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Hi Jocelyn, Thanks for the reply. Unfortunetly I am running a 24 volt system using 12 Rolls S 590 batteries and a Outback 24/2500 inverter.
So I guess am I wondering if in reality if the flex 80 can handle the wattage, granted it is over spec, but will it work. To replace the wiring would be a expensive and time consuming affair.. I have 1/0 wiring in a 1 1/2 conduit now. Poor planning on my part, but this is where I am at. I plan to upgrade the inverter, but was staying with 24v. This is kinda my biggest question right now. I will be calling as I have a few items to buy, but I understand you may be hesitent to offer an opinion that is not "textbook".

Thanks a lot! I am going to check the site right now. Thanks again. I'll keep you posted!

Here's one site with a variety of flexible panels....you should be able to find more....it also has cheap charge controllers.�  Just match current� and voltage outputs of whichever panel you purchase. They also have some inverters. Sometimes your local automotive store will have some cheap inverters. You should not need a true sine wave inverter, which are more expensive, to run those simple loads. Just check the wattage needed by your appliances. (voltage x current, eg 12 volts x 5 amps = 60 watts, or 220 volts x 5 amps = 1100 Watts), then choose an inverter accordingly.

http://www.solarhome.org/flexiblesolarpanels.aspx

Obviously, you should be able to purchase a deep cycle battery in Haiti.

Good morning and thank you,  do you have anything specific items that I can further investigate ? I have been looking at the net for specific solutions for quick sometimes without any success.  I was hoping someone might have purchased some specific items to basically address almost the same issues that I am currently trying to address.  If that's is the case and someone has some specific set of products to suggest, I would truly appreciate That.  Thanks

Robert, there are a lot of portable, flexible type, thin film type of PV panels available. 'There are some that fold up neatly. This may work for you for the radio (or purchase solar powered radio), computer and phone charging. It may be possible to charge or use these items directly from the panel, or else some type of  adapter or inverter may be needed
For the other items you mention in the room, you may just need a small inverter, depending on the voltages and amps of these appliances. You may also need a battery that can be charged by the same panel and a small,cheap charge controller and a little bit of wire. Not sure if you are able to leave these item behind or perhaps leave them with someone you know when you are gone.

If it is the monitor you are relying on, maybe it's that, especially if it doesn't show spikes when you turn something on. That monitor can also be switched for current going in and current going out of the battery, make sure you are looking at the correct setting, as well as battery % full. Check fuses and connections on the monitor.

Take a voltage reading of your battery bank, if they are full, then current coming in may be limited. If you can, check the voltage and current coming from the panels at the controller or nearby junction box. Then if you see a problem, start checking panel connections and grounds.

Douglas, did you already purchase the pump? If you only need 20 gal / week and that pump does 3gpm then only 7 min of run time. I would think you could get away with a much smaller pump that could run directly off a small PV panel. Wire it to a float switch on your tank. Then it should be able to maintain the level throughout the week.
  What type of head do you have between the water source and the tank? This will drive the model pump you would need.  A small submersible may be all you need. Look at marine or boat supplies or your local hardware store.

Charles,

The Flexmax 80 solar charge controller can handle 12 Canadian 255 solar panels, it will, however depend on your battery bank voltage. A 48 volt battery bank will have no problems with 12 panels, it can handle 5000 watts at maximum (per Outback). From you old set up I am guessing you are running on a 48 volt system currently? If so you should be good with the Flexmax 80. You can give us a call at 1-800-320-9514 to confirm and get a quote from one of our sales reps.

Thanks,

Jocelyn

I have a question about Charge Controllers and how much they can handle. I am in a position where I have increased my panel output but am unable to run wire for multiple Controllers it is a concrete structure with a embedded chase way. How much amps can a Flex 80 actually handle? I realize that it is rated for 80 amps, but i have to assume there is a design safety factor. I wish to run 12 Canadian Solar 255 panels. Again the wattage is over the rating as well. What in the real world would happen to the Controller if i did this. Last year I ran 9 through a flex 60.  The setup is in Jamaica so local Elect. code is not an issue. Thanks.

Jessica,

Yes, this may not be a quick response; it very well may be the charge controller, but it is very difficult to say without knowing more details about your entire solar power system. If you give us a call we can look up your order and determine whether it is something we can troubleshoot over the phone, or recommend a call to the solar charge controller manufacturer for more detailed technical assistance.

Our toll free number is 1-800-320-9514.

Regards,

Jocelyn