Winter solar sucks lol

Tonybvi said:
Since both the van and the house solar panels are still completely covered with snow I haven’t had any power from them for over 2 weeks. Don’t mind the van as I’m not using it but it means I’m losing out on export tariff in this sunny weather on the house. If the panels don’t thaw today I’ll have to get up on the house roof and sweep the snow off!
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Have you tried a Stihl leaf blower to clear snow ?
 
I’ve only got a cheap as chips Controller that doesn’t show Amps, & to be fair, I generally go by what voltage is in the Battery rather than what amps I’m pulling in.
But this morning I started on 12,4 & at the moment I’ve got -
01EDC289-5588-4EAC-8DA6-1BDF139F3364.jpeg

BUT it’s been INSIDE a garage under Lights & a small opaque roof light in shed roof.
 
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I am already getting the green light indication on my Victron MPPT controller that the batteries are full and could be running my AES fridge on 12 volt. My fridge is turned off as the van is not being used but I might have a look at what is involved in connecting the wiring. It will not be easy and a gas bottle lasts a long time, so I don't know if it is worthwhile doing it. If I was a fulltimer I certainly would use the facility.
 
Nabsim said:
If only it stayed constant eh lol
I need over 65 amps per day if I dont move but this would certainly extend the time before I needed to do something
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Sorry to be pedantic but again I think you mean "Over 65 amp hours per day". Assuming you are not using an inverter that does seem a touch on the high side.
Do you understand the difference ?
 
maingate said:
and could be running my AES fridge on 12 volt.
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Most absorption Fridges (AES or not) take 12v from the alternator when the engine is running.
On absorption fridges 12v is usually only to maintain the temperature and not enough to cool the contents.

The auto setting on most absorption AES fridges uses 230v or gas as the energy source if the engine is not running (after a 15 minute delay for safety reasons).
 
So, I’m now at my park up for the night, it’s Really quite Dark out, I’ve had my lights on for about an hour, Water Pump & Charged my Phone & the best thing about where I am parked tonight is -
I’m My Solar STILL working & is going to continue to worke ALL NIGHT !.
3C3DBA1F-F93F-4183-BBD9-DEBEAF2C9733.jpeg

8E859D2C-CAC3-4865-897D-E43A6C6EB510.jpeg

So I’m charging my Torch, My Speaker, My Phone, My watch My Under cupboard lights, My Hair Clippers 🤣🤣🤣🤣
 
Im getting a healty 14.3 today before going into float mode which is 13.7 volts which is keeping all my batts charged up.
 
r4dent said:
Most absorption Fridges (AES or not) take 12v from the alternator when the engine is running.
On absorption fridges 12v is usually only to maintain the temperature and not enough to cool the contents.

The auto setting on most absorption AES fridges uses 230v or gas as the energy source if the engine is not running (after a 15 minute delay for safety reasons).
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You might be right about older fridges not doing well on 12 volt. Newer fridges do cool the contents on 12 volt.

As for AES fridges, if you read the technical description it shows that there is a connection to an AES fridge to use up excess solar power by switching from gas to 12 volt when not on hookup.

VOTRONIC - MPP 250 Duo Dig.

Innovative Elektronik für den mobilen Einsatz
votronic.de votronic.de
 
brian c said:
Hi. Do I take it that if Moho is parked under street light the light will power the solar panel when it’s on. Interesting if it does. my Moho at home is parked on the end of drive Solar panel is under street light
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Yep it sure is, & Yep it Sure does (Albeit at a tiny amount though) 👍
image.jpg

So, if you compare this pic taken now to the last one I took Two hours ago you can see that although it’s gone down 00.1v, it’s STILL charging now- I’ve had the Cab lights on for hours, My CCTV that is on 24/7,I’m also charging Whilst Using my Phone, & ALL THE OTHER STUFF listed in previous post. So when I go to bed & unplugging all the portable devices that’s Full, I’m expecting to wake up to Fully charged Leisure Battery 👍😊
 
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I will try & take a picture again during the night if I get up, or in the Morning if I remember for comparison 👍
 
Sooo,
With now EVERYTHING charged (See Previous Post) I’ve been up about an hour with the light on, Made a drink & just remembered to snap a picture of the Solar (That’s STILL Dutifully charging it’s miniscual harvest BTW) & Although it’s only gone up 00.2v I’m happy to take that when you consider what’s been done over night 👍😊,
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Boxy will be inside a garage Shed again today but I’m hoping it will tap into their lights until back in the open & the Natural Daylight can take over again 🤣🤣🤣
 
Ahhhh yesss,
So all those squigglings mean
So is it today you got 240w
Yesterday you got 60w is that right?.
& the voltage was 12.85v Yep Got it 👍
 
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