Vaal Posted December 13, 2019 Share Posted December 13, 2019 Hi all. Has anybody tested/tried to put put 2 pv panels at an angle (wide legged A) on a solar pump system? A friend and I have been deliberating this point for quite a while. His idea is that the pump will start earlier and stay on longer due to being angled more to the east and the west but during the middle of the day it will be a bit less efficient due to not being square to the sun. My idea is that the 2 panels flat will start a bit later and stop a bit earlier but at 12h00 it will make up for that loss. But now my son came up with another idea, use 3 panels in the form of a "bridge" with 2 angled to the sides and 1 flat in the middle but I say the 3 panels flat will do better. I would like to hear your guys opinion on this ideas? While we are at it, what do you call the device which make that the pump start a bit earlier albeit a bit slower (I think it lowers the V and raises the A or something like that)? Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil.g00 Posted December 13, 2019 Share Posted December 13, 2019 Can the pump be driven by a single panel if that single panel is delivering its full output? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLEVA Posted December 13, 2019 Share Posted December 13, 2019 @Vaal - A small diagram might be better to describe, and it also depends on how the panels are connected together and what they will be connected to (invertor?) before the pump. For some info - Some home installations definitely have some panels installed on one side of the roof, and then other panels installed on the other side of their roof, some for morning, and some for afternoon. So the configuration is most likely possible. Just give us a bit more info about your situation. Many on this forum would be happy to offer info. PS: Welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil.g00 Posted December 13, 2019 Share Posted December 13, 2019 6 hours ago, Vaal said: While we are at it, what do you call the device which make that the pump start a bit earlier albeit a bit slower (I think it lowers the V and raises the A or something like that)? Thank you. A pump controller, it can be external or internal to the pump. I hesitate to call it an MPPT or PWM device, as I believe some? controllers may contain protection(s) specific to pumps. I have a direct off PV borehole pump already and have made some interesting observations. I will be fitting another 1 next Easter if I get chance, I also want a long day and have considered this issue. A lot revolves around the pump's voltage and power requirements, hence my question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
___ Posted December 13, 2019 Share Posted December 13, 2019 2 hours ago, phil.g00 said: I hesitate to call it an MPPT or PWM device, as I believe some? controllers may contain protection(s) specific to pumps. My Father in Law has a Grundfos knock-off with a so-called MPPT in the control unit. It has a clear plastic cover so you can see inside the case. I immediately noticed that it has no inductor... but then someone explained to me... it uses the motor down in the hole as "the inductor"... phil.g00 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vaal Posted December 15, 2019 Author Share Posted December 15, 2019 Thank you for all the replies and questions. I'll have to go to his farm and collect all the information requested and then I'll get back to you. Enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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