Settle a solar debate please

[bridgedino]

Discussion with a friend. He’s toying with the idea of grabbing a local gumtree bargain, a domestic house 385w solar panel to put on his van. Its a Trina panel with voltages higher than 12v/24v. Is it ok to use as long as the panel doesnt exceed his controllers limits ? Thanks

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

They are a fair weight at 21 kgs approx.

 

[bridgedino]

They are a fair weight at 21 kgs approx.

Indeed. Not quite sure what 2 x 200w panels would weigh combined but its quite a big single panel

 

[tonyidle]

I have 2 x 265W. And a winky 120W one.

 

[EuroTrotters]

the voltage too high on that panel. its designed for residential / commercial electricity generation

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Richard n Ann]

Discussion with a friend. He’s toying with the idea of grabbing a local gumtree bargain, a domestic house 385w solar panel to put on his van. Its a Trina panel with voltages higher than 12v/24v. Is it ok to use as long as the panel doesnt exceed his controllers limits ? Thanks

View attachment 641750

Yes but he'll be better off with an mppt type controller.

 

[tonyidle]

the voltage too high on that panel. its designed for residential / commercial electricity generation

This popular controller accepts up to 100v:

Amazon product ASIN B075NPQHQK

 

[EuroTrotters]

This popular controller accepts up to 100v:

Amazon product ASIN B075NPQHQK

Sorry, I should know that, we have one.

I should of said, for most regulators

 

[tonyidle]

Sorry, I should know that, we have one.

I should of said, for most regulators

It's fair comment. I suppose we should both have suggested checking that the intended controller is OK with panel max. Domestic panels are a good buy - they're cheapest per Watt of any panels available. The important proviso is roof space.

 

[Off da Grid]

Yep no problem as long as your chosen controller can take the voltage and power.
I have a solar farm 255watt 37.5v grid panel on my van roof, that I acquired from work.
I made a roof rack type tilting gizmo with unistrut.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}