Thinking about 24V

[Justme44]

Is anyone running a 24v system? My wife is wondering about solar and I see a lot of 24v solar systems. Having a problem on how to handle the 12v devices like the slider hydraulic pump. I sure would like to get some advice.
Thanks
Dennis

[dieselguy]

There's several solar guys on the MOC and I think they all run off 12 VDC. Even if you did convert all current 12 VDC devices (converter, overhead lights, pumps, fridge control, gas valve solenoid on your HW, antenna booster, CO2 detector) to 24 VDC ... readily finding replacements should they fail may prove challenging when out in the boonies.

[WaltBennett]

You must have an awful lot of money to burn . .

[DQDick]

Diesel Guy, as usual, makes excellent polnts. We're 12v and it was complicated and expensive enough.

[chris199]

What are the benefits? Whats the return on the cost?

[Irlpguy]

quote:Originally posted by Justme44

Is anyone running a 24v system? My wife is wondering about solar and I see a lot of 24v solar systems. Having a problem on how to handle the 12v devices like the slider hydraulic pump. I sure would like to get some advice.
Thanks
Dennis

Converting to 24V would be a nightmare and although I am no solar expert I believe the output voltage of all solar panels is greater than 12V except the little ones you put in your window and plug into your cigarette lighter. I have a panel I use to charge the batteries on my ham radio repeater and IRLP node, it puts out 36 volts but that is coupled into the regulator where it is reduced to 12.8 volts or thereabouts to maintain the batteries.

As others have mentioned all the issues you would encounter are not worth it, and not mentioned was the units converter which supplies 12V when plugged into shore power, just another good reason to not consider the change. Just my humble opinion.

[Justme44]

No ... I don't have much money ... I have to plan and save for everything I purchase. That's why I ask for help from people that have 'been through it' and have a year 2000 Montana. I too was thinking it would be just too much to go up to 24v, but I wanted to get your feedback. Thanks for the information.
Dennis

[bigmurf]

Are you looking at 24 VDC systems or just confused about number of batteries?

[Justme44]

Gigmurf .. wife wondered about 24v solar.

[mjammersc]

First step in the solar process is figuring out what you'd like to run off of solar/batteries (solar is used to charge the batteries and you draw the power from the batteries). This will then determine the size of system you will need. Panel technology is usually either 12v panels which is about 18v and can use a lower cost PWM charger or higher voltage panels (28-38v) which will require use of an MPPT charger to convert down to 12v (and had other benefits at a higher price tag). There are several good sites available to guide you through the planning process in addition to advice here. I started my solar process with lots of research first then a design phase then a decision phase if I could justify the cost and effort before I went ahead. I am very happy with the results but it was a 6 month plus process and a lot of stress during the buying/install/and initial test to make sure it was done right.

[Drifty1]

We have stayed with a 12v system also. We have 3 panels that run at 82 volt and 435 watts. The charge controller will handle that high of voltage on the input side and keep our 6 battery's charged.. I can not see any reason to go above a 12 volt system. Cost wise you can save a lot by shopping for all your parts online and do not buy all in one place. I did my own design and install as I felt I could do it safely. I found my panels and charge controller in Yuma and my inverter in San Diego. I bought my battery cables from a store in Alaska as they have the most flexable 4/0 cable that is used in cold weather. I did a couple of months doing research online and a week on the install.

[Justme44]

Thanks for the info guys ... I sure can see the stress Mark. The word is almost 100% for 12v. We have been looking at solar for a couple reasons. When the rig is not in use, the solar will maintain the batteries and it will allow us to use the gen just a bit less (gas cost). At this time I am looking in favor of a 200w 12v system ... from where, I have not decided yet.
Dennis

[BB_TX]

I am not quite the naysayer. You could get a 24v to 12v step down transformer and not have to worry about all your 12 volt devices. Those transformers are easily available. Don't know if there are any negatives about that approach or not.

[Justme44]

Thanks Bill .. I have seen them at low prices of $35 on up. This could work ...but I need to get more experience with a standard 12v system before I go for what I think would be an upgrade to 24v. Thanks again.
Dennis