11/1/2019 LiFePO4 Batteries - Why Bluetooth is a Very Important Feature for Marine Application
First some background - solar controller
I look at the solar controller as a negotiator of sorts. It uses MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) to determine the best combination of voltage and amperage to pull the maximum power (Watts) from the solar panels. The MPP will continually vary depending on the panel design, sun angle and shading. The solar controller also senses what is the best voltage and amperage combination (Watts) for the battery bank. V x I = Watts. Watts into the controller from the solar panels about equals watts out to the batteries minus conversion efficiencies. So the solar controller negotiates the best power from the panels and best power to the batteries. While the solar controller senses the voltage of the batteries to determine how much power to supply to them (charge), it has no way of sensing what has been or is being taken out of them (discharge).
Some more background - LiFePO4 batteries
The discharge curve for LiFEPO4 batteries is very flat. They supply a steady voltage of between 13 and 13.4 volts up until 95% of full discharge. This is unlike lead acid batteries that reduce in voltage from 13 to 11 or less volts as they discharge. Thus, voltage only is not an accurate way to determine the state of charge (SoC) of LiFePO4 batteries.
Determining LIFePO4 battery SoC
There are two ways to determine the SoC of LiFePO4 batteries; an external battery monitor or information directly from the Battery Management System (BMS). A battery monitor (Victron makes one) has a shunt on the negative wire between the batteries and the battery chargers and appliances using power. The battery monitor measures the power crossing the shunt in both directions (charge and discharge) and computes the State of Charge of the battery bank. This technique can be reasonably accurate but most battery monitors are designed for lead acid and AGM batteries and have to be reprogrammed for LiFePO4 because LiFePO4 batteries charge so much more efficiently than lead acid. The battery monitor has enough data to compute the SoC but can be inaccurate because battery charging efficiencies vary. The diagram below may be helpful.
A well designed battery management system (BMS) can measure the charge and discharge rate and the battery voltage and accurately compute the SoC for each battery in the bank. The BMS can also compute the time to full charge and the time to full discharge. In addition, the BMS monitors and manages the SoC of each of the 4 cells within a LiFePO4 battery so it can provide diagnostic data to identify a potential balancing issue which could lead to a potential failure.
All this information can be made available through a well designed BMS Bluetooth App.
First some background - solar controller
I look at the solar controller as a negotiator of sorts. It uses MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) to determine the best combination of voltage and amperage to pull the maximum power (Watts) from the solar panels. The MPP will continually vary depending on the panel design, sun angle and shading. The solar controller also senses what is the best voltage and amperage combination (Watts) for the battery bank. V x I = Watts. Watts into the controller from the solar panels about equals watts out to the batteries minus conversion efficiencies. So the solar controller negotiates the best power from the panels and best power to the batteries. While the solar controller senses the voltage of the batteries to determine how much power to supply to them (charge), it has no way of sensing what has been or is being taken out of them (discharge).
Some more background - LiFePO4 batteries
The discharge curve for LiFEPO4 batteries is very flat. They supply a steady voltage of between 13 and 13.4 volts up until 95% of full discharge. This is unlike lead acid batteries that reduce in voltage from 13 to 11 or less volts as they discharge. Thus, voltage only is not an accurate way to determine the state of charge (SoC) of LiFePO4 batteries.
Determining LIFePO4 battery SoC
There are two ways to determine the SoC of LiFePO4 batteries; an external battery monitor or information directly from the Battery Management System (BMS). A battery monitor (Victron makes one) has a shunt on the negative wire between the batteries and the battery chargers and appliances using power. The battery monitor measures the power crossing the shunt in both directions (charge and discharge) and computes the State of Charge of the battery bank. This technique can be reasonably accurate but most battery monitors are designed for lead acid and AGM batteries and have to be reprogrammed for LiFePO4 because LiFePO4 batteries charge so much more efficiently than lead acid. The battery monitor has enough data to compute the SoC but can be inaccurate because battery charging efficiencies vary. The diagram below may be helpful.
