Hey everyone! I'm trying to help a friend get their DIY solar setup back in action. Their place is located in a national forest and relies entirely on solar and propane power, plus a backup gas generator. The current system is small, only pulling about 20 amps max for lights and a water pressure pump. There's a separate solar setup for the main water pump that's working just fine.
I've uploaded some pictures showing the junction box and the existing panels. Right now, there are 8 small panels, each rated at 35 watts, connecting to a 24-volt battery system (with 8 Trojan T105-RE batteries). The system runs via a Trace C30A charge controller and supplies power through a Trace DR1524 inverter.
I'm considering replacing the old panels (since only 3 or 4 of them are operational) with a couple of newer 100w or 200w panels. I'm looking for any recommendations or suggestions for the best way to upgrade the setup. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Hey! Sounds like a solid plan to replace those old panels. Make sure you check the voltage output from the new panels you’re considering, as they need to be compatible with your existing 24-volt system. Since the old ones seem to be thin films, it’s wise to avoid thin films again if they’ve failed so much. I’d suggest going with high-efficiency monocrystalline panels if your budget allows. They may be a bit pricier but tend to last longer and perform better overall. Good luck!
Replacing 3 or 4 panels can be tricky, but if you're set on adding 100w or 200w panels, just make sure your charge controller can handle the increased input. If it’s only rated for the smaller panels you currently have, you might need to upgrade that too. It maybe a good idea to consult the user manual or online specs for your charge controller before making a jump to higher wattage panels!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely look into the charge controller specs to confirm it's compatible before making any purchases.
Yeah, totally agree! Monocrystalline panels will give you more bang for your buck, especially since you're in a remote location and want reliable power. Just double-check the specs to ensure they match with your charge controller.