My system so far...for my camper shell

**SunEagle** · 03-04-2023, 09:38 PM

Originally posted by Old_Man

Comments, insults, hateful rants and of course the nice stuff are all welcome.

I bought an HQST 100-watt high-efficiency 100-watt monocrystalline panel. It's square instead of the usual rectangular and thus, a lot easier to handle. I'm using a rooftop mount but the panel won't be traveling at freeway speeds, it'll be safe on my bed, next to the float tube. The mount will be attached with clear roofing sealer. Out in the boonies, it'll be great for my needs. No hair dryer, microwave or other high-draw items unless you consider a modern JVC head a heavy draw. JBL speakers all around.

PowMr 40A controller (yes, I know, and if it fails I'll get Epever or SRNE or maybe even Fangpusun). Looking at acquiring a 12v 50ah Lifepo4 battery it will only have to run a car stereo and a couple of LED light strips.

So, thumbs up or down? THANKS!!!

Sounds like a good system. I actually recently purchased the same 100W panel that I will use to recharge my small 600w Bluetti portable power station. When I tested the panel it was putting out about 80 watts which was ok depending on how the sun was hitting it.

**Old_Man** · 03-05-2023, 03:30 PM

Originally posted by SunEagle

Sounds like a good system. I actually recently purchased the same 100W panel that I will use to recharge my small 600w Bluetti portable power station. When I tested the panel it was putting out about 80 watts which was ok depending on how the sun was hitting it.

Damn, aren't they nice panels for the money? I've actually only seen mine once, I opened the box in mostly dark conditions but I had to inspect for damage. , Until I first mount the panel, it will remain (like old photographic film) in the dark.

Cannot WAIT for warmer weather when I can get started with the project. Too cold outside and probably will be until April. Damned simple system, one panel, charge controller and battery (50AH Lifepo4). Low-wattage stuff. In the bed of a '97 S10 it'll be perfect.

**SunEagle** · 03-05-2023, 08:02 PM

Originally posted by Old_Man

Damn, aren't they nice panels for the money? I've actually only seen mine once, I opened the box in mostly dark conditions but I had to inspect for damage. , Until I first mount the panel, it will remain (like old photographic film) in the dark.

Cannot WAIT for warmer weather when I can get started with the project. Too cold outside and probably will be until April. Damned simple system, one panel, charge controller and battery (50AH Lifepo4). Low-wattage stuff. In the bed of a '97 S10 it'll be perfect.

I am also pleased with my purchase. It is heavier then I thought it would be but pretty sturdy too so it won't flex much. I hope you get yours installed soon so you can let us know how it is working for you.

**Old_Man** · 03-05-2023, 08:55 PM

Originally posted by SunEagle

I am also pleased with my purchase. It is heavier then I thought it would be but pretty sturdy too so it won't flex much. I hope you get yours installed soon so you can let us know how it is working for you.

I also thought it a bit heavy, but as long as it holds up, it's all good.

Probably will have to wait until next month to get a battery. Being on a fixed income is a bitch.

**SunEagle** · 03-05-2023, 09:34 PM

Originally posted by Old_Man

I also thought it a bit heavy, but as long as it holds up, it's all good.

Probably will have to wait until next month to get a battery. Being on a fixed income is a bitch.

Please don't say Stupid. Most people are not well informed concerning solar but when they ask questions they start to learn more. Never Stupid but maybe uninformed.

**Old_Man** · 03-06-2023, 03:33 PM

Originally posted by SunEagle

Please don't say Stupid. Most people are not well informed concerning solar but when they ask questions they start to learn more. Never Stupid but maybe uninformed.

Well, as much of a PITA I am, I am also by far my own worst critic and it comes out in ways like that. But thank you for reprimanding me about one of my worst characteristics. I have some questions I'll PM you because I an indeed entering the ignorance zone and I HATE "do-overs" so I'll ask directly, Is that ok?

**SunEagle** · 03-06-2023, 04:14 PM

Originally posted by Old_Man

Well, as much of a PITA I am, I am also by far my own worst critic and it comes out in ways like that. But thank you for reprimanding me about one of my worst characteristics. I have some questions I'll PM you because I an indeed entering the ignorance zone and I HATE "do-overs" so I'll ask directly, Is that ok?

Unfortunately the PM function on this Forum has been disabled due to others using it to spam post. I have no issues helping you with any of your questions on the forum. Remember only un asked questions can lead to misinformation.

**Old_Man** · 03-06-2023, 05:21 PM

Originally posted by SunEagle

Unfortunately the PM function on this Forum has been disabled due to others using it to spam post. I have no issues helping you with any of your questions on the forum. Remember only un asked questions can lead to misinformation.

OK, here we go. You pretty much know what kind of system I'm building. What size circuit breaker do I need (total battery disconnect) to turn the system off when it's already charged?

I have a fuse box and wonder where and what I should use it for?

Given the power and size of the system, what size wire should I use to connect the SCC to the battery?

What have I missed?

Thanks!!

**SunEagle** · 03-06-2023, 11:37 PM

Originally posted by Old_Man

OK, here we go. You pretty much know what kind of system I'm building. What size circuit breaker do I need (total battery disconnect) to turn the system off when it's already charged?

I have a fuse box and wonder where and what I should use it for?

Given the power and size of the system, what size wire should I use to connect the SCC to the battery?

What have I missed?

Thanks!!

Well you can start with the 40Amp controller. Even though you don't have that much power going to your battery you need to make sure the wire can handle it and the fuse should be sized to protect the wire.
Depending on how long the wire is and if it is in a raceway I believe a #10awg should handle about 30amps and a #8awg should handle about 50amps and since there really isn't any wire between the #8 and #10 that is not custom you can pick either and then just size the overcurrent device (fuse or circuit breaker) protecting it at or below what the wire can handle. Also that 12V battery can discharge a lot of amps for a short time so the wire should also be about a #8awg with again a fuse that can protect it. The ground wire should be sized at a #10.

**Old_Man** · 03-11-2023, 04:06 PM

Originally posted by SunEagle

Well you can start with the 40Amp controller. Even though you don't have that much power going to your battery you need to make sure the wire can handle it and the fuse should be sized to protect the wire.
Depending on how long the wire is and if it is in a raceway I believe a #10awg should handle about 30amps and a #8awg should handle about 50amps and since there really isn't any wire between the #8 and #10 that is not custom you can pick either and then just size the overcurrent device (fuse or circuit breaker) protecting it at or below what the wire can handle. Also that 12V battery can discharge a lot of amps for a short time so the wire should also be about a #8awg with again a fuse that can protect it. The ground wire should be sized at a #10.

Welp, I broke down and got a used 40A Epever (Ebay but shipped from US user). THe uncertainty left me wanting and I expect if the POWmr is a failure, the Epever will step right in. Like Brock Purdy.

**SunEagle** · 03-11-2023, 05:04 PM

Originally posted by Old_Man

Welp, I broke down and got a used 40A Epever (Ebay but shipped from US user). THe uncertainty left me wanting and I expect if the POWmr is a failure, the Epever will step right in. Like Brock Purdy.

Ok. Let us know if it all works out for you.