A well designed battery management system (BMS) can measure the charge and discharge rate and the battery voltage and accurately compute the SoC for each battery in the bank. The BMS can also compute the time to full charge and the time to full discharge. In addition, the BMS monitors and manages the SoC of each of the 4 cells within a LiFePO4 battery so it can provide diagnostic data to identify a potential balancing issue which could lead to a potential failure.
All this information can be made available through a well designed BMS Bluetooth App.
9/1/2019 CMP Announces a new line of solar controllers by Victron Energy
Custom Marine Products now markets and supports MPPT solar controllers by Victron Energy. The Smart Solar series supports Bluetooth monitoring of the complete solar system via Smartphone or tablet. These high performance controllers integrate with the entire Victron product line including inverters, chargers batteries and battery monitors.
Custom Marine Products now markets and supports MPPT solar controllers by Victron Energy. The Smart Solar series supports Bluetooth monitoring of the complete solar system via Smartphone or tablet. These high performance controllers integrate with the entire Victron product line including inverters, chargers batteries and battery monitors.
110 Watt Semi-rigid Marine Solar Panels
8/29/2019 CMP Announces a new line of semi-rigid marine solar panels
Coming Soon - CMP has just released a new series of semi-rigid marine solar panels. With a strong aluminum backing and very thick ETFE laminate non skid surface, these panels can be walked on and can conform to a slightly curved surface (5 degrees). We use premium SunPower Gen III solar cells with an efficiency rating of up to 23.5%, the highest efficiency available anywhere. There is no glass and no aluminum frame so these panels are considerably lighter than our rigid panels but heavier and stiffer than our flexible panel series. The expected life of these panels is 15 years in the harsh marine environment. The panels will initially be available with a black backing. These panels are ideal for mounting on a rigid surface or on our top-of-pole mounting system. They are available in 110,120, 150 and 175 watt power output. Contact us for details.
Coming Soon - CMP has just released a new series of semi-rigid marine solar panels. With a strong aluminum backing and very thick ETFE laminate non skid surface, these panels can be walked on and can conform to a slightly curved surface (5 degrees). We use premium SunPower Gen III solar cells with an efficiency rating of up to 23.5%, the highest efficiency available anywhere. There is no glass and no aluminum frame so these panels are considerably lighter than our rigid panels but heavier and stiffer than our flexible panel series. The expected life of these panels is 15 years in the harsh marine environment. The panels will initially be available with a black backing. These panels are ideal for mounting on a rigid surface or on our top-of-pole mounting system. They are available in 110,120, 150 and 175 watt power output. Contact us for details.
6/17/2019 Introducing our new 200 watt rigid solar panel
This new solar panel has the highest output per square inch available. It measures 26.8 x 56.9 inches (680 x 1445 mm) and has a strong frame with pre drilled mounting holes, completely filled and sealed junction box and strong marine sealants. Made with premium quality SunPower solar cells, this panel is designed for maximum power output in full sun or when shaded by boat hardware.
This new solar panel has the highest output per square inch available. It measures 26.8 x 56.9 inches (680 x 1445 mm) and has a strong frame with pre drilled mounting holes, completely filled and sealed junction box and strong marine sealants. Made with premium quality SunPower solar cells, this panel is designed for maximum power output in full sun or when shaded by boat hardware.
6/1/2019 CMP enters the marine refrigerator/freezer market
Custom Marine Products is now a dealer for the SunDanzer line of 12 volt refrigerators and freezers. These stand alone units are highly efficient, quiet and compact.
A zero-maintenance, brushless, thermostatically controlled DC compressor operates our 12 or 24 V DC refrigerator and freezer. A patented low-frost system reduces frost and moisture build up for low maintenance. High-quality construction provides excellent reliability and long life. Some models are available in 48VDC.
Features:
These high-efficiency refrigerators and freezers have exceptionally low energy consumption, requiring smaller, less expensive power systems and low operating expense combined with thick insulation and refrigeration system optimized for solar, SunDanzer refrigerators and freezers provide outstanding economical and reliable operation.
Custom Marine Products is now a dealer for the SunDanzer line of 12 volt refrigerators and freezers. These stand alone units are highly efficient, quiet and compact.
