combiner box breakers?

James,

thanks for the reply...please bear with me as I'm just getting into more complex systems. I plan to upgrade my mini system this summer.

Just a little more clarification please to see if I understand you correctly.


Connecting 3 single panels to the combiner box in order to make a larger parallel string, then each panel has it's own breaker rated at the ISC of each panel

Then right before the charge controller is another breaker that is rated for the total "x" amp output of the 3 panels IE: "x" x125%x125% correct?

I'm in the planning process of upgrading my mini system (see this post) - http://forums.altenergystore.com/Renewable-Energy/Technical/using-12v-dc-appliances-during-the-day/index.php/topic,1402.0.html#msg4983

The overall goal is to get my music studio 100% solar powered. I'll be operating the studio during daylight hours only, so maybe this helps in terms of how much energy I'll be pulling from the battery, since I'll be running things while the panels are producing electricity.


I'd like to upgrade the system so that I can get 240watts or more of 12v power each day. While still only cycling the battery by about 20% - 25%, in order to extend the lifespan of the battery. I'll need to upgrade the battery for sure, and will have to add a couple more 20watt panels..then I need to figure out the more complex part of wiring and the combiner box, charge controller. I'm trying to stay away from an inverter and use just 12vdc. The Photovoltaics book is an great resource, however, there's a few things not covered in it, that I'd like to learn more about.

How can I run multiple laptops using 12v DC adapters off one battery? Maybe make some kind of junction box coming off the battery, for 12v DC wiring runs within the studio. Then these wiring runs go to 12v DC "female" outlets where I can plug in the laptops. How can I keep track of the battery charge status and hence have some kind of LVD since I'm using no inverter?

yup..need some help here for sure..