OK, more questions today after spending 12 hours yesterday researching everything solar related and putting together a parts list for my planned system. I think I'm going to replace my existing 300w Jaboni panel with four REC 360w Alpha panels. I'm thinking of installing two panels each in series and then both sets in parallel. The OEM panel is 9" longer than the REC panels and I'd prefer more walking room on the roof.
Major components so far:
(4) 360w REC Alpha panels
(1) Victron Multiplus 3000/120
(4) Battleborn 100ah heated batteries (probably add a couple more later)
(1) Victron SmartSolar 150/100 solar charge controller
(1) Victron Lynx Distributer
I already have a Victron BMV-712.
1- I plan to get the Victron SmartSolar 150/100 MPPT charge controller. Does that sound correct as far as sizing? Panel specs are 36.7vmp, 43.9voc (still not sure which to use) and 9.82a lmp.
2- Do I need the Victron VE. Bus Smart Dongle in order to get stats from the Victron Multiplus inverter? Do I need the dongle if I get the Cerbo GX and Touch 50?
3- Other than the convenience of the quick glance at the GX screens (Touch 50 and Color Control), is there any information there I can't get from the mobile app?
4- Between the Color Control GX and Touch 50 GX, which do you prefer? Wait, what is the Cerbo GX? Too many options...
This project is at the edge of what I'm willing to do myself. Not really because of the technical merits but more because it's a pretty big project. I'm still not sure if I'll do it but the more I learn, the less daunting it becomes. The one thing I REALLY want to be able to do is run the microwave from the inverter. I think I just need to move that breaker to the sub panel where the residential fridge is but I haven't researched that yet so that's just a wild guess and gives you a clue as to how little I know.
Thoughts?
Major components so far:
(4) 360w REC Alpha panels
(1) Victron Multiplus 3000/120
(4) Battleborn 100ah heated batteries (probably add a couple more later)
(1) Victron SmartSolar 150/100 solar charge controller
(1) Victron Lynx Distributer
I already have a Victron BMV-712.
1- I plan to get the Victron SmartSolar 150/100 MPPT charge controller. Does that sound correct as far as sizing? Panel specs are 36.7vmp, 43.9voc (still not sure which to use) and 9.82a lmp.
2- Do I need the Victron VE. Bus Smart Dongle in order to get stats from the Victron Multiplus inverter? Do I need the dongle if I get the Cerbo GX and Touch 50?
3- Other than the convenience of the quick glance at the GX screens (Touch 50 and Color Control), is there any information there I can't get from the mobile app?
4- Between the Color Control GX and Touch 50 GX, which do you prefer? Wait, what is the Cerbo GX? Too many options...
This project is at the edge of what I'm willing to do myself. Not really because of the technical merits but more because it's a pretty big project. I'm still not sure if I'll do it but the more I learn, the less daunting it becomes. The one thing I REALLY want to be able to do is run the microwave from the inverter. I think I just need to move that breaker to the sub panel where the residential fridge is but I haven't researched that yet so that's just a wild guess and gives you a clue as to how little I know.
Thoughts?
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