Do I have a solar panel problem??
Submitted: Tuesday, Apr 07, 2009 at 14:47
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cityslicker
Hi All,
I'm new to this
solar power stuff and I'm also a bit confused so I'll try to explain :-)
I've just bought a 120W bi-fold solar panel which comes with a Projecta 10A regulator. The regulator has a voltage readout and 3 L.E.D's
Red - voltage available from panels
Yellow - battery being charged
Green - battery is charged
Now I though I'd see how the panels work before I take them away over
easter. I hooked them up to the auxillary battery which was fully charged and had no load on it. The display very quickly showed 14.4 volts which is the voltage where I believe it should go into float charge.
I now expected the green LED to stay on but it kept quickly cycling between Green and Yellow while the voltage went up and down between 14.4 and 13.4 (the cut out and cut in points).
While writing this I've been informed by someone from the company that this is how the regulator should work. Still, I'm a cynical sort of person and I'd love to hear that someone else has this setup and it behaves the same way.
Thanks for reading!
Reply By: Maîneÿ [wa] - Tuesday, Apr 07, 2009 at 20:12
Tuesday, Apr 07, 2009 at 20:12
Hi,
just for your own interest and to allow you know what is 'normal' when on your
Easter break, connect the fridge with the battery and solar system and leave them as if you were out in the bush for a few days.
Open the fridge a few times and have it about ½ full of bottles of water or maybe even 'food'
Keep the fridge connected continually for a few days AND nights too !!
You will then know how the Solar system will work when your running the fridge.
Check the battery Voltage at end of first day @ 5PM, again next day @ 8AM and then again @ 11AM, for some idea of your Solar system/battery performance.
Mainey . . .
AnswerID:
358665
Follow Up By: cityslicker - Tuesday, Apr 07, 2009 at 21:23
Tuesday, Apr 07, 2009 at 21:23
Thanks Mainey
Thats basically what I am hoping to do in preparation for a much longer trip from
Adelaide to
Darwin. I have an 80 ltr waeco so I think it is touch and go whether the panels will keep up but even if they extend a 1 day
camp without driving to a 3 day
camp, I'll be happy.
The advice on this site is very impressive!!
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