watt panels and could run 4 down the centre of my trailer roof inline between the vents which I think would look good. Just wondering if combining them in parallel or series is the way to go on a 12V battery with a Victron 100/30 MPPT? The panel specs say Pmax 50W, Vmpp 13V, Impp 4.0A, Voc 16V and Isc 4.7A, which if my extremely basic understanding is sound means I'd be OK and would end up with peak Voltage of 16v x 4, 64V in parallel. Anyone got any guidance?
|
Parallel adds the current not the voltage and series adds the voltage and not the current.
Also, if your roof vents shade your panels you've wasted your money.
|
|
|
05-13-2021, 07:30 AM
|
#52
|
Rivet Master
1960 33' Custom
Athens
, Georgia
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,373
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mojo
Where did you buy and what was the cost?
|
They're on amazon, however I contacted Miasole and these are velcro backed rather than adhesive which is less appealing.
__________________
1960 Sovereign 33' Pacific Railroad Custom
|
|
|
06-03-2021, 03:33 AM
|
#53
|
Keen amature
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield
, Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,534
|
The CIGS panels in general have got me thinking, so some questions.
It looks like you have panels running north/south? How do you have them connected? I am going to go with a 24v system, which means the open circuit voltage needs to be at least approx 40v for the charger controller to work. If all the panels are in series, at least 50% will be in a non-optimal inclination. Or do you have them setup as arrays in parallel? Individually they are under 40v, but in pairs you should always have one side in direct inclination? Of course the center panel would need to be part of one array as that panel on its own would not reach 40v? Or maybe this is just a issue of having a 24v system!
|
|
|
06-03-2021, 04:20 PM
|
#54
|
2 Rivet Member
1968 24' Tradewind
Eureka
, California
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 53
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by martin300662
The CIGS panels in general have got me thinking, so some questions.
It looks like you have panels running north/south? How do you have them connected? I am going to go with a 24v system, which means the open circuit voltage needs to be at least approx 40v for the charger controller to work. If all the panels are in series, at least 50% will be in a non-optimal inclination. Or do you have them setup as arrays in parallel? Individually they are under 40v, but in pairs you should always have one side in direct inclination? Of course the center panel would need to be part of one array as that panel on its own would not reach 40v? Or maybe this is just a issue of having a 24v system!
|
I’m no solar expert, but I can say that with my limited knowledge, I’m impressed by the tolerance of my array. I installed all of the panels in parallel. I expected to get some not great results through winter, but I think because of the by pass diodes I’m still getting good power.
In retrospect I should have made at least two different arrays but I’m having great results.
Just got back from a trip and was producing over 2 KW hrs per day.
|
|
|
06-04-2021, 07:01 AM
|
#55
|
Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,684
|
Hi
All the Wonderful videos on Youtube that get into how terrible shading a panel is are really showing you something different. They are showing you that your 12V controller will not do well if it is fed < 12V. Indeed most cut out at a significantly higher voltage. As long as you keep the controller input voltage "ok" you will get power out of the array.
One "interesting" take on this is to go even further in the series wiring stuff and use a controller that will handle a high input voltage. Victron makes some, so do others.
Bob
|
|
|
06-04-2021, 07:53 AM
|
#56
|
Keen amature
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield
, Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,534
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob
Hi
All the Wonderful videos on Youtube that get into how terrible shading a panel is are really showing you something different. They are showing you that your 12V controller will not do well if it is fed < 12V. Indeed most cut out at a significantly higher voltage. As long as you keep the controller input voltage "ok" you will get power out of the array.
One "interesting" take on this is to go even further in the series wiring stuff and use a controller that will handle a high input voltage. Victron makes some, so do others.
