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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 19 Feb 2016 08:29am
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Been looking for a package set up for awhile now.
Anyone using these?
http://www.amazon.com/WindyNation-Complete-Off-Grid-Controller-Connectors/dp/B00FAR76 50
Seems cheap enough (a bit over $300)
Also seems a technical ignopotamous like, saaaaay...me could handle assembly without too many helpline converstions.
Gotta be better than Harbor Fright 45 watt junk.
Just want it for evening computer/lights (4-6 60w LED)
Please note; I'm not near ready to go full blown solar, but yearning for quieter more economical evenings (even though the hum of the genny is not all that bothersome, and gas prices right now makes a one dollar evening bearable)
Seems Solarific
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SE Ohio
Member
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# Posted: 19 Feb 2016 09:02am - Edited by: SE Ohio
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Gary O,
I suspect this'll be powerful enough for your needs. I'm using a single 100W panel with a different controller and provides fine for my lessor needs (stereo draws very little but on all day, 4 LED lights), recharge phones and kids handleheld Nintendos, power to spare. Everything runs on 12 volts DC, we don't use an inverter to make 120 volt AC (Vac).
You'll need to think about batteries- Another topic! We use two 6v golf cart batteries in series (12 volts). You might want to expand to 4 6-v batteries providing 12 volts or 24 volts, and could "invert" into 120 Vac (or not). Again, another topic!
SE Ohio
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ClimberKev
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# Posted: 19 Feb 2016 09:38am - Edited by: ClimberKev
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Seems like a good deal. I have a 210 watt array and 20 watt panel for a couple back up batteries. I use 8 marine batteries. My first set lasted 10 years (mostly weekend use). I'm also in a valley with limited direct sunlight. I do suggest investing in a pure sine wave inverter.
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NorthRick
Member
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# Posted: 19 Feb 2016 02:55pm
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The problem with that system is that you still need batteries and an inverter. And, it can't really be expanded. Plus, PWM charge controllers aren't nearly as efficient as MPPT controllers. MPPT used to be considerably more expensive then PWM but the price difference isn't so bad now. Best case scenario with PWM controller is only 60% of the panel's output makes it into your batteries. Often, it's less than half.
Those are "battery" solar panels - designed to work with a PWM controller into a 12 volt dc system. "Grid Tie" panels have higher voltages, and with a MPPT controller, can be connected to 12, 24 or 48 volt battery systems. Why would you care? Grid tie panels (can still be used for batteries) are about 1/2 the price on a per watt basis.
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 19 Feb 2016 10:45pm
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Thanks guys
I've got shopping to do
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SE Ohio
Member
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# Posted: 20 Feb 2016 10:28am
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NorthRick,
Would appreciate your suggestions for a better solar setup. Have a neighbor considering making the plunge. Maybe others here too?
SE Ohio
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 20 Feb 2016 11:41am - Edited by: Steve_S
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WindyNation offers a 200 Watt MPPT Kit @ $519 which seems a tad dear because they are sticking with the 100W panels. The MPPT Controller offered though can do 12,24,48 Volt Configurations and handle higher wattage & voltage panels for future expandability.
I also 2nd NorthRick's comment. Given the broad choices available for MPPT Controllers and the higher wattage/voltage panels which are cheaper per Watt than the older 12v panels, there is plenty of room for careful shopping.
If at all possible get a system which will allow you flexibility to meet "your needs today" as you define them and as you keep redefining them tomorrow. On that note, 30A Charger is OK but 45A would be better and 60A even moreso. If you decide on a small inverter, I would very seriously suggest getting an Pure Sine - Inverter/Charger Combo unit to be 100% electronics safe and gentler on your AC powered goodies.
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DaveBell
Moderator
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# Posted: 20 Feb 2016 02:09pm - Edited by: DaveBell
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You get what you pay for. While I was specing out a system with a friend who knows this stuff, (Canadian 305 watt solar panel, Blue Sky Energy 25 amp MPPT controller) he told me a friend of his is on his 6th El-Cheapo controller because they just don't last.
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Julie2Oregon
Member
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# Posted: 20 Feb 2016 05:20pm
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NorthRick
VERY helpful info on the "grid tie" panels versus "battery" panels. Thank you so much for posting that! 
