Using an MPPT regulator to charge two separate battery systems

Submitted: Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 19:43
ThreadID: 118932 Views:2656 Replies:3 FollowUps:2
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I have a 100 AH battery in the front RH corner of my van. I have brought a short lead through the floor to an Anderson plug secured to the under side of the floor and protected behind a chassis cross member and a rubber protective plug. A 95 AH house battery just inside the tail gate of my tow vehicle is connected to the battery management system with an Anderson plug.

My solar panels have a capacity of 160 watt (2 x 80) and still has the original regulator and a 6 metre lead - about the size of those that you see on 12V compressors and the like. It works reasonably well but I want a longer lead to reach sunny spots when the van is parked in shade. I thought about 10 metres should do the trick.

I want to fit a MPPT regulator but also want to be able to charge both van and vehicle systems without paying for 2 regulators. So ....
1. Do I need 6 B&S cable or will 8 B&S do?
2. What size MPPT regulator will I need. I am thinking voltage drop here.
3. Is there a particular brand or type of MPPT regulator that lends itself to being placed "in line" as I assume I would need to fit it as near to the end of the cable that plugs into the leads to the batteries as possible. I plan to give it fuse protection.

I will appreciate any comments or suggestions.

Cheers, Kevin
Kevin
It is important to always maintain a sense of proportion

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