Preparing an off-grid system - Comments? Concerns?

5 Posts
Jan 8, 2007 02:49 pm
Preparing an off-grid system - Comments? Concerns?

Hello,
I am preparing to purchase an off-grid RE system.  I am planning on using the following components, but have no experience with these products or companies.  I would appreciate any comments or personal experiences that might reinforce my decision or sway me to another product.  I am mainly interested in quality, reliability, supportability, etc.

Evergreen Solar EC120 panels
Outback MPPT charge controller
Trojan L-16 (HD) batteries
Outback (VFX Series) Ventilated Inverter

Thank you,

Dustin
 
578 Posts
Jan 8, 2007 02:54 pm
Re: Preparing an off-grid system - Comments? Concerns?

sounds good to me, except that the evergreen cedar series 94-120 have been discontinued.  If that is what you want, order sooner than later, as everybody's quantities are running low.  Also keep in mind that for future expansion on your mx 60, you want to have an array of like modules, so choosing a discontinued module may not be the best choice if slow expansion is in the plans.

- james Alt-E staff

AltE
"Making Renewable Do-able"
http://www.altEstore.com/

Tel: 877.878.4060 x107  or +1.978.562.5858 x107
Fax: 877.242.6718  or +1.978.562.5854
 
5 Posts
Jan 8, 2007 03:53 pm
Re: Preparing an off-grid system - Comments? Concerns?

James,

Thanks for your fast reply.  I appreciate this information, because I did not know the Cedar series was discontinued.  Since I will be using a MPPT controller and staggering my purchases, I will certainly choose a different solar panel. 

Besides the obvious advantages of an 18V panel, is the Spruce series as good as its predecesor?  Or can you suggest an alternative panel that has a history of happy customers? 

Thanks,
Dustin
 
578 Posts
Jan 9, 2007 10:27 am
Re: Preparing an off-grid system - Comments? Concerns?

18 volters can be tricky depending what nominal voltage you are running.  For a 24v system you will need two in series, and for 48v nominal you will need 3 in series. 

As long as you select a solid name brand module that is UL listed, you should be fine.  Select one that fits the needs of your location (heat, shading, space, . . .).

james - Alt-E staff

AltE
"Making Renewable Do-able"
http://www.altEstore.com/

Tel: 877.878.4060 x107  or +1.978.562.5858 x107
Fax: 877.242.6718  or +1.978.562.5854
 
5 Posts
Jan 10, 2007 03:12 pm
Re: Preparing an off-grid system - Comments? Concerns?

Rather than use the 18V Evergreen panels, I decided to buy some Kyocera 130w panels(12v).  I simply like the looks of them.  :-) 

I just bought two of them and plan on buying more if I like the performance with the Outback mx60 controller.

So my updated plan is:
Kyocera KC130 panels
Outback mx60 controller
Trojan L16HC's (or the Surrette equivilent)
Outback VFX 3648

Thanks!
Dustin Denkins
 
578 Posts
Jan 10, 2007 03:25 pm
Re: Preparing an off-grid system - Comments? Concerns?

great, kyocera are nice modules as well.

MK makes a nice L16 size battery too if you are looking.

good luck with the system.

james - Alt-E staff

AltE
"Making Renewable Do-able"
http://www.altEstore.com/

Tel: 877.878.4060 x107  or +1.978.562.5858 x107
Fax: 877.242.6718  or +1.978.562.5854
 
26 Posts
Jan 21, 2007 07:47 am
Re: Preparing an off-grid system - Comments? Concerns?

One thing I don't see on your list is a system monitor. I strongly recommend one as a safeguard and method of keeping track. I use the tri-metric and like it; there are others that are similar.

Jim
 

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