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

The New Mini Magnum Panel (MMP)

The new Mini Magnum Panel MMP is an inclusive, easy-to-install panel designed to work with one Magnum MS-AE, MS-PAE, MS, RD or other non-Magnum inverter/charger.
Features:

• Small footprint: only 12.5" wide X 18" tall X 8" deep
• Money-saving design: not only is the MMP less expensive, but it is pre-wired for fast installation, saving labor costs
• Easy access: front-mounted breakers and remote (optional)
• Choices: can be wired for 120 VAC or 120/240 VAC output

Includes:

• One DC breaker - 175A or 250A
• One AC bypass breaker - 30A dual pole or 60A single pole
• 500A/50mv DC shunt
• DC busbars for battery positive and negative
• Din rail for optional DC mini breakers - will hold up to six batteries

Solar On the White House

Solar panels and solar hot water heater on the roof of the White House. Its an excellent idea and we agree with most people who think it sends a powerful message about renewable energy in the U.S. However, if congress doesn't pass new legislation and states hold back on providing more incentives for those of us interested in providing Solar Energy and using Solar Energy, then the country is not practicing what its preaching and a little hypocritical.

The database for renewable energy incentives is always being update and a good go-to source to find incentives in your area.
http://www.dsireusa.org/

DSIRE Updates

The Database of State Renewables and Efficiency recently added new incentive programs to its website. For details on local incentives, go to http://www.dsireusa.org/.

Dry Battery Activation (Lead Acid)

Activating a Dry Charged Battery
Special order Rolls Batteries can be shipped dry (acid shipped separately or bought locally). To activate these batteries, start by removing the vent caps. Using approved battery grade electrolyte (1.265), fill each cell half way between the plates and the bottom of the vent well tube. It is important not to over fill the cells as the acid will expand upon charging. If the cells are too full, the acid will spill out of the top of the cells. Allow electrolyte to saturate into the plates and separators for at least 90 minutes. The temperature of the electrolyte will rise and the specific gravity will drop. Once this is complete, place the batteries on charge at the finishing rate (5% of the 8 or 20 hour rate). The rate may be increased if the battery does not begin to gas. Do not let the cell temperature exceed 115F (46C). If the temperature becomes excessive or the cells begin to gas vigorously, reduce the rate of charge. Continue charging until the cell (or cells) reaches within .005 points of the specific gravity of the filling electrolyte corrected for 77F (25C). We recommend to continue charging for an additional 60 minutes to insure no further rise in specific gravity.

Top up or remove electrolyte as necessary for proper level. Never add electrolyte (only approved water) after activation. Replace vent caps and remove any spillage of electrolyte. If necessary, clean with bicarbonate of baking soda and water (100 grams of soda to one litre of water). Rinse with water and wipe dry. Ensure that the soda solution does not get into cells.

** Do not place batteries on charge until electrolyte temperature is below 35C