Solar Modules Power Characteristics

Solar Modules Power Characteristics:
The current and power output of photovoltaic modules (aka Solar Panels) are approximately proportional to sunlight intensity. At a given intensity, a module's output current and operating voltage are determined by the characteristics of the load. If that load is a battery, the battery's internal resistance will dictate the module's operating voltage.

A module which is rated at 17 volts will put out less than its rated power when used in a battery system. This is because the working voltage will be between 12 and 15 volts. As wattage (power) is the product of volts times amps, the module output will be reduced. For example: a 50 watt module working at 13.0 volts will produce 39.0 watts (13.0 volts X 3.0 amps = 39.0 watts). This is important to remember when sizing a PV system.

It is also important to know when sizing your PV system that increases in the temperatures of the cells in the modules increases the current slightly, but a drastic increase in temperature will decrease the voltage.

Maximum power is derived at the knee of the curve. Check the amperage generated by the solar array at your battery's present operating voltage to better calculate the actual power developed at your voltages and temperatures.

For additional information or questions relating to PV Module String Sizing, give us a try by sending us an email or giving us a call. Solar Sales Inc is here to help you.

AGM Battery Charging Instructions

AGM Battery Charging Instructions:
To maximize the life of your AGM battery, it is imporatnt that it is properly charged. Over and under-charging a battery will result in shortnened service life. The best protection from improper charging is the use of a quality charger and routinely checking that the charger current and voltage settings are maintained.

AGM Battery Charger Inspection:
The charger cabling should be insulated and free of breaks or cuts. The cable connectors should be clean and properly match with the battery terminals to ensure a snug connection. The charger's AC cord should be free of breaks or cuts and the wall plug should be clean.

AGM Battery Charging Guidelines:
Fully charge batteries after each use. Charge in a ventilated area as gasses may be released through the pressure relief valve if the batteries are excessively over-charged. Never charge a fozen battery. Ideal charging temperatures: 32F - 104F (0C - 40C).

Battery Sulfation:
Even though lead sulfate is created in the materials of plates during normal discharging, this term is used to describe the generation of a different form (large crystals) of lead sulfate which will not readily convert back to normal material when the battery is charged. Sulfation occurs when a battery is stored too long in a discharged condition, if it is never fully charged, or if electrolyte has become abnormally low due to excessive water loss from overcharging and/or evaporation.

Proper charging of AGM batteries is required in order to prevent sulfation and premature battery failure.

MiaGreen 2011 Expo & Conference

Hey Solar Sales Inc Fans. We will be participating in the MiaGreen 2011 Expo & Conference on March 3rd & 4th (Thursday & Friday) at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Look for us under the name Battery Sales, booth #308. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Auburn in BCS title Game!

Everyone at Battery Sales and Solar Sales Inc would like to shout from our soon to be solar roof top:   GO AUBURN!!!! Watch tonight as the war eagles take on Oregon for the National Title Game at 8:30 pm EST!  GO AUBURN!

We are getting ready to install solar panels on our warehouse!

Great News. We are preparing to have a new roof put on in order to install our 24V 230 Watt Power King Solar Panels for our building. We will also be installing a battery back up system using our Power King Deep Cycle Batteries. This solar energy system will be large enough to run our entire office of 10 computers, 3 Printers, flouresent lights, phones, calculators, and other office hardware. Stay tuned for continuing updates & pictures of our installation! If you have questions or comments, feel free to send us an email or give us a call. Thank you for your support.

PV Installers

In a recent article in a local paper, Biscayne Times, several homeowners were upset with a particular company not finishing the solar energy installation they had pre-paid for. With solar energy credits expiring many people felt the need to rush into buying solar energy systems without doing all the necessary research. Not only do customers have to do research on the products being used in the system; but they need to look up information on the experience of the PV installer and the company. The availability of information on the web is unbelieveable. You can often find satisfied and unsatisfied customers on chat forums and newspaper articles.  Always remember...BUYER BEWARE!

Connecting batteries together in Series, Parallel, or Series/Parallel

We often get phone calls with questions like these: How do I hook up my batteries in series? or How do I hook up my batteries in parallel. Well, I thought I would address this in this weeks blog. If you have any questions or need additional information on connecting your batteries together in series, parallel, or series/parallel, give us a call and we can help. The diagrams and information below are to be used only as a guide. It is recommended that you speak with a photovoltaic engineer or electrical engineer for more detailed information.

There are several possible configurations you can create when connecting batteries together. There are three things to keep in mind.
1. When connecting batteries in series, you will increase the voltage and the amp-hour capacity will remain the same.
2. When connecting in parallel, you will increase the amp-hour capacity and the voltage will remain the same.
3. To increase both numbers, connect multiple sets in series/parallel.

Connecting Batteries in Series - Picture 1 is the connection of two matched batteries used to double the voltage at the same amp-hour capacity, e,g, two 6 volt batteries to give 12 volts or two 12 volt batteries to give 24 volts. Picture 2 is the connection of four matched batteries to quadruple the voltage, e.g. 4 X 6V = 24V or 4 X 12V = 48V. Often used in golf car, sweeper / scrubber machines, and smal EV and marine deep cycle applications. Also seen in large trucks, RV's, and buses for engine cranking applications.

Picture 1

 Picture 2

          

Connecting Batteries in Parallel - Picture 3 is the connection of two matched batteries to double the capacity at the same voltage. Used when additional engine cranking or deep cycle capacity is needed at the same voltage, e.g. truck, bus, and marine engine cranking and trolling motor, RV, and small EV and sweeper/scrubber applications. Examples: 2 X 6V batteries at 200 AH = 6V battery pack @ 400 AH or 2 X 12V batteries @ 100 AH = 12V battery back @ 200 AH. Both of these examples would provide the same energy content at 2400 watt-hours.)

Picture 3

Connecting Batteries in Parallel continued... Picture 4 is the connection of three matched batteries to triple the capacity at the same voltage. Used when eve more engine cranking or deep cycle capacity is needed at the same voltage beyond Picture 3. (Note: Fore engine cranking applications, cranking amps CCA, are multiplied by the number of parallel connections as with amp-hour capacity in deep cycle applications)

Picture 4

Connecting Batteries in Series / Parallel - Picture 5 is the connection of four matched batteries used to double both the voltage and the capacity. Often used in trucks, buses, marine, RV, Solar Energy Battery Back-up applications, and Wind energy back-up applications.





Picture 5

Connecting Batteries in Series / Parallel continued - Picture 6 is the connection of eight matched batteries to quadruple the voltage at double the capacity. Often used in larger golf cars, sweeper / scrubber machines, large electric vehicles, and solar energy battery back-up systems. 

Picture 6