Rv Solar Panel Regulators
How to connect solar panels to batteries?
I have two solar panels that were going to be trashed at work. I want to use them to charge batteries on my RV but i noticed they put out around 20 volts in direct sunlight. So i am wondering:
-isn’t this way too much voltage for a 12 volt system?
-do a need some sort of a regulator connected to keep them from overcharging?
20 volts is a common open-circuit voltage for nominal 12v panels. The panels put out about 15v at full load. If the panel puts out little enough that it takes 20 hours or more to put a full charge in the battery you can get by without a charge controller – just keep the cells topped up with distilled water. A charge controller will do a more efficient job, though. The most efficient charge controllers use what’s called Maximum Power Point Technology (MPPT) which lets the panels operate at their most efficient point throughout the battery’s charging cycle. Available on E-bay. The charge controller should have the same or higher wattage as the panels it controls – if you’re not sure of wattage, assume that they are the same as similar area panels you find for sale.
Before buying a charge controller, connect the panels through an ammeter to a discharged battery. They may have been trashed because of damage and low output. You need at least an amp for trickle charge, 5 amps for reasonable recharge times.
NoOutage.com – Power Outages are Increasing
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Sunforce 7 Amp Charge Controller $17.36 The Sunforce 60012 7 Amp Charge Controller prevents overcharging of 12-volt batteries. It is intended for use with 12-volt solar panels, and can handle up to 7 amps of array current and up to 100 watts of solar power. The controller is easy to use with a charging light that indicates that your battery is charging, and a green light that indicates a fully charged battery. The 60012 measures 4 x 1 x… |