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electrical:solar:rationing [2017/11/21 20:19]
frater_secessus 		electrical:solar:rationing [2020/10/11 19:48] (current)
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 Here are some examples: Here are some examples:
 + 
 +  * smaller solar installations
   * a stretch of rainy days   * a stretch of rainy days
   * a forest campsite with no good access to sunlight   * a forest campsite with no good access to sunlight
   * smoke from forest fires   * smoke from forest fires
   * very short winter days   * very short winter days
 + 
  
  
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     * size the inverter to meet the needs of your biggest loads.  Oversizing wastes power because bigger inverters have more parasitic draw.  It may be worthwhile to have a small inverter for small loads and a big inverter for big loads;  this stops the inefficient use of small loads on a big inverter.      * size the inverter to meet the needs of your biggest loads.  Oversizing wastes power because bigger inverters have more parasitic draw.  It may be worthwhile to have a small inverter for small loads and a big inverter for big loads;  this stops the inefficient use of small loads on a big inverter. 
     * use MSW unless your intended uses need PSW;  MSW have lower parasitic draws.     * use MSW unless your intended uses need PSW;  MSW have lower parasitic draws.
-  * open your refrigerator as little as possible after sundown+  * open your [[food:refrigeration|refrigerator]] as little as possible after sundown
   * [[food:cooking|cook]] with propane instead of electricty   * [[food:cooking|cook]] with propane instead of electricty
  
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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, and be //ruthless// about not running loads until the battery bank is out of bulk mode. 
 +  * invest in [[electrical:solar:charge_controller#mppt|an mppt controller]] if you can, and [[electrical:solar:charge_controller_setpoints|configure it]] to battery manufacturer specifications 
 +  * install [[electrical:12v:alternator|an isolator]] for alternator charging 
 +  * use [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]] charging (via [[electrical:converter|converter]]) anytime it is available
  
  
  
electrical/solar/rationing.1511313586.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/10/11 19:48 (external edit)

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