How to connect 2 folding solar panels to my battery bank ?

Submitted: Saturday, Feb 07, 2015 at 19:11

ThreadID: 111034 Views:3364 Replies:3 FollowUps:3

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kirko

Hi Folks,

I am looking for some advice to determine the most effective way to connect one 140w max ray panel and one 220w panel to my 500 amp hour battery bank.I initially considered using one of these cables
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/111588482382?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
with battery lugs instead of the Anderson at the single plug end. The cable manufacturer advised me that it would not be wise to have 2 regulators connected to my battery bank at any one time.
I have also heard a lot of talk about having the regulator at the battery bank end rather than on the solar panels, this seems to make sense in relation to avoiding voltage drop considering long cables are usually required in these situations.So what I am thinking is that it may make sense to bypass both regulators on the solar panels and some how run both panels back to one cable and then into one regulator at the battery bank. love to hear your thoughts,, thanks in advance , Kirko

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Reply By: Gronk - Saturday, Feb 07, 2015 at 20:16

Saturday, Feb 07, 2015 at 20:16

You've got it !!

Put an anderson plug going into the regulator ( make sure it's big enough for the 2 panels ) then use the above extension cable, then plug each panel into the 2 ends....done !!

AnswerID: 545565

Follow Up By: kirko - Saturday, Feb 07, 2015 at 22:13

Saturday, Feb 07, 2015 at 22:13

Hey folks ,,
Has anyone used either of these 2 regulators,,

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/POWERTECH-12V-24V-30A-MPPT-Solar-Regulator-Charge-Controller-LATEST-MODEL-/221165053877?pt=Caravan_Parts_Accessories&hash=item337e76e7b5

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/30A-LCD-Solar-Battery-Regulator-Charge-Discharge-Controller-12V-24V-CE-Certify-/321056578622?pt=AU_Solar&hash=item4ac0769c3e

any feedback would be appreciated ,, thanks again ,,Kirko

FollowupID: 833161

Follow Up By: noggins - Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 10:24

Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 10:24

I use the second one you have listed and haven't had any problems with it.

My system runs all the vans solar panels to the regulator , I have put a parallel cable from the panels going to an andersen plug on the draw bar for the portable panel that chases the sun.

That way I just plug in the portable panel if I need the extra charging.

The portable panel has the regulator bypassed but left on just in case I want to use it as an independent charger for something else

FollowupID: 833173

Follow Up By: kirko - Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 10:46

Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 10:46

Thanks noggins,,
The regulator says it is rated for upto 360w,30a.The panels I want to run are 140w,8.75a and 240w,13,33a. So a total of 380w,22.8a max at the regulator ? The question is am I 20w above the regulators max wattage input . Getting lost sorry, should i be looking at a more powerful regulator. Thanks again , Kirko

FollowupID: 833174

Reply By: rumpig - Saturday, Feb 07, 2015 at 23:11

Saturday, Feb 07, 2015 at 23:11

what you've said is pretty much what i have on my camper now....2 different sized panels which are unregulated (you'll be bypassing yours you say which is what i've done with one of mine) using the panels long leads so as to allow movement with the sun chasing, then going into a 2 into 1 anderson plug conection that is located back at the trailer (it's removed when not in use and just a dedicated anderson plug left on the side of the camper for solar connection), which then feeds into the camper with the regulator near the battery bank. So long as your regulator is the right size for the power you plan to feed into it, i don't see a problem with that set up.
The solar panel i bypassed the reg on has anderson plugs located at the panel that allow the reg to be rehooked up easily in the future should i need to use the panel where a reg isn't available.

AnswerID: 545568

Reply By: oldtrack123 - Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 15:39

Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 15:39

HI Kirko
Have you checked the SPEC on those Panels ??
Have you seen other posts regarding some Maxray panels ON THIS forum?
Do not buy a regulator or anyway interfere with the panels !
You may wish to return them as unfit for purpose!
Or alternatively need to series connect them & use a higher voltage INPUT MPPT regulator.

PeterQ

AnswerID: 545587