I have a large 185 watt solar panel (72 squares) that I want to mount on the roof of my van, I want to run the wires to a regulator and plug the regulator outlet into the battery system when parked for a while, I need to know what size regulator and the best type to get the best out of this set up.
I have a large 185 watt solar panel (72 squares) that I want to mount on the roof of my van, I want to run the wires to a regulator and plug the regulator outlet into the battery system when parked for a while, I need to know what size regulator and the best type to get the best out of this set up.
Thanks
Dave
Hi Diggins,
I would suggest a MPPT regulator as it gets the best out of the panels. However a normal one will work OK. Buy a better quality one and then you can forget it. The cheapest ones are not so good but there are plenty that work OK if you pay a bit more on Fleabay. I use a Tracer.
A 185 watt panel will put out around 13-14 amps. So a regulator rated at more than this will be needed say 15 amps or 20 is a good margin. If you intend to expand a bit in the future, now is the time to buy a bigger regulator so you do not have to do it over again. Good sized wiring is always better than minimum size.
Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Tuesday 17th of March 2015 09:42:15 AM
Has been covered many times in the past.
The cheapest ones are not so good but there are plenty that work OK if you pay a bit more on Fleabay. I use a Tracer.
Good sized wiring is always better than minimum size. 
