|
Post by lollygagger on Feb 8, 2017 10:09:55 GMT
I don't have any solar but I have a heap of mastervolt gubbins. A charger, inverter, diesel generator, monitor/controller and batteries.
From reading I gather I simply attach the solar controller to the batteries and if I run the generator or plug into the mains it'll all sort itself out.
Won't the Mastervolt monitor/controller get confused? More to the point, won't I get confused or is it really fit and forget?
|
|
|
Post by lollygagger on Feb 8, 2017 10:16:31 GMT
The general plan is to bulk charge with the Genny and finish off with solar so I need enough solar to run the fridge and a few chargers but enough extra to charge the batteries. I haven't got masses of clear roof space there's boat hooks, the top of a side hatch, mushroom vents, gang plank a Houdini hatch...
Quite annoying really that I've been dragging a 150w solid panel around for a couple of years and it won't fit nicely anywhere.
|
|
|
Post by Andyberg on Feb 8, 2017 12:04:31 GMT
Have a measure of those on mine see if you could fit them anywhere..each of those are 100w....I've a couple of regulators too going spare if your gonna get sorted! I'm not back on board til Friday night so don't worry about making any dinπ±π±ππ
|
|
|
Post by lollygagger on Feb 8, 2017 15:19:37 GMT
Have a measure of those on mine see if you could fit them anywhere..each of those are 100w....I've a couple of regulators too going spare if your gonna get sorted! I'm not back on board til Friday night so don't worry about making any dinπ±π±ππ Yes, I have a flexible one like that on top of the van. It doesn't keep up in the summer with a similar fridge, I need 2 really. So maybe 3 on the boat would cover some non generator months in the summer too, but I'll be struggling to fit them in. Sooner or later I'll have to take the plunge. Meanwhile how would the Genny/charger react to solar already charging? I'd have thought it might refuse to bulk charge?
|
|
|
Post by Andyberg on Feb 8, 2017 15:32:03 GMT
Solar keeps the batts topped up during summer, genny/charger won't see any difference, they will charge till batts are topped up! We will have a talk Saturday when I'm back... Meanwhile did you or the other Getty 5 bodkins visit the local mosque last Sunday πππ
|
|
|
Post by Andyberg on Feb 8, 2017 15:33:08 GMT
oops! Duplicate post
|
|
|
Post by lollygagger on Feb 8, 2017 15:49:52 GMT
Solar keeps the batts topped up during summer, genny/charger won't see any difference, they will charge till batts are topped up! We will have a talk Saturday when I'm back... Meanwhile did you or the other Getty 5 bodkins visit the local mosque last Sunday πππ Well I didn't but I've been to a few in Egypt that were very welcoming 35 years ago. Say, the batteries are down to 50% despite the solar, but the solar is giving all it can, say 15A, how would the 240v Genny powered charger read that, it doesn't know where that power is coming from. Would it just provide 65a instead of 80a (which is it's limit), or would it provide 80a making 95a in total (more than recommended for the bank). Alternatively, what would the solar controller make of suddenly finding 80a up it's bum?
|
|
|
Post by Andyberg on Feb 8, 2017 16:07:12 GMT
From the way I run in summer When your batteries drop below where I deam they should be I run my genny to charge them, usually do a wash load too!! the solar input has no effect on this... Your solar input (as long as you've got enough) should keep your fridge etc running ok come summer with little input from your charging setup! Fitting led bulbs is a major plus too, Chinese cheap shite do the business, don't believe the bumble solar shite recommendations @Β£7 a throw recommendations you see on these NB forums... 3 years with Chinese 10 for Β£9 delivered and counting π
|
|
|
Post by Andyberg on Feb 8, 2017 16:11:10 GMT
If your struggling for room fit panels, see Alan the welder further down your jetty towards me, lives with Amy, he'll make you some brackets to suit to angle some panels for pocket money!π
|
|
|
Post by peterboat on Feb 8, 2017 17:38:23 GMT
I have 900 watts of solar it copes fine with other charging sources very soon I will turning off the whispergen as it wont be needed. I couldnt manage without solar as it would cost to much to produce the electric I use make space and enjoy the silence
|
|
|
Post by lollygagger on Feb 8, 2017 17:44:58 GMT
I have 900 watts of solar it copes fine with other charging sources very soon I will turning off the whispergen as it wont be needed. I couldnt manage without solar as it would cost to much to produce the electric I use make space and enjoy the silence yes but you live in another world, that lot would sink my boat.
|
|
|
Post by peterboat on Feb 8, 2017 17:55:48 GMT
I have 900 watts of solar it copes fine with other charging sources very soon I will turning off the whispergen as it wont be needed. I couldnt manage without solar as it would cost to much to produce the electric I use make space and enjoy the silence yes but you live in another world, that lot would sink my boat. They are flexible panels so are lighter but yes clear up as much space as you can and go for it
|
|
|
Post by Robbo on Feb 8, 2017 17:55:52 GMT
I don't have any solar but I have a heap of mastervolt gubbins. A charger, inverter, diesel generator, monitor/controller and batteries. From reading I gather I simply attach the solar controller to the batteries and if I run the generator or plug into the mains it'll all sort itself out. Won't the Mastervolt monitor/controller get confused? More to the point, won't I get confused or is it really fit and forget? Check out mastervolt controllers, they may link up to your current equipment better to have finer control of charging.
|
|
|
Post by lollygagger on Feb 8, 2017 17:59:27 GMT
I don't have any solar but I have a heap of mastervolt gubbins. A charger, inverter, diesel generator, monitor/controller and batteries. From reading I gather I simply attach the solar controller to the batteries and if I run the generator or plug into the mains it'll all sort itself out. Won't the Mastervolt monitor/controller get confused? More to the point, won't I get confused or is it really fit and forget? Check out mastervolt controllers, Β they may link up to your current equipment better to have finer control of charging. It's all rather old kit, I suspect the current stuff wouldn't communicate. If it did I doubt I'd want to pay for it!
|
|
|
Post by lollygagger on Feb 8, 2017 18:01:14 GMT
yes but you live in another world, that lot would sink my boat. They are flexible panels so are lighterΒ but yes clear up as much space as you can and go for it My roof is already clear thanks, there's only bits of the boat up there.
|
|