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Just
Member
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# Posted: 22 Feb 2016 10:07am
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Might be another way , just sayen
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keljohnso
Member
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# Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:48am
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I went with a Renogy 200W kit of similar price. Going on our second year with no problems out of the panels. The batteries on the other hand...I think it may shorten the life expectancy of the batteries to always be connected and charging.
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MtnDon
Member
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# Posted: 22 Feb 2016 01:49pm
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Quoting: keljohnso I think it may shorten the life expectancy of the batteries to always be connected and charging.
If you have a reliable solar charge controller, NO, the batteries are not harmed. The CC will do the daily bulk, absorb and then float. As long as the CC is setup correctly, that works better than letting the batteries become discharged and then left sitting in a partial state of charge.
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MtnDon
Member
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# Posted: 22 Feb 2016 03:32pm - Edited by: MtnDon
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To GaryO...
It's a place to start. I know you are reluctant to jump in and get your feet wet because you are a self proclaimed electric newbie. If you can afford the price and the batteries plus an inverter, why not? Or no inverter if everything runs on 12 volts DC.
Note: You can get it slightly cheaper direct from Windy Nation. And a couple of GC2 batteries from Costco or Sam's. (not all of their outlets carry them mind you.) Also give Solarblvd a looksee.
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NorthRick
Member
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# Posted: 22 Feb 2016 04:23pm - Edited by: NorthRick
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Quoting: SE Ohio NorthRick,Would appreciate your suggestions for a better solar setup. Have a neighbor considering making the plunge. Maybe others here too?SE Ohio
I'm no expert, however, most people start in the wrong order. Such as, "I got these 200watt panels what else do I need?" You should start by figuring out what you want to power, how much power the stuff consumes in a day, and max power surges for things that draw a surge on start up (motors). Then figure out what inverter will handle the load. Then figure out what size battery bank you need to support that load and how many cloudy days you want the batteries to hold out. After that, you determine the total solar panel wattage you need, taking your location into account.
It is often an iterative process. Depending on your loads, running everything on solar, sized to work in December with a 4 day battery reserved, may cost way more than you want. That's typically where you start factoring in a generator and reducing the loads that you want to run.
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alliumnate
Member
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# Posted: 22 Feb 2016 06:05pm
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I'm using a WindyNation setup on my little weekend cabin. I have 200 watts and two deep cycle 12 volt batteries, each with 125 amp hours. I was absolutely ignorant regarding solar setups, but the installation was pretty straightforward, and it serves my purposes. I can run the lights occasionally, the fan all night, while charging phones and tools, and then still have enough power to run the coffee maker in the morning. And I'm in a little valley that gets a fair amount of shade.
I agree with ClimberKev that you should get a pure sin wave inverter if you plan on using any electronics. We have a stereo that we use out there, and it has a somewhat annoying buzz to it. I expect you'd have something similar with TV's or computers....
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MtnDon
Member
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# Posted: 22 Feb 2016 06:11pm
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Quoting: NorthRick I'm no expert, however, most people start in the wrong order. Such as, "I got these 200watt panels what else do I need?" You should start by figuring out what you want to power, how much power the stuff consumes in a day, and max power surges for things that draw a surge on start up (motors). Then figure out what inverter will handle the load. Then figure out what size battery bank you need to support that load and how many cloudy days you want the batteries to hold out. After that, you determine the total solar panel wattage you need, taking your location into account.
If that is your approach to system design you are more of an expert than many.... I can't remember how many times I have said more or less the same thing...
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MtnDon
Member
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# Posted: 22 Feb 2016 06:16pm - Edited by: MtnDon
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Quoting: alliumnate I agree with ClimberKev that you should get a pure sine wave inverter
Ditto. It's not only that there is a chance of audio noise, but things with AC motors run quieter, cooler and last longer. Electronics don't like the harsh bang-bang square wave power from a modified sine wave inverter. Lots of folks run them on MSW but they will wear out their devices and need new ones much sooner. Microwaves run, but run like crap on MSW. They take longer to heat the same amount compared to PSW and because of that inefficiency use your battery capacity up quicker.
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