Solar system

[Jerzy54]

Did anybody had a chance to see solar set from Costco "Grape Solar 400-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit".Item Item #776092. Price right know is $1399.00, but a four weeks ago they had coupon off @ $300.00.
I think this system looks pretty good specialy when is on sale.

[markmontana]

I did not see it. But that still seems high even after discount..

[Jerzy54]

The Grape Solar 400-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit is ideal for a variety of applications, including emergency backup systems, RVs, boats, 12 Volt battery charging, small pumps, charging small electronic devices and operating LED lights. Made with high efficiency crystalline solar cells for years of service, this solar kit is easy to install and virtually maintenance free! An anodized aluminum frame and a sealed junction box make the panel weatherproof for outdoor use. A two diode bypass minimizes power drop caused by shade. This system will provide approximately 1,200 Watt Hours or 100 Amp Hours of charge per day. The kit includes: 4pc 100-Watt polycrystalline solar panels, a 35 Amp charge controller, 2,000-watt inverter with two outlets and 1 USB port, cables and manual.

[jcurtis934]

Package sounds good, but here is two things to think about. It uses poly cells which are less efficient than mono (best)so the output voltage and current outputs will be less than what you would see from a mono setup...and that included inverter may not be a pure sine wave model or of the best design quality. I admit that I have not looked up any of the details on this system or manufacturer...just some thoughts off the top of this old head. Some of the resident solar gurus/users should chime in at some point with more input. John

[Jerzy54]

Thank John,I agree with poly vs. mono. I think the charger and inverter are made by Xantrex.I need to do more research.

[Jerzy54]

Here is a video from the Xantrex site

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5SzP_HKxCY

[scattershot]

Seems a little high, but you get 4 panels. I had a complete installation done at Qsite for just at $1000. Only one panel, but it's 135W, amd is everything we need.

[Bigboomer]

Jerzy54,

Seems high given the 400 watts. The poly vs. mono is a big factor especially if the panels are not wired parallel. If they are in series then if one of the inner panels gets shade then the panels behind it will not send any current thru them to charge. Basically the whole system stops charging.

Also with a 2000W inverter you are going to need more than your one or even 2 battery set-up if you intend on using it for boondocking.

Really depends on what your intentions for the system are...boondocking or keeping your battery fresh while not hooked up while traveling?

you may pay more (you get what you pay for!) but I would look at these guys for more practical systems:

http://www.solar-electric.com/

http://amsolar.com/

Good Luck,

Les

[7.3Ford]

quote:Originally posted by Bigboomer

Jerzy54,
The poly vs. mono is a big factor especially if the panels are not wired parallel. If they are in series then if one of the inner panels gets shade then the panels behind it will not send any current thru them to charge. Basically the whole system stops charging.

Les,

I could be wrong, but if a panel if panel is shaded, only that panel is lost in the series. Most panels have three bypass diodes, so you have two columns of cell (20 cells out of 60 cells typical) per diode. If any one cell in the two columns are shaded, you lose that series of cells, and the bypass diodes skips the string with a bout 1/2 volt drop. If shadow the way across all columns will shutdown the entire panel.

The bypass diodes will bypass the shaded cells, but panels up stream or down stream will work provide they are not shaded. That is why I went with the Unisolar sick on panels, they have a diode on each cell, so all shaded cells are skipped with a 1/2 volt drop for each bypass diode.

Since my 2010 Montana 3665RE was totaled, I am looking a solar panels again. Unisolar filed bankruptcy, so I am not likely to put them on again. Currently looking at three SolarWorld SW 265 Mono panels. My MorningStar TRIStar-MPPT-60 has a max input of 800 Watts on 12 volt output. I was planning on running them is series, since three times the Open Circuit Voltage is 117 volts well under my 150 volts max for the MorningStar Controller. The higher voltage allows 10 GA wire to be run with hardly any voltage lost.

I would love to see pictures of your panel layout, since you have almost the same panel I am looking at.