http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/ Solar Power Discussion Forum - Electricity from the sun en Thu, 17 May 2012 19:17:31 GMT vBulletin 90 http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/images/misc/rss.png http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/ http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15793-Using-a-Square-D-QO-Load-Center-for-Combiner-Box-pics-and-video&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 17:30:29 GMT I did this for people who are new to solar and may be on a budget.. this case is indoor rated.. they do make a 3R rated version of this case.. wire... I did this for people who are new to solar and may be on a budget.. this case is indoor rated.. they do make a 3R rated version of this case.. wire used is 10AWG (to represent the solar panel wire) and 8AWG going to my charge controller.. The box was $20.. the outdoor box is $36 at MillsFleetFarm, HD, or Lowes..

QO breakers are rated for up to 48 VDC.. do not however try to use this in/with a 48 VDC rated panel..

You can use this with 12v (17vdc usually) or 24v (30 and 37vdc) panels.. again do not exceed 48VDC..

You can series up to 2 of 12v panels (totals to 35vdc usually), or with singles of the 24vdc panels in parallel..

Heres the basic QO612L100 box..





Connect the backbone HOT/LOAD lugs so all the breakers will be combined.. (important to use 8AWG or heavier wire)

I used 8AWG wire from HD (rated to about 70 amps).. I only need 60 amps..

I went above with this 'connector' wire, some people go below with this wire..



We will be using the built-in neutral bussbar as our NEGATIVE/GROUND bar.. Its insulated from the case and LOAD.

]]> ywhic http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15793-Using-a-Square-D-QO-Load-Center-for-Combiner-Box-pics-and-video http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15792-Can-the-Voice-of-Solar-Shine-Brighter&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 17:10:27 GMT Image: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com//assets/images/story/2012/5/17/1332-can-the-voice-of-solar-shine-brighter.jpg Solar manufacturers and... Solar manufacturers and installers face the same challenge as many business owners: How can a company make time for media outreach as part of their overall marketing strategy? With so many other tasks vying for our time and dollars, making connections with the media, which is one of the best forms of free publicity, is often forgotten about. Why?

More... ]]> Solar Energy News RSS Feed RSSfeed http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15792-Can-the-Voice-of-Solar-Shine-Brighter http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15791-Taking-A-Look-at-Publicly-Traded-Solar-Companies&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 06:12:26 GMT Taking A Look at Publicly Traded Solar Companies There aren’t a lot of publicly traded solar companies out there – most of the companies in the solar sector are relatively small operations.* However, two companies in the public sphere are subject to lots of buzz and the contrast between them is intriguing.* We are talking about Enphase Energy (which went public at the [...] Solar Feeds Related posts:In Focus: SolarCity IPOEnphase Debuts on...

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More... ]]> Solar Energy News RSS Feed RSSfeed http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15791-Taking-A-Look-at-Publicly-Traded-Solar-Companies http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15790-Walmart-to-Install-Solar-at-27-Massachusetts-Stores&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 06:12:26 GMT Walmart to Install Solar at 27 Massachusetts Stores Seems like the solar revolution is spreading across the globe at a rapid pace with regions that... Walmart to Install Solar at 27 Massachusetts Stores Seems like the solar revolution is spreading across the globe at a rapid pace with regions that were previously not too ‘hot’ on solar power now turning towards this clean energy source. And with growing awareness and how planet-friendly measures tend to both bring in some good PR and save a penny or two in [...] Solar Feeds Related posts:Six Walmart Stores Go Solar in ColoradoWal-Mart to...

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More... ]]> Solar Energy News RSS Feed RSSfeed http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15790-Walmart-to-Install-Solar-at-27-Massachusetts-Stores http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15788-In-Focus-Solar-Phones-in-Kenya&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 01:10:46 GMT In Focus: Solar Phones in KenyaAlago Alba, living in a marginalized village in the North Eastern region of Kenya, provided for her family by turning... In Focus: Solar Phones in KenyaAlago Alba, living in a marginalized village in the North Eastern region of Kenya, provided for her family by turning to renewable energy. Her village lacked a workable connection to an electricity grid and like many Kenyans; she could not afford the high costs of obtaining a main connection. Alago’s job as a stock trader [...]Solar Feeds Related posts:Solar powered phone launched in KenyaMobile phones and solar...

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More... ]]> Solar Energy News RSS Feed RSSfeed http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15788-In-Focus-Solar-Phones-in-Kenya http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15787-Solar-FIT-Fallout-Germany-s-Environment-Minister-Forced-Out&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 22:10:10 GMT Image: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com//assets/images/story/2012/5/16/1332-solar-fit-fallout-germany-s-environment-minister-forced-out.jpg The... The European shake-up continues as Germany's powerful Minister of the Environment Norbert Roettgen was fired Thursday as Chancellor Angela Merkel looks to hold onto power following her party's regional election loss over the weekend.

