solar panels

Submitted: Thursday, Jan 28, 2010 at 18:05

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Solar Power

This article covers every aspect of solar and its design and installation in RVs (camper trailers, caravans and motor homes). It shows how much power solar panels really produce,

redeye141

Have 3x80 watt panels and a 18 amp regulator to suite. Should I wire the panels in parallel with or without the individual diode on each panel.

thanks Redeye

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Reply By: dieseltojo - Thursday, Jan 28, 2010 at 20:17

Thursday, Jan 28, 2010 at 20:17

Hi ,
Redeye 141,The diode install is to prevent current going from the battery back to the panels.
Your reg will have a safety in it to handle this any way,If you are setting up a van I suggest that a 30 amp unit may be better re future installations. Others may disagree.

AnswerID: 401522

Reply By: Member - John and Val - Thursday, Jan 28, 2010 at 20:44

Thursday, Jan 28, 2010 at 20:44

Redeye - I would expect the panels to each have 2 diodes, wired backwards (i.e.cathode to positive) to protect from reverse voltages. They should be left in position, just as the manufacturer installed them.

John

J and V
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AnswerID: 401524

Reply By: Mandrake's Solar Power- Thursday, Jan 28, 2010 at 20:53

Thursday, Jan 28, 2010 at 20:53

Yes Redeye - wire them in parallel - panel diodes and the reg will look after the night time flow back from battery as above have said ..

Cheers

Steve

AnswerID: 401527