How to connect 2 folding solar panels to my battery bank ?
Submitted: Saturday, Feb 07, 2015 at 19:11
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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
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:
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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:
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