Solar Panels - Fridge Setup

Thanks Ray,

Would something like a Pirhana DBE-150 isolating system be ok (150amps)?

What size battery should I look at, amp hours wise?

I am looking forward to connecting this up now, as I wasnt sure it would do the job.

Regards

Craig

Thanks again,

I know this may be a stupid question, but anyway.

If one panel puts out 23v and 30amps if I connect two will this jump to 46v and 60amps. If so will the battery charge volatge still be 14v.

I just want to make sure I dont kill the battery.

I had a look on Jay Cars web site, could se a regulator big enough. Dont suppose you know the part number?

Sorry for the stupid questions.

Thank you.

Craig

watts not amps sorry. Duhh

Ok, found a "Solar Battery Charger Regulator M083 " from Jaycar for $22.95.

I assume this is the go.

TIA

Craig,
Definitely go with a regulator. Batteries don't like boiling above about 15v for any length of time. Agreed, there's not too much chance of that with two 30w panels, but your batteries are a hefty investment as well. You've saved a mint on panels, treat yourself to a regulator!
I assume your panels are 30watt. In that case, the M083 regulator you chose will not handle the current for both panels (1.5A max). Jaycar have another; MP3126 for about $60 which will handle 20A, more than enough.
The panels, if they put out 23v open-circuit, are for 12V systems, so you have the right ones there. The 23v will pull down to the battery voltage, but will rise as the battery charges, and the regulator will stop the voltage rising above about 14volts once the battery is charged.
The two panels should be connected in parallel, but via isolating diodes to the regulator (don't connect them in series!!). In the terminal box on the panel, there should have been included a suitable isolating diode. This stops current feeding back into a panel, should one get in the shade and the other be in sunlight. If not, just buy a couple of 3A diodes (cat ZR1014 from Jaycar, about 25c) to do the job. Slightly better are 3A Shottky diodes (1N5822, cat Z0042 from Altronics, about $1.50 ea). These have lower voltage drop which will improve the charge current slightly, but there's not much in it really.
If you want to monitor the battery voltage, Jaycar sell a beaut little digital voltmeter cum dual temp guage (cat XC0116, about $40). The temp guage can be used to monitor your fridge. Just wire the power lead to your aux battery, rather than use the cig lighter plug it comes with.
If you can get more panels off your mate at that price, then do so up to the limits you reckon you can carry in your vehicle!!
good luck,
Gerry

Gerry,

Thank you. On the wiring diagram on the back it does say something about diodes, but I assumed that was if I wanted to wire it via diodes. I will have a look at work tomorrow (setting them up after hours) and get back here.

I will order the MP3126 regulator, temp guage and diodes anyway.

Thanks for the part numbers as well.

I rang my mate up and told him, I think he is a little hestiant now to sell them after I told him they will do the job. But by the sound of it these will do the job anyway.

Can you still buy the MSX30 and where if I want more?

Craig,
Not familiar with these, but a quick Google search on the web indicated they were made by BP Solar, and were 30w. No listing for Aust tho.
rgds
Gerry