Friday, May 27, 2016 at 12:03
Thankyou to all who have been replying to my question regarding buying
solar panels. I think I need to give a little more information before making an informed decision on this.
Our system worked perfectly for the 5 years we have owned our camper trailer (Goldstream Crown). We have a two way Waeco 110 litre 50W fridge - according to specs it's rated current is 5.9 amps. Basically we hardly ever use the trailer lighting preferring instead to use torches or other forms of lighting (
solar, rechargeable lanterns, etc.). So the draw on the batteries is pretty much just the fridge.
Our trailer was purchased second hand. It came with two 60W fold out
solar panels which connected to an anderson plug located outside the camper which connects to a
solar regulator inside. The
solar panels plus the vehicle have kept the dual batteries charged successfully until very recently.
The troubleshooting process has resulted in our batteries being replaced with two 'ultimate extreme' 12V 60ah batteries as
well as a replacement
solar controller model MP3129 (no brand name) .... all supplied by Battery World.
Our
solar panels are producing up to 19V but no amps - thus no charge delivered to the batteries - they have somehow failed.
They are roof mounted on the camper - we intend to mount the new ones in the same fashion.
Having already spent several hundred dollars replacing both batteries as
well as the
solar controller (now being unsure whether these items needed replacing) price is a consideration - but we don't want to make a mistake & purchase
solar panels that won't deliver the charge we need .... thus our request for help. So far your replies have been very helpful, and the link to
solar power also has helped, but we are still trying to figure out whether to stick with 120W (which seemed to work previously), or go for more power? Also a trusted supplier who can answer some of these questions, preferably over the phone? So far we have been unable to get proper advice from anyone selling
solar panels!!
Thankyou all once again .... hoping we can fix our broken power soon :(
avidcamper
AnswerID:
600645
Follow Up By: Frank P (NSW) - Friday, May 27, 2016 at 13:13
Friday, May 27, 2016 at 13:13
I have an MP3129, but
mine is branded Powertech, a house brand used by Jaycar.
I have had a couple of these in different applications. They are not top of the line, but are nevertheless quite a good PWM
solar controller.
Despite an opinion to the contrary offered earlier in this topic, I think the panel you asked about only has a
junction box on the back, not a regulator. If it does have a regulator, I suspect the MP3129 will be better and you could and should bypass the one on the panel and wire direct to the MP31219 via that anderson on the camper.
If it is just a
junction box, then obviously just cable it to the Anderson.
The MP3129 is programmable to suit your batteries. Find out the optimum absorption and float voltages for your batteries from the supplier or manufacturer and program them into the regulator. If you don't have the instruction book I can supply one (scanned) or find a link. Just ask.
If 120 watts worked for you before, there is no reason why 125 won't work for you now.
The only thing I can't vouch for is the quality of the panels. Others here may be able to help you out in that regard better than I can.
Cheers
FollowupID:
869983