More... ]]> Solar Energy News RSS Feed RSSfeed http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15787-Solar-FIT-Fallout-Germany-s-Environment-Minister-Forced-Out http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15786-Comment-On-New-RV-Solar-Setup-(Please)&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 19:10:15 GMT Will be buying a 38’ 5th wheel Dec. or so & have been studying solar and would like to be mostly independent for boondocking. Here’s what I’m looking at so far:
• 5 - Kyocera 140 w panels ( Vmp – 17.7/Imp – 7.91 / Isc – 8.68 )
• Mounting syst. with tilt
• #8/3 wire (max 20’ run) to junction box on roof to keep voltage loss less than 3% (3rd wire for gnd)
• #6/3 down to controller & ground (10’ to 12’)
• Morningstar TS MPPT60 controller, w/heat sensor and remote monitor (or Trimetric 2025RV meter)
• 6 T-105 Batteries w/ Hydrocaps & #4 interconnecting wire (& wire from controller - less than 3’)
• 50 Amp (house AC type double fuse box) to run solar down wire thru one fuse & controller out wire
• thru 2nd fuse (quick disconnect for solar system)

Correct me if I’m wrong…. This setup will give me 700w with 17.7 Vmp to the controller and should charge up 675 Ah batteries at a good rate. I plan on running panels in parallel – keeps the shadow problem to a minimum and keeps the Vmp closer to the MPPT output (more efficient?). Everyone uses #10/2 on the panels, but to keep the voltage drop to 3% or less on runs longer than 15’ or 20’ I’d rather use #8. I will pull out whatever 12v batteries come with the unit & just attach all the wires to the new battery setup. Would like to use them but not a good idea to have a couple of 12w bats with a couple of T-105 6v bats. May use one of them in the truck to run a 300w inverter there…

Question: If the unit comes with an inverter (I’m assuming it will be small so they can keep the cost down) and I replace it with a 2000w pure sine inverter, what issues will I have besides replacing fuses with ones that are higher amp? Any other thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. I have a laptop and TV on most of the day, and I understand that a microwave (among other things) will run better on a pure sine inverter. Also have cell phones, ipads, elect. razor etc to charge up. Might have to run one of the AC units for an hour or two as well, but that would probably be better off a gen. (would rather stay off a gen. if possible).

Comments & suggestions appreciated. Great forum by the way - just joined. Will be sifting through everything for quite a while. ]]> gdoty http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15786-Comment-On-New-RV-Solar-Setup-(Please) http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15785-Achieving-A-Smooth-Solar-Panel-Installation&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 18:10:33 GMT Achieving A Smooth Solar Panel InstallationIf you’re considering harnessing the potential of solar power, either with a free system, or rent-a-roof... Achieving A Smooth Solar Panel InstallationIf you’re considering harnessing the potential of solar power, either with a free system, or rent-a-roof scheme, you could reduce the fuel bills of your home. On top of this, you’ll be taking action that will make a positive impact on your own, and your family’s carbon footprint. But many people worry about whether having [...]Solar Feeds Related posts:New North Carolina Solar Panel Installation...

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More... ]]> Solar Energy News RSS Feed RSSfeed http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15785-Achieving-A-Smooth-Solar-Panel-Installation http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15782-Frustrated-a-fairly-long-post-(&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 15:10:06 GMT Well on Saturday morning I drove 4 hours north to my little cabin to install some off grid solar. The cabin is fairly small (20x28 ). It has... Well on Saturday morning I drove 4 hours north to my little cabin to install some off grid solar. The cabin is fairly small (20x28 ). It has already been wired by a licensed electrician. The panel consists of two 30 amp, one 20 amp and one 15 amp breaker. One of the 30 amp breakers is wired to a RV cord that plugs into a generator. The 20 amp circuit is for outlets and the 15 amp circuit is for lights. I have been running off the generator for about a year. The other 30 amp breaker is to be used for my solar system. There is a little mechanical device between the two 30 amp breakers to prevent them from both being on at the same time.

All went pretty well installing the solar components (panels, combiner, charge controller, battery bank etc…) except when I attempted to connect the inverter to the 30 amp breaker. Perhaps my choice of inverter was my downfall. I am in the process of contacting the manufacture for suggestions. The inverter I purchased is a Cotek 1000 SK. The US model has a GFI outlet and my thought was to simply run 25’ of 12/2 from the panel to the inverter and plug it in. The problem is that when I plug in the inverter, the GFI shuts down the inverter. Now I did some testing to try and figure out what may be wrong but to no avail and I am now back home and won’t get up there for another month. I hope to have some more Ideas before going back up.

Testing wise here is what I did. First, every indication concerning the solar install seems ok. The controller shows it’s charging to the point of indicating a float charge. After the first time the GFI kicked off the inverter I plugged and extension cord directly to the inverter and plugged in a fan. Worked like a charm. I then with a power strip plugged in the fan, TV, cell phone and radio. Again worked great. So the inverter is working. I then thought that maybe because the 20 amp circuit has a GFI in it that I would turn off that breaker and try again with the 15 amp which is for the lights only. Same result. I then thought I should check the voltage coming from the inverter through the 12/2 I had just pulled and it was approx. 120 volts. I took the end off an extension cord and hard wired that to the panel and plugged into the inverter in an attempt to make sure there wasn’t a problem with the 12/2 I just pulled. Same result. I then decided to plug an extension cord from the inverter to the cord used for the generator and feed it that way. Same result. I then shut off every breaker at the panel and plugged in the inverter and again the GFI kicked off the inverter. When I plug the inverter in, the lights come on for an instant. The inverter doesn’t indicated any overload or anything, the lights all stay green.

