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electrical:solar:gentle_intro [2018/10/17 11:38] frater_secessus [panels] |
electrical:solar:gentle_intro [2018/10/17 11:45] frater_secessus [panels] |
This page aims to provide beginners with a basic overview of solar power for nomads. There are oversimplifications and concepts skipped for clarity. If you would like a refresher on basic electronics, see [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTvXx9tBkuU|the AltE Intro to Electronics for solar]] video. | This page aims to provide beginners with a basic overview of solar power for nomads. There are oversimplifications and concepts skipped for clarity. If you would like a refresher on basic electronics, see [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTvXx9tBkuU|the AltE Intro to Electronics for solar]] video. |
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A quick definition: the word //nominal// will crop up again and again in your reading. It refers to how a thing is //named// or labeled. In your head you can replace the word "nominal" with the phrase "so-called". The most common use is "nominal 12v", referring to the common automotive 12v system. The term is used for historical reasons and is almost never literally 12.00 volts. In fact, a lead-acid battery is [[electrical:depth_of_discharge|over-discharged]] at 12.0v. | A quick definition: the word //nominal// will crop up again and again in your reading, both here and elsewhere. In your head you can replace the word "nominal" with the phrase "so-called". The most common use is "nominal 12v", referring to the common automotive 12v system. The term is used for historical reasons and is almost never literally 12.00 volts. In fact, a lead-acid battery is [[electrical:depth_of_discharge|over-discharged]] at 12.0v! |
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- is the cheapest per watt | - is the cheapest per watt |
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This usually means framed panels, as flex panels are usually 2+ times more expensive per watt, are less rugged, physically larger for a given output, and degrade much quicker. Flex panels do have legitimate uses but they are specialty panels not well-suited for general use. | This usually means framed panels, as flex panels are usually 2+ times more expensive per watt and are less rugged. Flex panels do have legitimate uses but they are specialty panels and are not recommended as a default panel for most builds. |
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Arrays of two 100W panels are popular because 100w panels can be shipped individually by UPS/FedEx. Larger panels may require $$$ truck shipping; try to buy those locally if possible to avoid shipping fees. | Arrays of two 100W panels are popular because 100w panels can be shipped individually by UPS/FedEx. Larger panels may require $$$ truck shipping; try to buy those locally if possible to avoid shipping fees. |
100W panels are usually nominal 12v; [[electrical:solar:panels#panel_voltage|there are also 20v and 24v panels]] one can source from the solar grid-tied market. The higher voltages panels require a MPPT controller (see below) but tend to be cheaper per watt. | 100W panels are usually nominal 12v; [[electrical:solar:panels#panel_voltage|there are also 20v and 24v panels]] one can source from the solar grid-tied market. The higher voltages panels require a MPPT controller (see below) but tend to be cheaper per watt. |
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The two main types of panel in 2018 are **monocrystalline** (//mono//) and **polycrystalline** (//poly//). The technical details are unimportant but you will see panels described as mono or poly when you are researching. Because of a quirk of voltage output their behavior, **poly panels are slightly better suited to PWM charge controllers**, and **mono panels((and "high voltage" 20v/24v panels)) are slightly better suited to MPPT controllers**. These controllers are discussed next. | The two main types of panel in 2018 are **monocrystalline** (//mono//) and **polycrystalline** (//poly//). The technical details are unimportant but you will see panels described as mono or poly when you are researching. Due to relatively small differences in their voltages, **poly panels are slightly better suited to PWM charge controllers**, and **mono panels((and "high voltage" 20v/24v panels)) are slightly better suited to MPPT controllers**. These controllers are discussed next. |
==== charge controller ==== | ==== charge controller ==== |
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