Bob
|
Which is the basis for my question...I plan to use with a 24v battery (to keep the amps low on the high draw systems like inverter, fridge and macerator toilet) so need the voltage to be well above 24v to be useable, most easily achieved by have the panels setup in pairs in series (the MiaSole Flex-2N are 37v OCV) rather than individually. If shading is bad on one side it could drop below useful voltage but at least the opposite bank should remain above the minimum useful voltage.
|
|
|
06-05-2021, 07:24 AM
|
#57
|
Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,684
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by martin300662
Which is the basis for my question...I plan to use with a 24v battery (to keep the amps low on the high draw systems like inverter, fridge and macerator toilet) so need the voltage to be well above 24v to be useable, most easily achieved by have the panels setup in pairs in series (the MiaSole Flex-2N are 37v OCV) rather than individually. If shading is bad on one side it could drop below useful voltage but at least the opposite bank should remain above the minimum useful voltage.
|
Hi
There will *always* be a situation that shade happens. You have flat panels and no way to adjust things. Simply hook them up as best you can and move on. Even if you hook them up as one big series string, it's still going to work. Indeed in a few cases, that would work best.
Bob
|
|
|
07-30-2021, 05:36 AM
|
#58
|
Keen amature
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield
, Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,534
|
So....
After a bit of searching, unlike regular PV panels which are internally wired in series and so if the series is blocked by shading you can literally loose the output of the whole series possibly panel. The CiGS panels are internally wired in parallel so you literally only loose the shaded areas contribution. Also means you should wire the panels in parallel.
For anyone interested there is now a manufacturer (in the UK) making just about any combination of lengths with the three standard widths (single, double, triple) so you can choice panels to cover whatever area you want rather than having to deal with fixed length runs, ( https://mipvsolarpanels.co.uk/products/)
|
|
|
07-31-2021, 07:47 AM
|
#59
|
2 Rivet Member
1968 24' Tradewind
Eureka
, California
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 53
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by martin300662
So....
After a bit of searching, unlike regular PV panels which are internally wired in series and so if the series is blocked by shading you can literally loose the output of the whole series possibly panel. The CiGS panels are internally wired in parallel so you literally only loose the shaded areas contribution. Also means you should wire the panels in parallel.
For anyone interested there is now a manufacturer (in the UK) making just about any combination of lengths with the three standard widths (single, double, triple) so you can choice panels to cover whatever area you want rather than having to deal with fixed length runs, ( https://mipvsolarpanels.co.uk/products/)
|
After being out this summer many times now Im more convinced that CIGS is by far the best option for solar on vehicles of any type, but of course the ability to wrap around curves makes them perfection for Airstreams. I have been meticulously monitoring and trying to stress my setup as much as possible. I drive with my absorbtion fridge ON every where I go now with confidence I will arive at my destination with around 90% battery. This has been the case even when I drive the coast for 5 to 6 hours through fog and forests.
The array is completely shade tolerant and produces great power from the moment very small amounts of sun is dancing on the panels till late into the day. And on foggy or overcast days I'm still producing high amounts of power.
There was some chatter about the panels being black and producing heat but honestly IMHO it is a non issue. If the airstream is in direct sunlight Im running my fans through the day constantly and the inside of the airstream remains cool even in high outside temperatures. My youngest daughter has even taken naps in her upper bunk in the middle of the day, 85 degrees without any problems.
With all things considered from the ease of install, wieght savings and performace I stand firmly behind the idea that CIGS panels are the BEST fit for airstreams.
|
|
|
07-31-2021, 09:00 AM
|
#60
|
Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,684
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by martin300662
So....
After a bit of searching, unlike regular PV panels which are internally wired in series and so if the series is blocked by shading you can literally loose the output of the whole series possibly panel. The CiGS panels are internally wired in parallel so you literally only loose the shaded areas contribution. Also means you should wire the panels in parallel.
|
Hi
If they *have* wired all the cells in parallel, then the panels will only put out < 1V in full sun. That would take a *very* unusual controller ....
The only way to get things to work and put out the ~20V the normal controller is looking for is to have cells in series.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|