Solar setup help

mongrel · Guru

Solar setup help

HiAceHome · Member

I am currently setting up my 1998 HiAce. I have 2x 80w solar panels and a 130ampH battery as well as the normal start battery. They are connected via a switch that I turn on when I drive and try to remember to turn off when I stop. To get it started I bought the cheapest regulator not realizing a more expensive one could make a big difference. Needless to say I run out of power.

Ok, so I've gone a bit oversize on the fridge (106 EvaKool) but I'd like to keep it and upgrade the power system. I understand I might have to add another solar panel but what regulator would you recommend? I'd like something with a digital display so I can see the current state and input/usage but want to keep it as simple as possible. Many say they are "programable" but just what might I have to program? I just want it to work.

Also, can anyone recommend an auto switch so that I don't have to remember to turn the battery switch. TIA

mongrel · Guru

Welcome to the forum Leanne (HiAceHome).Ican't help you with your question but recommend you ask this question in the Techies Corner Section of the forum I am sure someone will be able to help . Good luck and welcome again. Alan..

HiAceHome · Member

Thanks Alan & Adele. I'll try and navigate to the correct forum.
Cheers
Leanne

bill12 · Guru

A ford solenoid from super cheap fpr about $15 wired in to your ignicion circuit will work as when you start the motor the solenoid will charge both batterys. This is best done by an auto elec.When you turn the motor off you will only draw from the house battery asit gets current to work the solenoid from the ignicion circuit.This system has worked for me. Bill

HiAceHome · Member

Thanks Bill. I have repeated my query in the Techies Corner.

Cheers
Leanne

neilnruth · Guru

Welcome to the forum from us HiAceHome. Hope someone can help you - they usually can.

justcruisin01 · Guru

The setup you have should keep the fridge going IF the panels & reg have a good heavy wiring system with the reg positioned as close to the battery as possibile.

To have full details of power in/out you will need a reg with these features, also you will need to have the charge system from your car wired through this reg as well.Need to talk to some one in the solar business to get the correct reg as the car alternator will deliver a much higher amps than the solar.

To seperate the house battery from the start unit & to allow the house battery to charge when driving a H/D relay is all that is needed, the solinoid as suggested is much heavier duty unit than required. A sparky can wire the relay & it will connect the house batt when car is started & disconnect when car switched off. This is a very simple job.

JC.

jimricho · Guru

I would ALWAYS recommend installing a proper dual battery system relay such as a Redarc "Smart Start" instead of a normal relay (aka solenoid) or a switch such as you have done to isolate the auxiliary battery from the main battery. Click on http://tinyurl.com/maphul3 for more information.

There are many other brands available. Installing one of these will ensure that your main battery will always get priority changing and not leave you with a flat starting battery. You will not have to remember to switch anything when you pull up.

Re the regulator (aka controller) as suggested, the closer to the battery this is installed the better. A PWM or MPPT regulator (these are regulator types, not brands) would be the better option but a "common or garden" variety would do the job. Regardless of the type I would suggest in this installation you keep it simple rather than go for an "all bells and whistles" regulator that would be more appropriate for a more complex system.

Ontos45 · Guru

Have posted some replies in Techies Corner HiAceHome.

Peter