Solar Power

Hi, Can power optimizers (MPPT) be used along with a Charge Controller and a battery bank? I am considering doing string based power optimization by having a power optimizer on each string of my solar array (4 strings). The outputs of the 4 optimized strings would then be wired to a combiner box and to a central charge controller which may or may not have its own MPPT. Are there any technical issues associated with : PV Panel -> Power Optimizers -> Charge Controller -> Battery? I have been unable to find a single mention about the use of power optimizers with charge controllers. The only configurations described are PV Panel -> Power Optimzer…

Hi everyone, To the Christian members, hope you had a joyful Christmas. To everyone , Happy 2015 ! So I finally purchased a 12.5kw heat pump for my pool. The heat pump consumes 2.5kw/ph . The heat pump wont be running the entire day, I think just 3-4 hours. So how do I run this off grid ? Any info will be highly appreciated.

Hi, I am designing a solar array and need solar insolation data that is accurate and hopefully been used for similar purposes by members of this forum for correctly sizing their arrays in south africa. I have been using a website called gaisma which has most major towns in south africa but I am not sure of its accuracy, what sources have you guys used for sizing your solar systems? The above website says that cape town has a June average of 2.5 Kwh/m^2/day and a peak in the summer months at 7.96 Kwh/m^2/day. Regards and thanks, JNSMAR043

Hi guys I'm new to the forum, and my contribution can initially not be anything else than a lot of questions. I'll appreciate your input on the way forward for me. We are moving to Robertson, probably later in the year or early next year. The plan is to be totally independant of supplied electricity. I'd like to start purchasing the components now. We will mostly be 2 in the house using gas for cooking (except for a microwave oven) and solar water heating. I've contacted 2 suppliers and the suggestions for the power supply for our house seems to look as follows: (Up to) 10x300W solar panels. (One guy suggests ReneSola panels @ R10/W, the other Tenes…

Power. Normally the power rating of a panel will be given as Pmax or Wp. This means the maximum of power the panel will deliver when tested in the factory. This is normally done at 1000W/m2 at 25C cell temp. Also note that most manufacturers allow a +-5% variance on power delivery. Some manufactures can also supply Nominal power figures. This is normally done at 800W/m2 and at 45C cell temp. Should give you a much better idea of what to expect in real world conditions. Voltage and Amps at max power. This is basically the voltage and amps your MPPT solar controller will try and control your system to, if possible. Open circuit voltage. This is extremely impor…

Hi Guys, This is always a heavily debated subject. I always thought to buy the cheapest panel I could afford at the most reliable supplier which might still be in buisness in 10 years, but that is just me. Here is a link which I though explains it a bit better... http://energyinformative.org/best-solar-panel-monocrystalline-polycrystalline-thin-film/