solar battery charging

Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 09, 2016 at 15:30

ThreadID: 131570 Views:2386 Replies:3 FollowUps:6

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Hairy (NT)

Gday,
Here is my current set up......
aux battery with a wire leading to outlet 1 (in side twin cab)and then another wire from outlet 1 leading to outlet 2 (on the back of ute), so I can use my fridge in the back of the car or on the back of the ute.
Question. ?........is it ok to plug my solar panel into outlet 2 to charge battery while fridge is plugged into outlet 1 and running?

Cheers

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Reply By: Member - mechpete - Tuesday, Feb 09, 2016 at 16:07

Reply By: Member - mechpete - Tuesday, Feb 09, 2016 at 17:02

Reply By: HKB Electronics - Tuesday, Feb 09, 2016 at 18:38

Tuesday, Feb 09, 2016 at 18:38

Yes what you suggest is ok but it would be more efficient if the solar regulator was plugged in as close as possible to the battery. If your not worried about getting every amp you can into the battery then what your thinking should work ok, providing the existing wiring can handle the output of the solar panel.

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AnswerID: 596054

Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Tuesday, Feb 09, 2016 at 18:45

Tuesday, Feb 09, 2016 at 18:45

Sould I put a fuse in the fridge lead, or cant the solar panels do any damage?

Cheers

FollowupID: 864866

Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Tuesday, Feb 09, 2016 at 19:54

Tuesday, Feb 09, 2016 at 19:54

Also.......I have a Piranha system on the dual batteries.
If the solar panel was plugged into the main battery, Im assuming it wouldnt charge the aux battery even when the main battery is fully charged as it would need the ignition turned on to open the solanoid ???? Could it be as simple as plugging it on the main battery and turning the ignition on? OR........ just put another unfused outlet on the aux battery to plug the panel into?

CHEERS

FollowupID: 864873

Follow Up By: Stephen F2 - Tuesday, Feb 09, 2016 at 21:45

Tuesday, Feb 09, 2016 at 21:45

Hi HKB so the solar regulator is best close to battery.I have 2 cig plugs in back of tub.So if I plug in solar panel into one of them it will it charge my aux battery.I bought the Hilux with already set up with Redarc system but owner did not explain its workings.I think have to get someone to do some testing on it and go to ARB ask them to tell me what Redarc system I actually have.Also will 100watt deep cycle as aux be enough to run the Engel 39l fridge cheers

FollowupID: 864884

Follow Up By: Member Andys Adventures - Wednesday, Feb 10, 2016 at 13:09

Wednesday, Feb 10, 2016 at 13:09

Hi Stephen,,
I would not use the cig plugs for solar power..... Get a Anderson plug for that.......Your 100W panel will run your Engel fridge as a freezer or fridge with power left over for lights or tv.etc..
Cheers Andy
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