Solar Power
My friend John Gonzales from Tularosa Communications takes a break from working at the ISP and gets on the roof. Homemade rack was made from locally obtained aluminum angle and a lot of drilling and bolting. I snapped a line on the roof with a chalk line and built the rack in place using the existing holes in the panels and one of the rows of bolts holding the roof metal down as a pattern.
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Set of 6 BP90, 90 watt panels. This set is big enough to run a home along with a wind generator or a back up generator if properly thought out.
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Solar panels convert sunshine into electrical current. You can charge batteries or run something directly like a fan in the attic. This is a great way to use a panel. The demand for cooling will be proportional to the panels output. You could also pump water, etc. Panels come in many sizes ranging from less than a watt to 150+ watts. I like the 75 watt size. they are easy to handle while working alone on a roof or going up and down a ladder. Keep in mind, the bigger the panel, the less per watt it usually costs so shop around. Also, do you plan on going with 12, 24 or 48 volt? If you want to start out with 12 and later change over to 24 later, get your panels in multiples of 2. If you ever want to go to 48, get them in multiples of 4. You may end up with an odd number and that missing panel you need just may be discontinued now.. plan ahead.
Any small shaded area on a panel will greatly decrease its output. I estimate that a 10 percent area shaded reduces the power output more than 50 percent. A few wet leaves sticking to a panel will really hurt performance. Remember one thing about trees, they grow. Trim or cut them down if you have to. Live with Your system for a yr. December 21st will give you the lowest sun angle. check what is casting a shadow around Your array and deal with it.
When choosing a charge controller, get one that will handle enough current for any future upgrades and also one that is voltage selectable. Most larger controllers have a tap for 12-24-48 volts. The trace C-40 and many other controllers can be wired 'backwards' and turn something on, such as an attic fan or water pump when the batteries are full. This assures getting full use of the power generated from Your solar array or wind generator. Turning on attic fans, evaporative cooler, or pumping a water tank full would be a few wise uses for this surplus power. Very important, don't connect controller when the array is in the sun or the load is on, in diversion mode, It could zapp the controller's electronics.
The C-40 charge controller/diversion load controller
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I can be reached via email, at:
solarman@netmdc.com
Copyright 2004, solarman.org
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