House solar panels for camping

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 26, 2019 at 23:27

ThreadID: 138056 Views:6568 Replies:4 FollowUps:4

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Mick1234

Hi I have some house solar panels rated at 250w PMAX is 30.5 volts. I have connected them to my solar regulator and but it won’t charge my battery, when I hook a 95 watt solar panel up to the same regulator it work fine. Do I need to get a special regulator for the house solar panels?
Thanks Mick

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Reply By: Gronk - Wednesday, Mar 27, 2019 at 06:42

Wednesday, Mar 27, 2019 at 06:42

You need to check the specs of any regulator to see if they can handle the higher voltage of house panels.
Victron is one of many that will take up to 100V.....

AnswerID: 624651

Follow Up By: Mick1234 - Wednesday, Mar 27, 2019 at 08:30

Wednesday, Mar 27, 2019 at 08:30

Thanks for the info Gronk

FollowupID: 898139

Reply By: RMD - Wednesday, Mar 27, 2019 at 07:30

Wednesday, Mar 27, 2019 at 07:30

Mick
Gronk is quite right, most PWM regulators only accept around 23v maximum and may either be damaged or not operate with higher than their maximum voltage input.
By trying both it seems you have confirmed it and haven't damaged your regulator if now working on a lesser voltage.
Only a regulator with a higher input voltage spec than the panel is suitable.

AnswerID: 624653

Follow Up By: Mick1234 - Wednesday, Mar 27, 2019 at 08:32

Wednesday, Mar 27, 2019 at 08:32

Thanks RMD much appreciated.

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Reply By: Gbc.. - Thursday, Mar 28, 2019 at 19:07

Thursday, Mar 28, 2019 at 19:07

The cheap ones off eBay for $20 handle a house panel no worries believe it or not if you already have a decent setup and only want the house panel for a temperary boost as I sometimes do.

AnswerID: 624675

Follow Up By: qldcamper - Thursday, Mar 28, 2019 at 20:00

Thursday, Mar 28, 2019 at 20:00

Very large heavy bit of kit just for the occasional top up.

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Follow Up By: Gbc.. - Thursday, Mar 28, 2019 at 20:05

Thursday, Mar 28, 2019 at 20:05

Monstrous. I only need mine at a particular camp we go to at straddle in the she oak trees and sunlight is at a premium. 9a for a few hours a day is a big help.

FollowupID: 898167