EcoRenovator - View Single Post - How many here, are using solar PV right now,

Xringer · 04-29-11, 08:32 AM

Sounds like you might need a charge controller too. Can your laptop run on 25w?

Today, my tracking PV array will be making 400-500w, most of which would not normally be used..
Since the charge controller peaks up the battery and takes a break..
So, I figure that I can skim at least 400-500w while the sun is up and the SOC is cool..

If your laptop uses more than 25w, then your SOC will be dropping all day,
and you will need to go back to the grid at some point to get your SOC up..

My SOC only starts dropping after the sun gets low. I normally switch it off
before 7 or 8 PM..

Tonight, I plan to watch the voltage and see how far I can push it. (down).
Maybe 12.25vdc? per battery? (49v on the bank).
Might have to stay up late tonight..
Or, I can add on some more load and speed up the process.?.

04-29-11, 08:32 AM	#3
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	Sounds like you might need a charge controller too. Can your laptop run on 25w? Today, my tracking PV array will be making 400-500w, most of which would not normally be used.. Since the charge controller peaks up the battery and takes a break.. So, I figure that I can skim at least 400-500w while the sun is up and the SOC is cool.. If your laptop uses more than 25w, then your SOC will be dropping all day, and you will need to go back to the grid at some point to get your SOC up.. My SOC only starts dropping after the sun gets low. I normally switch it off before 7 or 8 PM.. Tonight, I plan to watch the voltage and see how far I can push it. (down). Maybe 12.25vdc? per battery? (49v on the bank). Might have to stay up late tonight.. Or, I can add on some more load and speed up the process.?.