Originally posted by Pushbutton2
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See this link for an explanation: http://www.batteryminders.com/avoid-battery-sulfation/ -
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Originally posted by 2050z View Post
Sure I’ve had a couple for years. One is (3) 230 watt panels at around 120vdc going to a mppt charge controller that reduces it to 36 volts.
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Originally posted by 2050z View Post
The other is a 48v EZ-GO Express S4 HO, (2) 320 w panels for a total of 640 watts. Also has a Morningstar MPPT charge controller converting about 90vdc off the roof to the voltage required to charge a 48vdc battery bank.
The MPPT chargers cost more but they can find the sweet spot between voltage and amperage and have 3 stage charging (bulk, absorb and float).
I never plug in either of these carts and drive them around on 15 acres, sometimes pulling heavy loads.
The mistake most people make is not putting enough solar up there. Although on my next one (kind of a hobby) I’m going to use about 300 watts of the flexible modules and see how that does.
With the larger arrays I use roll cages as you can see to provide a sturdy enough frame. The frames that hold up the plastic roofs are too flimsy. They should work with the flexible panels tho.
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I had forgotten all about this post. Cool looking cartsComment
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Originally posted by sjohnsun View PostThe other is a 48v EZ-GO Express S4 HO, (2) 320 w panels for a total of 640 watts. Also has a Morningstar MPPT charge controller converting about 90vdc off the roof to the voltage required to charge a 48vdc battery bank.
The MPPT chargers cost more but they can find the sweet spot between voltage and amperage and have 3 stage charging (bulk, absorb and float).
I never plug in either of these carts and drive them around on 15 acres, sometimes pulling heavy loads.
The mistake most people make is not putting enough solar up there. Although on my next one (kind of a hobby) I’m going to use about 300 watts of the flexible modules and see how that does.
With the larger arrays I use roll cages as you can see to provide a sturdy enough frame. The frames that hold up the plastic roofs are too flimsy. They should work with the flexible panels tho.
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How much $$ would you typically have tied up in one of these setups?
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Full disclaimer I have not used this product but I have a couple of their smaller 12 watt panels to charge batteries for portable ham radio operations. They are very flexible and durable even if punctured due to their series/parallel configuration.
Last edited by LWolken; 12-25-2017, 09:53 PM.Comment
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Originally posted by Mike D View Post
Around $1500 depending on where you start.
MPPT Charger w remote display, so it can be mounted where you can easily see it, $500 (PWM Charger is $50-$100), Panels $350 to $750
Wire, fuses, Unirac, etc, $50-$75.Comment
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Originally posted by Mike D View Post
Mike,
Update on cost. I’m designing a more affordable system that could hopefully be down around $500 (Just my target). Instead of using a MPPT charger I’ll use a PWM (pulse wave modulated) Charger which is much less expensive. Also there are a lot of surplus modules around now.
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Originally posted by sjohnsun View PostThe other is a 48v EZ-GO Express S4 HO, (2) 320 w panels for a total of 640 watts. Also has a Morningstar MPPT charge controller converting about 90vdc off the roof to the voltage required to charge a 48vdc battery bank.
The MPPT chargers cost more but they can find the sweet spot between voltage and amperage and have 3 stage charging (bulk, absorb and float).
I never plug in either of these carts and drive them around on 15 acres, sometimes pulling heavy loads.
The mistake most people make is not putting enough solar up there. Although on my next one (kind of a hobby) I’m going to use about 300 watts of the flexible modules and see how that does.
With the larger arrays I use roll cages as you can see to provide a sturdy enough frame. The frames that hold up the plastic roofs are too flimsy. They should work with the flexible panels tho.
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I am currently running flexible panels on our RV. They look awesome (can’t see them from the ground) but I only realize @ 50% now in year two. The only drawback is that they cannot breathe and cool properly thus it degrades that much quicker.
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Thanks for post. Yes that’s the problem with those type. What brand module is it?
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Originally posted by sjohnsun View Post
Missouri Wind and Solar. I have found they are not the least expensive but they have everything I need in one place and their customer service is great. Our next RV will run the same panels but I will go with a charge controller-inverter in one and use our MidNite Classic on a wind turbine at the coast. Quality lithium ion batteries are the biggest expense in any DC platform though but that’s worthy of a thread in and of itself.
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If you’re running out of battery that often you might consider getting away from electric. We have one one battery powered and one gasoline. Use the gas vehicle when we runnin all day long or hauling heavy loads.Comment
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Originally posted by BolilloLoco View Post
I’ve never run mine down, but I have 640 watts on top charging at up to 11 amps. Gauge is always full as it charges every day. Full battery is good for 18 miles (says ezgo), I’m going to test it soon. Mine is governed at 12 mph, instead of 18-20 mph because all use is off road and get more torque. I have 2 trailers for work around 15 acres. Haul rock, dirt, firewood etc.
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