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Post by jcmontana on Jul 26, 2018 21:20:24 GMT
ok, here are a couple of solar questions.
My solar system contains these parts:
Have 3 100 w eclipse panels on the roof. wired into a commander 40a mppt charger w/mt-50. with a Blue sea systems ML-ACR charging relay #7622. into a Lifeline GPL-8DL 255 AH gel battery. 2 very large copper fuse's. and a Blue Sea fuse block. ARD refrigerator is hooked up and running.
I need to disconnect the system as I am building out the van conversion and the interior solar system parts are going to be moved into a new position.
1: is there a correct order that the parts need to be unplugged ? 2: is there a correct order the parts need to be reassembled in ?
Winter time storage will be in an enclosed building with a couple of windows, heated to 45+deg at all times. 1:best way to store the system thru the winter ? Options ?
Thank you for your guidance jim
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Post by Guest on Jul 27, 2018 0:44:47 GMT
there is a general warning in most controller manuals to disconnect the panels first and then the battery, the reverse is to connect the controller to the batt and then connect the panels.
Disconnect is one method of storage, ie disconnect the battery after fully charge this eliminates any parasite loads on the batt, several months in the cold is OK, if there is enough light let the solar be a maintainer with the batt disconnect from and load.
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Post by jcmontana on Jul 27, 2018 16:43:16 GMT
keeping things hooked up would be the best, I would unplug the ARD fridge and disconnect from the starter battery. Would like to buy a remote panel and tape it to the window in the shop, may collect enough, will have to start another post on that, length of cord , how to "quick" connect and disconnect from the controller etc.? thanks
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v10
Solar Advocate
Posts: 81
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Post by v10 on Jul 28, 2018 2:16:51 GMT
I have used Anderson connectors for quick clips for years.
The ones they use to charge forklifts.
They never break.
I am curious about your van jcmontana, where are the components now and where were you thinking of moving them to?
Also, where is your battery tray?
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Post by jcmontana on Jul 30, 2018 15:53:21 GMT
v10,,,I will have to do some research on the anderson connector clips, am not familiar with those. Right now all the interior components are directly behind the drivers seat in a ply wood box.
I am in the process of building the interior out, insulated the ceiling and the passenger wall this weekend, now I am ready to insulate the drivers side walls, so all the components need to come out.
I will incorporate the components into the wall/ cabinet framing, but will probably move the battery towards the rear, either in front of the driver wheel well or along side the wheel well.
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Post by jcmontana on Jul 30, 2018 15:56:19 GMT
v10,,how do you wire the anderson clips into the controller if the + & - controller ports are already taken up with the + & - solar wires from the roof?
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Post by Admin on Jul 31, 2018 0:29:13 GMT
ok, here are a couple of solar questions. My solar system contains these parts: Have 3 100 w eclipse panels on the roof. wired into a commander 40a mppt charger w/mt-50. with a Blue sea systems ML-ACR charging relay #7622. into a Lifeline GPL-8DL 255 AH gel battery. 2 very large copper fuse's. and a Blue Sea fuse block. ARD refrigerator is hooked up and running.
I need to disconnect the system as I am building out the van conversion and the interior solar system parts are going to be moved into a new position.
1: is there a correct order that the parts need to be unplugged ? 2: is there a correct order the parts need to be reassembled in ? Winter time storage will be in an enclosed building with a couple of windows, heated to 45+deg at all times. 1:best way to store the system thru the winter ? Options ? Thank you for your guidance jim
1: is there a correct order that the parts need to be unplugged ? When unplugging your solar system start with the first the panels, second the controller, and third the battery. 2: is there a correct order the parts need to be reassembled in ? When plugging your solar system, first start with the battery, second the controller, and third the solar panels. Winter time storage will be in an enclosed building with a couple of windows, heated to 45+deg at all times. 1:best way to store the system thru the winter ? Options ? The best way to store your components is make sure everything is disconnected and the panels are not facing the sun as well as nothing being electrically active. Depending on how long storage time is, the battery might need some charging every 3-6 months or so depending on the manufacturer.
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Post by jcmontana on Jul 31, 2018 12:15:27 GMT
admin,thank you for the advice..
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v10
Solar Advocate
Posts: 81
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Post by v10 on Aug 1, 2018 0:48:05 GMT
I attached another set of cables to the batteries and crimped the anderson on those.
I brought them inside the van so I can charge them inside on a shore power cable. Pre-solar. kept for redundancy and foul weather.
Yours could probably be mounted on the frame under the van after being pig-tailed with your cc cables
A good spot for the batteries is between the frame and body in front of the fuel filler hose (or is it,? kaboom}lol
A good way to raise and lower them is a different animal.
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Post by jcmontana on Aug 3, 2018 12:43:13 GMT
I was just making a spot in the rear under the bed for the battery, with every thing else I have to do for the conversion I didnt want to tackle making a battery box and a way to lift a 150lb battery up in the air.
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v10
Solar Advocate
Posts: 81
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Post by v10 on Aug 3, 2018 23:53:03 GMT
It will be much easier to access in the back.
Mine are not sealed like a true deep cycle. They are marine batteries and they vent and leak a little bit.
I wouldn't want them in the van but they have a decent amount of cranking amps and would rescue me with a jumpstart if ever needed.
Sometimes we end up in the middle of no where.
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