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--- electrical:solar:shallow_cycling [2021/08/15 17:17]
frater_secessus [microsolar without deep-cycle batteries]
+++ electrical:solar:shallow_cycling [2023/04/08 13:41] (current)
frater_secessus [shallow-cycling]
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 Note:  this information should be regarded as experimental.  It is [[https://boondockplan.wordpress.com/tag/shallow-cycling/|being tested]] by secessus.  Beginners may want to start with a [[electrical:solar:gentle_intro|gentle intro to solar]].
+[[opinion:frater_secessus:car_micropower|Here]] is a trimmed-down version of this page.
 ====== microsolar without deep-cycle batteries ======
@@ Line 9: / Line 12: @@
   * extremely inexpensive
   * provides 12v power and USB power during daylight
+  * could run small [[electrical:inverter|inverter]] loads (<100w?), up to the ability of the panels to deliver.  Note:  inverters impose additional losses (typical 10-20%) which can be significant in microsolar setups.  Running loads from native DC power is usually preferable.
   * will never deplete the starter battery so you get stranded
   * actively maintains the starter battery
@@ Line 38: / Line 42: @@
   * vehicle with starter battery (you already have this!)
   * simple [[http://amzn.to/2z8Sd8Y|10A controller **with configurable setpoints**]].  The controller should be mounted in a location easy for easy access if the built-in USB ports are going to be used.
-  * small solar panel; 100W polycrystalline [[https://amzn.to/2Vi37Xhlike this one]] would work well.  Home Depot and others have sales on 100w panels for as low as $73.
+  * small solar panel; 100W polycrystalline [[https://amzn.to/2Vi37Xhlike this one]] would work well.  Home Depot and others have sales on 100w panels for as low as $73. If you are using a PWM controller a low Vmp spec is preferable.  With MPPT a higher Vmp is preferable.
   * connector of some kind if panel is mounted off-vehicle;  cable gland if the panels are mounted on the vehicle and the wire is passed through the
   * wiring from panel to controller and from controller to starter battery
-  * [[http://amzn.to/2xHjBi7|usb/12v power outlet]] wired to the LOAD output of the controller.  An outlet with USB ports in it would allow the controller itself to be mounted discreetly and closer to the battery.
+  * [[http://amzn.to/2xHjBi7|usb/12v power outlet]] wired to the LOAD output of the controller, if desired.  An outlet with USB ports in it would allow the controller itself to be mounted discreetly and closer to the battery.
 ==== a word about battery voltage and solar power ====
@@ Line 69: / Line 73: @@
 ===== shallow-cycling =====
-//Shallow-cycling// is a more aggressive approach, allowing for more power in the daytime and some power for use after sundown.  It is most **suitable for starter batteries with removable cell caps** so you can add distilled water;  they will outgas a bit under heavy use.
+//Shallow-cycling// is a more aggressive approach, allowing for more power in the daytime and some power for use after sundown.  It may also allow the use of inverter loads that have startup surges.  This approach is most **suitable for starter batteries with removable cell caps** so you can add distilled water;  they will outgas a bit under heavy use.
 The charging setpoint is set somewhat higher, ~14.2v.  This will result in minor outgassing and a bit more power (**76.18W** using the panel data above).  [[electrical:12v:charging#watering_batteries|Battery watering]] is mandatory.
@@ Line 136: / Line 140: @@
+===== getting more power into the cabin =====
+see [[electrical:12v:alternator#isolator_without_a_house_battery|this article]]

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