What is the right regulator for me ?
Submitted: Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 14:53
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kirko
Hi folks ,
I am looking for some advice on selecting the correct regulator for my
camp trailer needs. I have a 12v 500 amp hour battery bank and want to run 2 unregulated solar panels back to one regulator to service my batteries.The 2 panels I want to run are 140w,8.75a and 240w,13,33a. So a total of 380w,22.8a max at the regulator ?. If anyone has a regulator they have used and can recommend for this situation I would be very greatful as I am kind of getting out of my depth here.There appear to be some cheap and nasty looking products out there and I have to much respect for my battery bank to risk it for some nasty chinese Knock ups. Thanks in advance , Kirko
Reply By: oldtrack123 - Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 15:21
Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 15:21
Hi Kirko
The one thing we need to know is voltages of each panel
There should be two
[a] open circuit voltage "OC"
Should be around 21<22V
[b]voltage @peak power point
Should be around 17<18V
PeterQ
AnswerID:
545586
Follow Up By: kirko - Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 15:40
Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 15:40
Thanks peter,
The voltages are as follows: 140w panel Voc=20v , Vmp=16v
240w panel Voc=22.5v , Vmp= 18v
Thanks again, kirko
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: oldtrack123 - Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 16:22
Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 16:22
HI Kirko
Sorry, but you have been had with the 140W panel/s & you cannot parallel conect them with the 240W panel/s
THose panels will never fully charge your12V battery & will put in no where near their claimed current even with a battery with a low SOC
If possible I would return them "as not fit for purpose"
The 240W panels are OK & can be parallel connected
PeterQ
FollowupID:
833192
Follow Up By: kirko - Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 16:50
Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 16:50
Really ,,bummer ,,they are max ray panels and were recommended by various users of this web site .They do look a little cheap but so do most of the folding panels on the market at the moment. as for wiring in parallel im not sure if that is the end outcome, I was planning on running them through the following cable back to a regulator,
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/111588482382?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Wether that is a parallel outcome im not sure. What solar panels do you recommend,, thanks again Kirko
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: oldtrack123 - Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 17:01
Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 17:01
Hi Kirko
There is lttle to choose between panels PROVIDED the meet the specs I have posted:
OCV 21<22V no less but a little higher is OK
PPPV 17<18V no less " " " " "
Just look for who meets those & offers the best deal
But ask for PROOF that they comply with the above specs
PeterQ
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: oldtrack123 - Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 17:05
Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 17:05
Hi
That Anderson extension cable would be more than adequate
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: kirko - Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 18:21
Sunday, Feb 08, 2015 at 18:21
Thanks peter,,
do you think I can run the 140w on one plug and the 240w on the other, with the single plug going back to a regulator.If so are you able to advise if a reg that would do the job ,,
just put the 140w in the arv sun and multi metred alligator clips and got 14.6 volt reading,, old battery read 11.4v prior to connecting,,don't know what the ampage is though ,, new to this stuff ,, was happy in a sleeping bag till the mrs and kids came along,, now we need fridges and lighting LOL,, thanks mate
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