Well, electrics are not my long suit. Thing is I can get a good price on a 200watt 24v mono panel. Question is; if I use this panel do I need a 24v battery coupled with a step down 24v to 12v invertor or can a couple of 12v batteries be wired (how?) to achieve a 12volt output. Or would I be better off to use a 12v panel, regulator , and 12v batteries?
briche said
08:30 PM May 27, 2013
Hi Bob, if your system is 12 volt and I think it is you need to just forget the 24 volt stuff. You are just complicating a very simple thing. A 12 volt system just needs a 12 volt battery, sola panel and suitable regulator. I suggest you use a smart regulator such as the Ctek D250S dual. This regulator will handle charging of your van battery from your tow vehicle as well as the solar panel no matthat if it's a mounted or portable panel. One other major aspect of regulators is that they need to be right next to the battery. This will allow reasonable lead lengths from panel to the regulator. Be sure that you use at least 6mm size cable from the panel to the regulator to overcome voltage drop. Hope that info helps. If you need further advice just PM me.
All he best with the project
Regards
Brian.
-- Edited by briche on Monday 27th of May 2013 08:31:50 PM
blaze said
03:52 AM May 28, 2013
All my panels have been 24volt, Just get the right regulator to step it back to 12 volt. A lot more efficient with less voltage drop to the regulator which should be placed as close to the battery as possible. cheers blaze
PeterD said
06:50 AM May 28, 2013
Bob, you can use a 24 V panel in a 12 V system if you get yourself an MPPT controller. These match panels with a larger voltage with the 12 V system. When selecting a controller watch out for the input voltages they will work over. On I know that will not suit is the Ctek D250S, it has a maximum input voltage of 22 V which just accommodates the 12 V panels.
Bent Axle Bob said
03:00 PM May 28, 2013
Thanks all for your replies. The system is a new, stand alone set up , independent of the tug. It is to be on a small, 3 berth poptop cvan.
Bent Axle Bob said
05:00 AM May 29, 2013
All sorted and settled, thank you, Did a deal with supplier for panels and batteries. VERY happy.! Next job , mounting panels,locating and fastening batteries and wiring up. All within my skill sets,
Well, electrics are not my long suit. Thing is I can get a good price on a 200watt 24v mono panel. Question is; if I use this panel do I need a 24v battery coupled with a step down 24v to 12v invertor or can a couple of 12v batteries be wired (how?) to achieve a 12volt output. Or would I be better off to use a 12v panel, regulator , and 12v batteries?
Hi Bob, if your system is 12 volt and I think it is you need to just forget the 24 volt stuff. You are just complicating a very simple thing. A 12 volt system just needs a 12 volt battery, sola panel and suitable regulator. I suggest you use a smart regulator such as the Ctek D250S dual. This regulator will handle charging of your van battery from your tow vehicle as well as the solar panel no matthat if it's a mounted or portable panel. One other major aspect of regulators is that they need to be right next to the battery. This will allow reasonable lead lengths from panel to the regulator. Be sure that you use at least 6mm size cable from the panel to the regulator to overcome voltage drop. Hope that info helps. If you need further advice just PM me.
All he best with the project
Regards
Brian.
-- Edited by briche on Monday 27th of May 2013 08:31:50 PM
cheers
blaze
Thanks all for your replies. The system is a new, stand alone set up , independent of the tug. It is to be on a small, 3 berth poptop cvan.