Solar update
October 14, 2001
The new panel is in and bussed into the circuit. I took a bit of time, and mounted it in-line with the first panel. Don't know where I will want it in the long run, but for now it looks really good.
I also fixed a minor problem with the first panel: The mounting brackets had the holes spread a bit wide, and as a result the panel's frame was under a bit of tension. Bit of work with the drill and it's all better.
With the new panel in place, I saw 6 amps of power. Not bad; I should be able to get 7 when the sun is direct. If that doesn't charge the batteries, nothing will. Which is good, because the batteries are down to about 24.9 volts right now. Serious voltage drop over the weekend, as we have had clouds and I have been working with a lot of power tools in there.
The panels are currently wired with 6 amp diodes forming the block. Problem is they drop about .8 volts across them, which is a *lot*. That's 1.6 volts between the 2 panels, at 3 amps we're talking about 5 watts. We'll see if that is enough to screw up the panels, I do hope not. Maybe I can get a set of .4 volt 4 amp diodes in there instead.
Anyway, we shall see how it does this week. The days are getting shorter, and the panels are getting less light. And the trees haven't dropped their leaves either...
Chris