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Post by quaysider on Feb 9, 2021 21:10:25 GMT
You might remember my plan had been to increase my solar array this winter... covid finances have dictated otherwise . That said, today I've had a new booking for next year so cash flow has improved a little. I HAD been trying to find panels 1580mm long so as not to have to alter the brackets on the roof. ACCEPTING now, this is nigh on impossible, I've decided to go for 2 "bigger ones" rather than 3 existing ones - ergo, I'm gonna drill out brackets and re-fit them where they need to be for longer panels. I'm unable to fit 3 longer ones in due to the Chimney location. What I can't grasp is why some of the higher output ones (well ones purporting to be 360w and above) but split cells, are SO much cheaper? - do they actually output the stated (I accept it's max theoretical) amounts, or am I missing something obvious? These being 2 I'm looking at currently and not grasping why the massive price differential for similar (stated) outputs. www.itstechnologies.shop/collections/lg-solar/products/360w-lg-mono-neon2-n5www.itstechnologies.shop/collections/ja-solar/products/365w-ja-solar-mono-mbb-percium-half-cell-all-black-solar-panelPerhaps I should just run a long extension cable from the grid to the boat and forget all about it? |
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Post by kris on Feb 9, 2021 21:22:31 GMT
It’s perceived quality I suppose, without knowing the individual items involved. I’m intending to upgrade my panels as soon as it’s warm enough to work outside.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2021 21:35:57 GMT
One of the panels I put on Dulcinea late last year is a 365w Canadian solar jobbie. I think that's a split wotsit. The other two arrr JA 325w panels.
Amazing things. A kilowatt of solar is going to be quite serious overkill on my boat within a couple of months but never mind they were cheap at less than £100 each bearing in mind my last solar panels were £350 each for 75w panels !
A bit big for the top of narrow boats if you like using the roof for walking on though.
And of course the big ones need MPPT controllers which adds a bit to the price obviously.
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Post by quaysider on Feb 9, 2021 21:45:27 GMT
I've already got a decent sized mppt controller - from memory it might be 50A and I have a feeling I read if i try putting too much through it, it just "dumps" the excess into the heatsink... I could have dreamed this though.
Thing is, 500 watts isn't really enough now the inverter is on for the mains powered fridge/freezer - it managed fine with the old 12v one but a bit more ooomph will help me chill out a bit on days when we're not chugging too far.
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Post by kris on Feb 9, 2021 21:47:41 GMT
Over a certain size of solar I think it makes sense to have a relay and a dc water heating element on you calorafier.
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Post by quaysider on Feb 9, 2021 22:05:19 GMT
my pal old mick fitted a 12v 300 watt one to his... said it took the edge off it but I suspect he never really had enough "spare" capacity for it to do much.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2021 9:58:44 GMT
Are you going to get enough rays in the winter to dump into a water heater, for you I cant see the logic in having one for summer use as you move most days and heat the tank from your engine?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2021 10:02:26 GMT
Yes but he requires guests to have at least 3 showers per day per person. And they are timed and the volume of soap use is recorded. There are set minimums for these.
That's a lot of water so in his particular situation it might be a handy little bonus to be fair.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2021 10:05:09 GMT
ah yes a valid point, unless he has another smelly no shower guest.
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Post by quaysider on Feb 10, 2021 10:37:18 GMT
cheeky feckers... at no point did I say I was gonna fit one . Guests are on the whole pretty respectful of the 'personal hygiene rule'... even Patty ;-) Freya may be another story lol.
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Post by Jim on Feb 10, 2021 11:18:16 GMT
cheeky feckers... at no point did I say I was gonna fit one . Guests are on the whole pretty respectful of the 'personal hygiene rule'... even Patty ;-) Freya may be another story lol. I can imagine any guest with a bit of dirt, you'll be chasing them with a bit of spit on your hanky. Do you check fingernails, neck and behind the ears on a daily muster? |
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Post by peterboat on Feb 10, 2021 11:23:52 GMT
cheeky feckers... at no point did I say I was gonna fit one . Guests are on the whole pretty respectful of the 'personal hygiene rule'... even Patty ;-) Freya may be another story lol. Sounds like Freya wont be a problem the canal is there throw a stick in instant bath!  Panel wise I bought 4 x 300 watt split cell panels for £300 last year great value. As you know summertime I use my drive solar to heat hot water, 2500 watts heats a 3kw 240 volt immersion heater nicely. Although I have bought a 6kw genny its always been my aim not to use it as I prefer to not create pollution if possible, however winter as we all know even with 4.6 kw of solar can be a problem hence genny
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Post by patty on Feb 10, 2021 20:03:30 GMT
cheeky feckers... at no point did I say I was gonna fit one . Guests are on the whole pretty respectful of the 'personal hygiene rule'... even Patty ;-) Freya may be another story lol. I don't think I have anything to say....... |
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Panel wise I bought 4 x 300 watt split cell panels for £300 last year great value.
