Solar Panel Playtime

[BenT5]

Got around to fitting 2 Renogy semi flex 100W panels on Saturday along with a nice Victron MPPT controller. I know there’s different theories around regarding the best way to install the panels but it makes a lot of sense to me to use vinyl on the paintwork first and allow air and water have free passage underneath.
I didnt go OCD with the black and white vinyl and matching Tech 7 I just didn’t have enough or either colour for the full job! I’m making a little spoiler/deflector to go an inch or 2 in front of the panels to avoid too much air getting underneath but to be honest it’s probably not necessary but might look kinda cool.

 

[Salty Spuds]

That’s good going, getting 185W out of a 200W installation. Especially in this weather.

 

[Qnapper]

I agree, I would be lucky here in Spain to get 185W from my 200watt panel unless the sun is directly overhead.

Nice job you have done by the way.

 

[Dellmassive]

nice tidy install there. . . well done.







i like your take on the vinyl, by just doing the raised ribs that will have adhesives. - interesting, not see that before?

it will be interesting to see how it works out long term.



may i ask what that pointy thing is . . . . . i though i had seen that last of those in the 90`s. . . lol...





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also on the panel front, most panel manufactures recommend that the front edge is filled in with sealant . . . to stop lifting at speed on the motorway etc.

but to leave the rear end open for water draining. an easy job once the panel is fitted. just mask up to get a straight line, apply sealer, wait a while, the lift masking for a nice crisp edge.







just fill in these bits.


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also looks like that Victron is asking for a Firmware update. . .








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and as for getting 185w from two 100W panels thats awesome.

Renogy are very good . . . . but wow.

anyway what's the model of panel? - or what you got a link to them please?

looking at the numbers, you have them wired in parallel. . . and with that Victron controller you will be able to run them in series as well.

 

[Dellmassive]

what battery /s you running ?

 

[BenT5]

I agree, I would be lucky here in Spain to get 185W from my 200watt panel unless the sun is directly overhead.

Nice job you have done by the way.

Yep that was just in my driveway here in the south of Ireland !

 

[BenT5]

nice tidy install there. . . well done.

View attachment 207779


Thank you very much, I try to keep thing neat and organised where I can !


i like your take on the vinyl, by just doing the raised ribs that will have adhesives. - interesting, not see that before?

it will be interesting to see how it works out long term.

View attachment 207780

may i ask what that pointy thing is . . . . . i though i had seen that last of those in the 90`s. . . lol...

LOL I was having the usual issues with aftermarket head unit reception and even with a booster installed it was still poor so I went for the roof ariel, thought it might look kinda cool at the back too

View attachment 207781


++++++


also on the panel front, most panel manufactures recommend that the front edge is filled in with sealant . . . to stop lifting at speed on the motorway etc.

but to leave the rear end open for water draining. an easy job once the panel is fitted. just mask up to get a straight line, apply sealer, wait a while, the lift masking for a nice crisp edge.


Ignore that picture below that was just the panel lying on the roof before sticking it down !

View attachment 207782


just fill in these bits.

View attachment 207784
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.. I dont want to seal this end as any water that gets in from the other will end up getting trapped especially as the van has a slight rake forward. I am however working on a little spoiler / deflecter that I'm going to stick on an inch or 2 in front of the panels to take the air up over them


also looks like that Victron is asking for a Firmware update. . .


View attachment 207783





....

and as for getting 185w from two 100W panels thats awesome.

Renogy are very good . . . . but wow.

anyway what's the model of panel? - or what you got a link to them please?

looking at the numbers, you have them wired in parallel. . . and with that Victron controller you will be able to run them in series as well.

They are the only 100W semi flex panels on the Renogy.eu web site, very happy with them so far. I'm charging 2 X 100Ah batteries so wiring in parallel I still get 12V but with a higher current but you know this already, would you favour wiring in series maybe for charging in duller conditions ? Many thanks for your detailed response by the way !

View attachment 207785

 

[Dellmassive]

"would you favour wiring in series maybe for charging in duller conditions ? Many thanks for your detailed response by the way !"

Yes, exactly that . . . you will get the same peak Watts,

but . . .

will start charging sooner in the day, and run later in the evening. ( higher VOC at the controller, and the victron mppt needs LB battery voltage plus 5v to start charging)

and shading wont be an issue as your panels are stuck to the same roof.

so yeh. . . series connections often preferred. - but a lot of solar controller have a VOC limit. hence parallel connections.

but in your case with the Victron you have the option of both.