A zero-maintenance, brushless, thermostatically controlled DC compressor operates our 12 or 24 V DC refrigerator and freezer. A patented low-frost system reduces frost and moisture build up for low maintenance. High-quality construction provides excellent reliability and long life. Some models are available in 48VDC.
Features:
- Units starting from 5 watts average power!
- Extra thick polyurethane insulation
- Powder-coated galvanized steel exterior
- Aluminum interior
- Drain hole at bottom of unit (for easy cleaning)
These high-efficiency refrigerators and freezers have exceptionally low energy consumption, requiring smaller, less expensive power systems and low operating expense combined with thick insulation and refrigeration system optimized for solar, SunDanzer refrigerators and freezers provide outstanding economical and reliable operation.
4/25/2019 Video of Seminar on Selecting and Designing the Proper Marine Solar System for Your Boat - Parts 1 and 2
Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show
Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show
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An introduction to the basics of marine solar - system components
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Marine solar system design - determining your solar power needs
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4/23/2019 - You may be able to get a solar tax credit for your marine solar system; both state and federal.
We have all heard about tax credits for putting solar on our home but what about for our boat? Sure, why not?
The US Federal Government offers a solar energy tax credit, applicable to your second home. If you have a head and galley onboard and your boat is docked in the United States, your boat qualifies as a second home. This tax credit,extended to December 31, 2019, is a 30% credit on qualified expenditures to purchase and install solar panels placed in service after 2008. This credit can be retroactive – as long as the solar system was placed into service after January 1, 2006.
The Department of Energy website gives a simplified description of the energy tax credit: http://energy.gov/savings/residential-renewable-energy-tax-credit. The actual IRS form is easy to fill out: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf. It may also worth investigating your state government solar tax credit.
We have all heard about tax credits for putting solar on our home but what about for our boat? Sure, why not?
The US Federal Government offers a solar energy tax credit, applicable to your second home. If you have a head and galley onboard and your boat is docked in the United States, your boat qualifies as a second home. This tax credit,extended to December 31, 2019, is a 30% credit on qualified expenditures to purchase and install solar panels placed in service after 2008. This credit can be retroactive – as long as the solar system was placed into service after January 1, 2006.
The Department of Energy website gives a simplified description of the energy tax credit: http://energy.gov/savings/residential-renewable-energy-tax-credit. The actual IRS form is easy to fill out: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf. It may also worth investigating your state government solar tax credit.
5 Hours Average Sun
2/17/2019 - The Importance of Solar Cell Quality - Not All 100 Watt Solar Panels Are Created Equal
High quality high performance solar cells will produce more power at various sun angles than lower quality solar cells; up to 30% more power. An important consideration in determining how much solar power you need is how many watt hours or amp hours of power you can expect to generate in a 24 hour period. Let's say you cruise in an area that receives an average of 5 hours of full sun a day. The average is computed based on the seasonal sun angle and the sun angle from morning through evening. A 100 watt solar panel with average efficiency solar cells may produce 100 watts x 5 hours or 500 watt hours of power in a day. At 13 volts that's about 38 amp hours in a day. A 100 watt panel with high efficiency solar cells will produce up to 30% more power in a day or 100 watts x 6.5 effective hours or 650 watt hours of power in a day. At 13 volts, that's about 50 amp hours in a day. 38 amp hours vs. 50 amp hours in a day is significant on a boat. Add more panels in the mix, say 400 watts and we see 152 amp hours vs.200 amp hours, a difference of 48 amp hours. This simple analysis does not take into consideration the impact of clouds or shading both of which will make the disparity even greater. Clearly, the higher the quality of the solar cells the more power produced over time.
