u/NickelCloud

You might be curious or be able to learn from my experience…

I failed to recognize matching output voltage of the solar panels (327W) with the input voltage of the inverter. :(

I did not realize the voltage output from the panel will get higher as the weather gets colder. The coldest day around here is -15'C so that would push Voc up to 72V.

https://preview.redd.it/06j1n0xlbsjh1.png?width=364&format=png&auto=webp&s=4516d71006674c6f6c7468c7ae1ff97d6847abc2

And I didn't realize the voltage can not be regulated by shading some of the panel. Now that I'm aware of this problem it is obvious that is what this chart is showing. The voltage output stays high even at very low intensity.

From PV Spec Sheet Sunpower E20/327

I have thought of 2 solutions since I already own the panels and the EcoFlow Stream (max input 60v).

1. Buy a DC to DC stabilizer or buck boost converter and wire it into the junction of the panels ($30 per panel and effort). The stabilizer is 6A and would drop the input into the inverter to a safe 48V. The rated current (Imp) output of the panel is 5.98 amps. 6A x 48V = 288 watts

Described as waterproof

2. Solder a piece of wire to drop the voltage of 65 by 1/3 to 43V. Even in the winter time the panels will output less than 60V into the inverter. The yellow would be a solid piece of wire. How many amps would the PV output? How many watts?

PV junction box

Will either of these things work? Thoughts?

You might be curious or be able to learn from my experience…

It is hard to find affordable used PV panels unless you use FB marketplace.  Craigslist was a bust and delivery is unaffordable unless you buy a pallet.

Solar panels can catch a lot of wind.  If you want a non-permanent installation you can use pallets.  This is a good approach b/c:

https://preview.redd.it/ihftozssrsih1.jpg?width=1160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0182404c5bba0ed8c8172f623dd05762c6c7003c

https://preview.redd.it/sm8zfudtrsih1.jpg?width=1124&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=86f6605525e30d6f3eb6cb6c12e9de9b8fe6f7b8

• Pallets are free or low cost
• Pallets have some weight and ballast can be placed upon them to add more weight (bricks, stone, jugs of water, logs) to prevent the panel from moving in the wind
• Pallets are readily available almost everywhere
• Pallets are hard wood and slow to rot outside
• Pallets don’t require digging posts or screwing to your house and can be moved
• 2x4 can be screwed to the side of the pallet to make any angle you wish
• Pallets can hold 1 or 2 solar panels at a time

I ordered a EccFlow Stream microinverter online.  It should arrive this week.

Part B will have the finished rack.

https://www.energy.gov/documents/program-notice-26-2

What do you think of this?

>Removing program allowances for upgrades for fuel-switching (i.e. replacement of non-electric appliances)...

Switching from fossil fuels is no longer eligible?

>Clarifying and encouraging grantees to also allow rebates for do-it-yourself (DIY) retail purchases and installations, with the exception of HVAC system installations, where such installations are otherwise allowed by state and local building codes.

DIY installation is eligible, except for HVAC? This will upset r/DIYHeatPumps

I have a Moto G Play with Android 14. My old message app/phone allowed me to set a notification every few minutes if I missed a text message. Is there a FOSS app to do that?

I have a Broan kitchen exhaust fan. Broan-NuTone 509 Through-the-Wall Ventilation Fan White Cover, 200 CFM, 8.5 Sones, 8"

I had a simple on/off switch in the wall.

I installed a Broan fan speed wall control to replace the on/off switch. The speed control worked for a while. Model SC100W. It cost >$30!

Now the fan control know turns the fan to an extremely low speed as soon as a I turn the know to 2 o'clock. It is so low, the fan exhaust flapper won't stay open.

I like to have the fan at medium speed b/c at full speed it is loud.

Any ideas on how to trouble shoot the speed controller?