Knowing how everything is supposed to be grounded is not always clear to me but I have asked questions and searched the forum and believe that everything should be grounded to a common ground. I therefore grounded everything and I mean every thing to a single point (negative buss bar) and then took that ground to the ground rod connected to the house wiring.

Any suggestions are welcome. Also, one thing I didn’t do was disconnect the solar grounding from that common ground rod and test it. ]]> 97TJ http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15782-Frustrated-a-fairly-long-post-( http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15781-FUTUREWATCH-Solar-Powered-Bionic-Eye&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 13:10:47 GMT FUTUREWATCH: Solar Powered Bionic EyeA retinal implant or a bionic eye has been developed by scientists at Stanford University in California. It is... FUTUREWATCH: Solar Powered Bionic EyeA retinal implant or a bionic eye has been developed by scientists at Stanford University in California. It is powered by light as compared to present day implants which are run on batteries. This device uses a unique pair of spectacles to shaft a stream of light into the eye. This sends signals to the [...]Solar Feeds Related posts:Stanford Researchers Develop Solar Retinal ImplantsFUTUREWATCH: Self...

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More... ]]> Solar Energy News RSS Feed RSSfeed http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15781-FUTUREWATCH-Solar-Powered-Bionic-Eye http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15780-American-Solar-Manufacturers-Oppose-Solar-Tariffs&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 13:10:47 GMT American Solar Manufacturers Oppose Solar TariffsAwaiting a key U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) decision, American solar manufacturers are speaking... American Solar Manufacturers Oppose Solar TariffsAwaiting a key U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) decision, American solar manufacturers are speaking out against SolarWorld’s campaign to raise tariffs on imported Chinese solar cells. Manufacturers including Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor, GT Advanced Technologies, MEMC, REC Silicon, and Suntech America believe that free trade and global competition are good for the American solar...

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More... ]]> Solar Energy News RSS Feed RSSfeed http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15780-American-Solar-Manufacturers-Oppose-Solar-Tariffs http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15779-Solar-PV-system-Without-batteries&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 13:07:11 GMT hi there

i've a question. is it possible to design a solar pv system without the need of the batteries? like if some one is going to use it, he can use during the day and in the evening the grid side will turn on.


Please reply with technical details if posible

Regards,
Amer ]]> General Solar Power Topics ghaxii http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15779-Solar-PV-system-Without-batteries http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15778-What-12v-Flooded-Battery-Settings-for-my-new-TS45-controller&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 02:22:17 GMT In the MorningStar TS-45 Charge Controller Manual (PWM) is has these settings for me to choose from.. I'll be running 2 Trojan T105 battery for a 12v system initally.. I know they are flooded but which setting should I go with..?? Number 4, 5, or 6??

--------------------------------------------------------

The TriStar provides 7 standard battery charging algorithms
Set the 4-6 DIP switchs according to your preferred settings..

Type Absorb Float Equal
off-off-off 1 - Sealed 14.0 13.4 none
off-off-on 2 - Sealed 14.15 13.4 14.2
off-on-off 3 - Sealed 14.35 13.4 14.4
off-on-on 4 - Flooded 14.4 13.4 15.1
on-off-off 5- Flooded 14.6 13.4 15.3
on-off-on 6 - Flooded 14.8 13.4 15.3
on-on-off 7 - L-16 15.0 13.4 15.3

As always help is appreciated.. ]]> ywhic http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15778-What-12v-Flooded-Battery-Settings-for-my-new-TS45-controller http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15777-Long-Island-Gets-Solar-Feed-In-Tariff&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 02:10:34 GMT Long Island Gets Solar Feed-In Tariff Long Island, NY is about to join the dozen or so US jurisdictions that have a feed-in tariff (FiT). Long Island... Long Island Gets Solar Feed-In Tariff Long Island, NY is about to join the dozen or so US jurisdictions that have a feed-in tariff (FiT). Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), the local utility, is getting ready to implement the “CLEAN Solar Initiative,” pending approval of its Board of Trustees. Starting July 1, CLEAN will pay a fixed rate of 22 cents [...] Solar Feeds Related posts:Long Island Simplifies Solar Permit ProcessNew Long...

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More... ]]> Solar Energy News RSS Feed RSSfeed http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15777-Long-Island-Gets-Solar-Feed-In-Tariff http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?15776-In-Focus-Community-Solar&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 02:10:34 GMT In Focus: Community Solar What is Community Solar? *On the surface this sounds like an easy question to answer, and until giving the topic more... In Focus: Community Solar What is Community Solar? *On the surface this sounds like an easy question to answer, and until giving the topic more thought my answer would have simply been: Community Solar is any solar energy project that takes place in a community and involves the community. I still think this is a good starting point for [...] Solar Feeds Related posts:Community Teams up for SolarFirst Community Heated with Solar Power Built in...

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