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electrical:solar:rationing [2017/11/21 20:12]
frater_secessus [Rationing solar power] 		electrical:solar:rationing [2017/11/21 20:34]
frater_secessus [maximizing solar harvest]
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-Words of Wisdom: It is cheaper and easier to //use// less power than it is to //make// more power. -- highdesertranger((paraphrased))+[[lifestyle:words_of_wisdom|Words of Wisdom]]: It is **cheaper and easier to use less power** than it is to make more power. -- highdesertranger((paraphrased))
  
 ====== Rationing solar power ====== ====== Rationing solar power ======
  
-Sometimes normal awareness is not enough to keep a solar setup functioning with usable power.  In these situations one might need to take steps to minimize loads and maximize power intake.+Sometimes normal awareness is not enough to keep a solar setup functioning with usable power.  In these situations one might need to take steps to minimize loads and maximize power generation. 
 + 
 +Here are some examples: 
 +  * a stretch of rainy days 
 +  * a forest campsite with no good access to sunlight 
 +  * smoke from forest fires 
 +  * very short winter days 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
  
  
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 ===== maximizing solar harvest ===== ===== maximizing solar harvest =====
  
-  * ensure the panels are not shaded by natural obstructions:  move out from under trees, overhangs, etc. +  * ensure the panels are not shaded by //natural// obstructions:  move out from under trees, overhangs, etc. 
-  * ensure the panels are not shaded by obstructions on your own RV:  antennas, A/C units, vents, etc. One way to minimize shading is to park so that the **greatest expanse of panel is facing south** and any obstructions are on the north side of the van.+  * ensure the panels are not shaded by //manmade// obstructions on your own RV:  antennas, A/C units, vents, etc. One way to minimize shading is to park so that the **greatest expanse of panel is facing south** and any obstructions are on the north side of the van.
   * tilt panels if possible   * tilt panels if possible
   * ensure no tarps, awnings or other obstructions are preventing cooling breezes from passing under/over the panels;  panel output drops as cell temperature rises.   * ensure no tarps, awnings or other obstructions are preventing cooling breezes from passing under/over the panels;  panel output drops as cell temperature rises.
   * framed panels (mono and poly) should be mounted with some space underneath them for cooling airflow.  Cell temperature affects panel voltage output.   * framed panels (mono and poly) should be mounted with some space underneath them for cooling airflow.  Cell temperature affects panel voltage output.
   * clean the solar panels.  Dust or dirt on the panels can decrease panel output by 5-10% in some cases.((http://www.lwd.com/solar/deratingfactors.htm))   * clean the solar panels.  Dust or dirt on the panels can decrease panel output by 5-10% in some cases.((http://www.lwd.com/solar/deratingfactors.htm))
 +  * [[electrical:solar:pwm_tweaking|tweak your PWM controller]] to produce more power
  
  
electrical/solar/rationing.txt · Last modified: 2020/10/11 19:48 (external edit)

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