High quality high performance solar cells will produce more power at various sun angles than lower quality solar cells; up to 30% more power. An important consideration in determining how much solar power you need is how many watt hours or amp hours of power you can expect to generate in a 24 hour period. Let's say you cruise in an area that receives an average of 5 hours of full sun a day. The average is computed based on the seasonal sun angle and the sun angle from morning through evening. A 100 watt solar panel with average efficiency solar cells may produce 100 watts x 5 hours or 500 watt hours of power in a day. At 13 volts that's about 38 amp hours in a day. A 100 watt panel with high efficiency solar cells will produce up to 30% more power in a day or 100 watts x 6.5 effective hours or 650 watt hours of power in a day. At 13 volts, that's about 50 amp hours in a day. 38 amp hours vs. 50 amp hours in a day is significant on a boat. Add more panels in the mix, say 400 watts and we see 152 amp hours vs.200 amp hours, a difference of 48 amp hours. This simple analysis does not take into consideration the impact of clouds or shading both of which will make the disparity even greater. Clearly, the higher the quality of the solar cells the more power produced over time.
12/15/2018 - A CRUISER’s Guide to Selecting and Sizing a Solar Charging System
Adding solar to your boat doesn’t have to be an intimidating process…check out our step-by-step guide to designing a solar charging system for your boat. We include a worksheet to calculate your energy usage, determine how many/what size panels you need, and what size battery bank is appropriate. We also sort out solar panel types and grades and tell you how to select the proper charge controller. Everything you need to make confident decisions about adding solar to your boat is all in one place. Click on the title above to read the guide.
Adding solar to your boat doesn’t have to be an intimidating process…check out our step-by-step guide to designing a solar charging system for your boat. We include a worksheet to calculate your energy usage, determine how many/what size panels you need, and what size battery bank is appropriate. We also sort out solar panel types and grades and tell you how to select the proper charge controller. Everything you need to make confident decisions about adding solar to your boat is all in one place. Click on the title above to read the guide.
10/18/2018 - New 140 Watt Marine Rigid Solar Panel with SunPower Cells
With new advancements in solar cell performance, our very popular 120 watt rigid marine solar panel is now available as a 140 watt solar panel. It is the same size as our 120 watt panel but contains a new higher power SunPower solar cell. Our 140 and 175 watt marine solar panels have the highest output per square inch of any marine solar panels on the market that we are aware of. That's good news for us boaters who have limited space for solar.
9/29/2018 - LiFePO4 Marine Batteries are Now Available on our Website -
Now that testing has been completed and our new LiFePo4 batteries passed with flying colors, we are offering them on our website under our PRODUCTS section. We are excited to make these batteries available to our customers. They have out performed our expectations and we are offering them at a discounted price to get more out there in the field (on the water). Learn about LiFePO4 marine batteries in our product section and see how they performed during testing on our Blog.
9/17/2018 - New Tariffs and Duties on Solar Panels -
There are new tariffs placed on solar panels manufactured offshore. Some of our panels are assembled offshore using USA components. We anticipated these tariffs and duties and have absorbed any and all tariffs into our pricing structure so there are no additional charges on our solar panel orders.
9/14/2018 - Solar Cells Used in Our Solar Panels -
Many of our marine solar panels contain premium SunPower solar cells. We use only the highest quality SunPower cells Grade A+ Maxeon) in our panels so our customers receive the highest output per surface area possible. The higher the quality of the cells the higher the solar panel output in all weather conditions. Panels may look similar but the materials used to manufacture them may be quite different. SunPower sells four grades of solar cells.
9/12/2018 -Blog Updates -
LiFePo4 Batteries - We are in the process of researching LiFePo4 battery technology with the intent of offering this amazing new battery technology to our customers. These batteries integrate well with our solar systems. We have completed our first phase of testing marine LiFePo4 batteries manufactured to our specification. The test results very impressive and are posted on our blog.
New 175 watt SunPower Cell Solar Panel - We tested our new pole mounted 175 watt marine solar panel during a six week cruise in the North Channel in northern Lake Huron. The results of this test are posted on our blog. This panel was equipped with our second generation radiant energy water heating system.
9/01/2018 - Solar Panels on Sale -
We are offering all of our high performance Bosch and Qcell marine solar panels at 30% off through the end of the month. These marine panels offer high output per square surface area and are built to our marine specification. Call for some great deals on our clearance solar panels.
