Adjusting Solar Panel Angle For Max Output With Wireless Laptop Readout

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10 years ago
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Using my laptop and my Tristar MPPT solar charge controller I can adjust the angle of my solar panels while I wirelessly check the live status of the solar panel output.

My Morningstar Tristar MPPT solar charge controller is plugged directly into my wireless router using a network cable. This allows me to check the status of the solar panels and battery bank at any time through my laptop.

I can remotely check at any time through the wireless connection.

So I took my laptop outside with me to the solar panel array to adjust for the best angle into the sun.

This greatly improves my accuracy when adjusting the angle of the solar panels.

With every move I make, I can immediately see the difference in solar panel power production on the laptop display.

When I was satisfied that I had the best angle I took my laptop back inside.

The other solar panel array is giving me some trouble though. My second solar panel array up by the tiny house on wheels is not working anymore.

I fear it is the connectors on the solar panels themselves. I have used a multimeter and checked the voltage coming out of each solar panel individually. Every panel checks out just fine.

When I connect the solar panels in pairs they still work fine. But when I connect a third solar panel to the set there is no output at all.

So I tried to connect two solar panels to the tiny house and again got no output.

I fear that one or more of the solar panel connectors may be damaged. It is the only explanation that I have.

It is not the diodes or there would not be any power produced at all. Or at least it would be reduced.

But what I am experiencing is a bad connection.

I am still trying to work it out but I think I have to order some more solar panel connectors. Bottom line.

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