I have a very similar setup hanging off my back deck, though in my case I wound up using 100W panels that were slightly taller than the railing, and then swung out the bottoms slightly (about 15 degrees) . That gives me 300W in the same footprint as each of your 200W panels plus considerable extra power production from the bottoms being swung out a bit. That said, a vertical setup with fewer larger panels as you have done is far more aesthetically pleasing. If you are going to experiment more, I recommend not using paralleling connectors (those are actually fire hazards). Instead mount a small solar combiner box in the corner of the railing somewhere and permanently connect the panels to that. It will provide some additional safety and a convenient disconnect point as well as flexibility for future experimenting. Buy a MC4 crimp kit and some 10 AWG solar cabling (red and black) so you can make everything neat and tidy for any permanent installation. -Matt
@@DougKremer Indeed. I wish I could install these on my 4th floor railing but I guess the HOA needs to worry about it falling and hurting someone below, which is understandable. Plus, they want everything to look uniform. I have to set up my solar behind the railing so I lose probably half the input power vs. full sun. Oh well.
Kremer, I have just completed procuring a AC300 along with 2 B300K batteries. What are you thoughts with utilizing 6 of these for a bank to charge my Bluetti? Do the panels get very hot to the touch? I watch your channel all the time. Your bring a different angle to the community thinking outside the box.
Too funny. The railing on my south facing deck would accommodate six or seven of these also. I considered showing them there but I'd have to record the video from my drone or something since it is ten feet off the ground, seemed awkward logistically. The two fill the space here very nicely also for demo. They are each 38Voc and 6.25A, so a 3S2P setup of six panels would work quite well on an AC300 input, providing 114Voc and 12.5A at full ratings. They do get pretty warm, but did not seem much different than my other panels.
Hi Doug, thank you for the information… I think that this will be the path I will choose as I like the lightweight design and flexibility of the panels. Hopefully I will receive them without damage as it looks like the packaging is well thought out. I was very impressed with the BLUETTI packaging as all the system that I ordered from them arrived without issue (ac300, ac180, ac70, ac2a). I really enjoy watching your videos and look forward your future videos. -Brian
Good point… what is your thoughts on a PVC frame or similar material for a light weight setup that I can bring in in bad weather if needed. I was considering ridged panels but I have a tile roof and did not want to deal with the complexity of the mounting system required for tile.
I have a very similar setup hanging off my back deck, though in my case I wound up using 100W panels that were slightly taller than the railing, and then swung out the bottoms slightly (about 15 degrees) . That gives me 300W in the same footprint as each of your 200W panels plus considerable extra power production from the bottoms being swung out a bit. That said, a vertical setup with fewer larger panels as you have done is far more aesthetically pleasing.
If you are going to experiment more, I recommend not using paralleling connectors (those are actually fire hazards). Instead mount a small solar combiner box in the corner of the railing somewhere and permanently connect the panels to that. It will provide some additional safety and a convenient disconnect point as well as flexibility for future experimenting.
Buy a MC4 crimp kit and some 10 AWG solar cabling (red and black) so you can make everything neat and tidy for any permanent installation.
-Matt
Very nice. Yes this is for demonstration.
Too bad most condo HOA's and apartments don't allow you to attach anything to the railings other than maybe plant holders.
I agree. These panels on this railing I think is very attractive and a nice privacy screen.
@@DougKremer Indeed. I wish I could install these on my 4th floor railing but I guess the HOA needs to worry about it falling and hurting someone below, which is understandable. Plus, they want everything to look uniform. I have to set up my solar behind the railing so I lose probably half the input power vs. full sun. Oh well.
Thank you so much! Really nice sharing. 🥰🥰🤗🤗
Thank you.
Kremer, I have just completed procuring a AC300 along with 2 B300K batteries. What are you thoughts with utilizing 6 of these for a bank to charge my Bluetti? Do the panels get very hot to the touch? I watch your channel all the time. Your bring a different angle to the community thinking outside the box.
Too funny. The railing on my south facing deck would accommodate six or seven of these also. I considered showing them there but I'd have to record the video from my drone or something since it is ten feet off the ground, seemed awkward logistically. The two fill the space here very nicely also for demo. They are each 38Voc and 6.25A, so a 3S2P setup of six panels would work quite well on an AC300 input, providing 114Voc and 12.5A at full ratings. They do get pretty warm, but did not seem much different than my other panels.
Hi Doug, thank you for the information… I think that this will be the path I will choose as I like the lightweight design and flexibility of the panels. Hopefully I will receive them without damage as it looks like the packaging is well thought out. I was very impressed with the BLUETTI packaging as all the system that I ordered from them arrived without issue (ac300, ac180, ac70, ac2a). I really enjoy watching your videos and look forward your future videos. -Brian
Keep in mind that vertical mounting will make the least power in summer and best power in winter, when the sun is lowest in the sky.
Good point… what is your thoughts on a PVC frame or similar material for a light weight setup that I can bring in in bad weather if needed. I was considering ridged panels but I have a tile roof and did not want to deal with the complexity of the mounting system required for tile.
That could definitely work and might help angle if you want better power.
What Bluetti unit is that? I've never seen it before
“Handsfree 2”. Brand new. I have another video about it. Take a look!