Solar panel

Thank you for your reply. So as long as we are using a regulator all will be fine. The extra charge from the altenator wont wreck the solar regulator?

I have to ask - Are you talking about your cranking battery or a second battery that is also connected to your alternator ?

cheers

steve

no worries BundyLuva,

your regulator and panel won't be affected by the slightly elevated battery voltage caused by the alternator while it spins.
Your regulator will stop charging the battery the moment your alternator pushes the voltage up beyond its setpoint at around 13.8 to 14.5V.

And your solar panel won't even know about the alternator taking over, it'll just think the battery's fully charged and the regulator has cut off any current from it.
The panel voltage itself will now increase to the o/c voltage which can be as high as 22V, way higher than the alternator puts out.

Best regards, Peter