Ultimate Solar Thread

[Vic Harder]

And would the manufacturer void your warranty if you used a Zamp that allows no modification of the charging profile other than selecting AGM, FLA, or Calcium?

Paul

oh... yeah, another reason I love my Victron stuff. And BTW, Trimetric lets you tweek the numbers too.

 

[craig333]

Lowered mine to 14.4 from 14.5. His thoughts on lithiums kind of echo mine but I'm glad some of you are out there pushing the enevelope or won't be ready when my agms finally die

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

I have a strange question.
I just installed a new "watts up" meter.
I am getting solar panel input readings of around 10+ watts
on a sunny day from a 105 watt system.

Just now the sun is out and I plugged in my Truckfridge
and the source side (solar) started to read around 40% of the systems rate.
Also started the 3 way on 12v just to see if that changed and the source input
went to close to 75% of system rate.
What gives?

Frank

 

[rando]

That is all as it should be.

Without the load drawing your battery down, the solar was in float (ie trickle) charge and didn't need much current. Once you drew the battery down with the truck fridge the solar system started replacing that power (about 50W to run the truck fridge) and when you turned on the 3way the solar kicked back into bulk charge and gave it all the solar power that was available.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Thanks Rando. That's what I thought,but when I saw the solar output only at
5 or so watts on a sunny day I thought oh no my panels have a problem.
So all is well here at the "casa" camper.
My system of a full sun day has put out almost 90%.
Thanks .
Frank

 

[kBash]

Hello all, new to the forum! I’ve been following along for a few months and reading/searching as much as time let’s without asking questions.

I recently picked up a new-to-me 2016 Hawk. I’ve installed a victron BMV-712 and I have a Victron 100/30 smart solar charge controller on the way. My camper came with the two way Isotherm fridge which I've read is a power hog. My plan is to start with two 160W panels. I’m looking for recommendations on panel manufactures? Does anyone have any one company they would recommend? I’ve heard good things about Renogy but have no experience with their rigid panels. I’m leaving on a two week trip September 13th, planning on having everything installed by then!

Thanks ahead of time!

Edit* I should add that I am running (2) Exide AGM 75ah batteries which I believe to be the original, but the date isn’t marked on the battery housing. I set my BMV down to only 130 AH based on unknown life of the batteries.

 

[PaulT]

Edit* I should add that I am running (2) Exide AGM 75ah batteries which I believe to be the original, but the date isn’t marked on the battery housing. I set my BMV down to only 130 AH based on unknown life of the batteries.

On the top of each of your Exide AGM batteries should be a round sticker with a letter and two digits. If I am correct, that is a manufacturing date code.

Mine was E14 which means May 2014. E is fifth letter and 5th month. Visited FWC in May 2014 & saw my Hawk on the floor waiting on batteries. My Hawk was delivered in July 2014 so I think I am correct in my thinking, but It could be a coincidence. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Paul