8/15/2018 - Semi-flexible Marine Solar Panels with ETFE Laminates -
CMP has announced that all marine grade semi-flexible solar panels now contain ETFE laminates. ETFE is a material that will not turn cloudy due to absorption of moisture, is UV resistant, is scratch resistant and allows the maximum spectrum of the sun's light to pass through onto the solar cell. The result is a highly durable, high efficiency (greater than 22%), high output solar panel. TPT and TCP laminates initially look the same as ETFE but tend to degrade in a relatively short period of time.
8/4/2018 - New 150/160 Watt Semi-flexible Solar Panel Now Available -
CMP has announced the availability of a powerful 150 watt solar panel that outperforms its rating to 160 watts. This new panel measures roughly 21 x 58 inches. It is well suited for mounting on both canvas bimini tops and hard top surfaces. Premium SunPower solar cells are used in the manufacture of this high performance ETFE laminate panel.
With new advancements in solar cell performance, our very popular 120 watt rigid marine solar panel is now available as a 140 watt solar panel. It is the same size as our 120 watt panel but contains a new higher power SunPower solar cell. Our 140 and 175 watt marine solar panels have the highest output per square inch of any marine solar panels on the market that we are aware of. That's good news for us boaters who have limited space for solar.
9/29/2018 - LiFePO4 Marine Batteries are Now Available on our Website -
Now that testing has been completed and our new LiFePo4 batteries passed with flying colors, we are offering them on our website under our PRODUCTS section. We are excited to make these batteries available to our customers. They have out performed our expectations and we are offering them at a discounted price to get more out there in the field (on the water). Learn about LiFePO4 marine batteries in our product section and see how they performed during testing on our Blog.
9/17/2018 - New Tariffs and Duties on Solar Panels -
There are new tariffs placed on solar panels manufactured offshore. Some of our panels are assembled offshore using USA components. We anticipated these tariffs and duties and have absorbed any and all tariffs into our pricing structure so there are no additional charges on our solar panel orders.
9/14/2018 - Solar Cells Used in Our Solar Panels -
Many of our marine solar panels contain premium SunPower solar cells. We use only the highest quality SunPower cells Grade A+ Maxeon) in our panels so our customers receive the highest output per surface area possible. The higher the quality of the cells the higher the solar panel output in all weather conditions. Panels may look similar but the materials used to manufacture them may be quite different. SunPower sells four grades of solar cells.
9/12/2018 -Blog Updates -
LiFePo4 Batteries - We are in the process of researching LiFePo4 battery technology with the intent of offering this amazing new battery technology to our customers. These batteries integrate well with our solar systems. We have completed our first phase of testing marine LiFePo4 batteries manufactured to our specification. The test results very impressive and are posted on our blog.
New 175 watt SunPower Cell Solar Panel - We tested our new pole mounted 175 watt marine solar panel during a six week cruise in the North Channel in northern Lake Huron. The results of this test are posted on our blog. This panel was equipped with our second generation radiant energy water heating system.
9/01/2018 - Solar Panels on Sale -
We are offering all of our high performance Bosch and Qcell marine solar panels at 30% off through the end of the month. These marine panels offer high output per square surface area and are built to our marine specification. Call for some great deals on our clearance solar panels.
8/15/2018 - Semi-flexible Marine Solar Panels with ETFE Laminates -
CMP has announced that all marine grade semi-flexible solar panels now contain ETFE laminates. ETFE is a material that will not turn cloudy due to absorption of moisture, is UV resistant, is scratch resistant and allows the maximum spectrum of the sun's light to pass through onto the solar cell. The result is a highly durable, high efficiency (greater than 22%), high output solar panel. TPT and TCP laminates initially look the same as ETFE but tend to degrade in a relatively short period of time.
8/4/2018 - New 150/160 Watt Semi-flexible Solar Panel Now Available -
CMP has announced the availability of a powerful 150 watt solar panel that outperforms its rating to 160 watts. This new panel measures roughly 21 x 58 inches. It is well suited for mounting on both canvas bimini tops and hard top surfaces. Premium SunPower solar cells are used in the manufacture of this high performance ETFE laminate panel.