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It's an AIMS 3000W Pure sine inverter. Don't have the model handy right now.
I run if through a dedicated circuit in the trailer so I didn't have to mess with the trailer wiring. The circuit goes through a 20A circuit breaker before it enters the trailer and feeds 3 outlets. We just plug the microwave into a shore power outlet or inverter outlet as needed.
I used a battery shutoff to be able to isolate it from the batteries if needed.
I also put in a remote on/off switch so we only turn it on when we need it, generally for an hour or so in the morning. The switch is hidden in a cabinet. I does have a fair current draw even at idle. (about 1 amp).
My understanding is that MPPT can produce more power for a longer period during the day. My current charge controller is PWM. I have to say that it does a good job. But the new one certainly will be MPPT. The Victron MPPT I'm looking at is far smarter than my current controller.
My understanding is that MPPT can produce more power for a longer period during the day. My current charge controller is PWM. I have to say that it does a good job. But the new one certainly will be MPPT. The Victron MPPT I'm looking at is far smarter than my current controller.
It does provide more power, however the difference is not always great. The benefit is clear as the size of the array increases. This quote summarized what I have been finding from reading several comparisons online.
"As additional unused power in PV modules is reduced in high temperature, so is the advantage of MPPT charge controllers. Therefore, even at normal operating temperatures, the additional extracted power of an MPPT charge controller compared to a PWM controller can be minimal."
The Victron MPPT is a popular controller and certainly a good choice. What I am juggling is how much to put into a system given our usage pattern. I am still searching. I don't want to give the impression I know more than anyone else. In our fifth wheel we have monocrystalline and an mmpt controller. it has worked without fail for years. However, we also travel with a generator so solar is great but when depending on it we have to consider where we park and I don't want to mess with portable panels.
If I live long enough, Li+ batteries will be onboard and If the stock market ever stabilizes, maybe we wil have more on the roof sooner rather than later.
It’s true that an MPPT controller’s advantage over PWM is reduced as the array’s voltage gals to approach that of the battery voltage. However, if the array voltage is appreciable higher than the battery voltage, then the voltage difference is converted to extra charging current. This feature is especially helpful in the winter when the array is cold (array voltage increases as ambient temp decreases) and the batteries are often more deeply discharged after running the furnace. And, yes, the larger the array, the larger the benefit.
MPPT benefit is most realized when the CC is in bulk mode. Once the CC switches to absorption- and then float mode, the controller limits charge current so there’s usually no benefit over PWM unless there’s an appreciable load applied to the battery bank.
Another MPPT CC benefit is that most allow you to configure a high-voltage / low-current array to reduce voltage loss in a long array wiring home-run to the CC. The CC then converts the array voltage to the target battery voltage and multiplies battery charge current commensurately.
Using the report below as an example, if I had wired my two panels in series instead of parallel, then the Solar values would be something like 30.64V and 4.9A.
If you go with a Victron, I recommend one of the Smart Charger models with the optional Battery Sense gadget. These items communicate on a private wireless Bluetooth network to optimize battery charging, and they are set up and monitored by an app on your phone.
Finally, whatever size CC you decide you need, I recommend you get the next size up to allow for inevitable expansion. I’ve got 2x 100W modules now, and I’m considering adding a third next spring. And, PV modules typically perform better at high elevation due to thinner air and stronger Sun.
Here’s a pic of my Renogy + Victron system in operation in bulk mode as reported by my iPhone:
Well, since I am an expert with over 2 years experience with 1 simple system, here is what I know as fact.
1. If you spend 100 sol of energy per day, you need to make at least 100 sol each day.
2. Some days are slim earnings so you need some savings, or a way to increase earnings.
3. I really don't need 500 sol in the bank if I only spend 100 each day and can make that back in a couple days.
4. I can spend real money increasing my sol harvest rate, but at what cost.
5. The biggest bang for the buck is.......
Point your panels at the sun. Repeat: POINT YOUR PANELS AT THE SUN.
6. RV people don't do #5
7. Calculate your spend
8. Size your system to pay back your spend.
9. enjoy watching free electricity flow in.
Nobody should assume I'm an expert. I have a functioning solar system, but I didn't install it. I'm designing a new system to replace the old one, but have yet to buy anything.
Well, since I am an expert with over 2 years experience with 1 simple system, here is what I know as fact.
1. If you spend 100 sol of energy per day, you need to make at least 100 sol each day.
2. Some days are slim earnings so you need some savings, or a way to increase earnings.
3. I really don't need 500 sol in the bank if I only spend 100 each day and can make that back in a couple days.
4. I can spend real money increasing my sol harvest rate, but at what cost.
5. The biggest bang for the buck is.......
Point your panels at the sun. Repeat: POINT YOUR PANELS AT THE SUN.
6. RV people don't do #5
7. Calculate your spend
8. Size your system to pay back your spend.
9. enjoy watching free electricity flow in.
I think a really important point is knowing your needs. I believe there really is a place for monster high dollar systems, but I also think just like a lot of other things they can be oversold. And until the craziness in our country stops and we can all travel without worries, I am not rushing. However, I am collecting data and looking at how much things have changed since I bought my first monocrystaline panels and mmpt controller and that was when mmpt controllers were so new Trailer Life published a review on one.
One of the things I know is I am not one to sit and stare at a panel or make frequent adjustments on anything, so if I succeed in putting something together that is solid and does what I need for now, I can always add to it or change it later. Right now replacing our increibly loud air conditioner is a higher priority than panels on the roof.
5. The biggest bang for the buck is.......
Point your panels at the sun. Repeat: POINT YOUR PANELS AT THE SUN.
6. RV people don't do #5
Correct, most of us don't point our panels to the sun. But like a stopped clock is right twice a day, my panels are correctly pointed (approximately) once a day.
I don't disagree that aiming the panels makes a huge difference. I take into account the track of the sun when I park my trailer in a boondocking situation.
Tracking systems on an RV are unheard of. There are manual adjustment systems that aren't a huge sum. But eventually people stop using them because getting up on the roof gets old real fast. There are also expensive motorized systems that can tilt on one axis. My preference is to have a very well secured solar panel and plenty of them to make up for the inability to point them where the sun does shine.
Just searching around it looked to me like there is a dealer on eBay that is selling 20 amp Victron Smart Solar at a discount from Amazon for example. Anyone else finding better pricing somewhere?
Just searching around it looked to me like there is a dealer on eBay that is selling 20 amp Victron Smart Solar at a discount from Amazon for example. Anyone else finding better pricing somewhere?
Steve
My only worry about that would be that if you need warranty work, Victron won't recognize the dealer you bought the controller from.
