I have two 100Ahr batteries in the van and a 120W solar panel on the roof feeding through a 30A regulator. The van has a Setec ST35-11 power supply unit.
I what to be able to connect my 120W portable solar panel with regulator to the van batteries. Can this be done by simply connecting the panel directly to the batteries or does it have to be connected via the vans solar regulator or via the Setec power supply?
Does the portable panel have a regulator? If it has, then you can connect the portable panel to the battery. If not then you need to connect it through the regulator in the van.
Connecting a panel without a regulator to the battery will cook the battery.
As the portable panel has a regulator, then OK to connect the regulator to the battery. I see you have 2 batteries, so have you connected the +'s and the -'s? If yes, I was told to connect my portable solar to the + of one battery and the - of the other. The more knowledgable will tell us why this is the better arrangement...
Glen
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Glen
A diesel Nissan Pathfinder towing a Coromal Element 542.
I was told to connect my portable solar to the + of one battery and the - of the other. The more knowledgable will tell us why this is the better arrangement... Glen
Please do. Thanks,
Cheers, John
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"My mind is made up. Please don't confuse me with facts."
Panel has a regulator although I may bypass this and place a regulator near the batteries to minimis voltage drop.
Gus
Hi Gus,
Not a good idea to have two regulators. They might be set up differently and not work together well. The other30a reg has plenty of capacity so wire the portable panel through that in parallel. Wire in a 12v socket in a good accessible spot and put a plug on the lead from the portable panel.
I thought there may be a problem using two regulators, I was just trying to avoid putting the portable panel thru the vans regulator because of the stupid place it has been installed.
the St35 has an alternative option for powering of the load and float by solar panels with regulator charging of batteries when mains voltages are not present. This input is to be powered by a solar panels fitted with external regulator. Your existing roof panel should be connected to this. I think you may have problems if using 240 volt if you do not go though the st35 as it will also be trying to controll load & float. maybe some one with a little more knowledge may be able to clarify
Cheers
Jeff
