Hello all.
I am kinda new at the store and community and just wanted to share information on the system here. Not sure they will use these panels anymore due to availability but my system is extremely close to a package they put together so here is the review.

The original cabin #3 system used four Unisolar 64watt panels, now im using six.originally it was four.

6)Unisolar 64w panels
1)Prostar PS-30M Controller
1)Square D Homeline outdoor combiner box + breakers
1)Midnite solar 125amp Disconnect assem.
1)Samlex 1500w 3000 surge pure sine wave inverter
6)Trojan T-105 batteries (two more to be picked up soon)
Sunwize battery interconnect cables 2/0 + 10` battery cables 2/0
8` inverter cables ( my mistake only need 3`)will work on that .

I am attached to the grid but dislike the high cost of energy that doubtfully , will ever go down in cost.
So ...Started working on a system before I found the Alternative energy store ,Already had the inverter and controller.
Thanks to Chris Brown, Peter, Eric
Their help and experience helped me install a flawless system. Not one Problem ( Other than making some of my conduit runs to small).The wiring could be cleaned up a shade but I am ok with it(pictures in the gallery)

It is initially, a temporary panel array as I am waiting for my tree surgeon to get here. No cost have been incurred on the mounting yet for this reason.Four panels are stationary and two I use as floaters,moved three times a day
To get optimum sun exposure for more run time. Eventually
they will all be together,when site is prepared.

As said the system for me works flawlessly. We have some power robbing stuff here 225 watt computer(with21")Lcd monitor, 160 watt 36"TV With receiver on.
Fairly efficient large fridge with icemaker/freezer ,runs at about 225 watts except for a short 4oowatt cycle.

The batteries I,never pull down past 12.4 volts and very impressed with how fast they come up on charge. We were running around here the other day looking for stuff to plug in !

The Unisolar panels, all new are all putting out almost 5 amps peak,they make 27amps for almost three hours and it is February. Cannot wait for summer.
The Prostar controller has been bumping 30amps more than a couple times .That last amp due to edge of cloud effect ..pretty sure.

The Alternative energy stores package comes with a BZ Controller i believe,here we already had a prostar.so can only review it.

The prostar controller impressed me with its equalization charge capability for flooded cell batteries and I have seen it in action.They do not make as pretty a wiring hook up like an outback version mounted on top of the Midnite solar DC Disconnect but it does work flawlessly and for the price, more than satisfied.

Midnite solar 125amp disconnect is a nicely made unit ,nice slimline breakers, decent layout,wiring diagram right on its door. Chris talked me into the ground fault breaker that will be new code anyway(thanks mate)

The Samlex inverter is great, no noise .slight buzz with a big load but not noticed hardly unless your right on top of it.Guess its rated at about 85% efficiency.That has been put to the test to and seems to be working great.
The alarms work too (like said,It has all been put to the test LOL :_)...

Cost has been a factor in my system , as in a lot of people
i suppose "however" The system does the job around here quite well and not one complaint can be found .
Everything works as described in the manufacturers description of their product .

Being a plumber and not an electrician I found the installation a very rewarding,educational,pretty easy to do,just follow "instructions" and if you have a question ask the Alt E Guy`s they will not steer you wrong and if they do not know the answer they will find it for you.

Thanks for listening
Rob system installed 02/04/08

P.S. Will come back and disscuss some of the loads on the system what will work and what will not.

EDIT _Meant to add;
The location is Ocala Fl. Tilt on stationary and floater panels about 45degrees and is a bit off the 3 degrees
east of due south, by about 4 degrees to much towards west at this time.
(meaning it should be facing a bit more east for ultimate setup)as said the array is saving me money while i wait for THE mounting location.Think im going ground mount or top of pole when i get a few more funds.

Cheers
« Last Edit: February 18, 2008, 01:36:29 PM by Robert Clay » Reply Reply with quote Modify Report! ^ Top

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