|
|
Post by sarah on Jan 8, 2015 19:31:10 GMT -8
So I've been trying to figure this all out. I have purchased 2 100ah 12v deep cycle batteries, the renogy 100 watt panel (I plan on adding more) and a 30A MPPT charge controller. Now I just have to hook them up to my off grid camper and I just want a little help with the wire and fuse situation. I hope to add an inverter later but for now will just use the 12V system.So I think I need 12 gauge wire from the panel to the controller with a 15A fuse (the ditance is not far, maybe 12 feet) and then 10 gauge wire with a 30A fuse from controller to batteries (which will be connected in parallel). I know it's a little overkill but thought that would save having to redo the wiring when I added more panels. Then I need a ground wire on the panel frame, right? Does this set up sound right? Also it is an old camper with three wires on each post of the battery hooked up to it now, I'm planning on just extending those wires to my new batteries, will they need fuses? Thank you for any help!
|
|
|
|
Post by jsb2000 on Jan 9, 2015 13:56:56 GMT -8
So I've been trying to figure this all out. I have purchased 2 100ah 12v deep cycle batteries, the renogy 100 watt panel (I plan on adding more) and a 30A MPPT charge controller. Now I just have to hook them up to my off grid camper and I just want a little help with the wire and fuse situation. I hope to add an inverter later but for now will just use the 12V system.So I think I need 12 gauge wire from the panel to the controller with a 15A fuse (the ditance is not far, maybe 12 feet) and then 10 gauge wire with a 30A fuse from controller to batteries (which will be connected in parallel). I know it's a little overkill but thought that would save having to redo the wiring when I added more panels. Then I need a ground wire on the panel frame, right? Does this set up sound right? Also it is an old camper with three wires on each post of the battery hooked up to it now, I'm planning on just extending those wires to my new batteries, will they need fuses? Thank you for any help! Hi Sarah, Overall, in my opinion, your plans look right on the money. The wire gauges, lengths, and fuse ratings look fine. The ground wire on the panel frame isn't essential, but it won't hurt either. My only concern is with the current battery and the new batteries, Generally, it isn't advised to connect brand new ones together with old ones. The old ones end up "stealing capacity" from the newer ones, causing them to age prematurely, As to whether you need fuses between the batteries...here's my opinion: PUT FUSES IN. Now, I've gotten some flak on other forums about this opinion but I stand by it. Why? Because if you've ever had a battery get shorted, experience the resulting explosion, and survive, you'll understand. I have, and I do. In summary, you have a heavy plastic box filled with metal and acid. When you short it, you basically have a bomb that can send hot plastic, lead, and acid flying in all directions for a great distance. Bet having a nice, inexpensive little fuse between you and that possibility sounds pretty reasonable, no? <GRIN> |
|
|
|
Post by sarah on Jan 10, 2015 15:59:28 GMT -8
Thank you so much! It is so nice to hear I've actually figured this out a little bit, felt like I've been fumbling around in the dark trying to learn all this on my own.
I am not planning on using the old battery in the new system, the old one is a cheap p.o.s. that will never meet the brand new beauties!
When you put it that way, YES, I will put some fuses in between the battery bank and the camper.
I also decided since the camper doesn't move I'm going to build a little frame for the solar panel next to it instead of mounting the panel on the roof. Thanks again!
|
|
