Solar panels

Des and Kay · Newbie

Solar panels

Phillipn · Guru

Des and Kay wrote:
We are new at solar panels. We're buying a new van with 1 panel on top, but are wondering if we can also use our portable panels when van is in shade or there is not much sun. Thanks.

Yes you can. Have an anderson plug fitted to connect to the regulator in the van. Bypass the regulator on the solar panel if it has one. I have a 120 w portable folding panel for the same reason.

The wires that come with the panels is too light as they have too much voltage loss, use at least 8 B & S wire or larger.

Jaahn · Guru

Des and Kay wrote:
We are new at solar panels. We're buying a new van with 1 panel on top, but are wondering if we can also use our portable panels when van is in shade or there is not much sun. Thanks.

Hi Des and Kay smile

Why not go to the Solar sub-forum and read what people have said there hmm

Techies' Corner

Click here to ask for or offer ideas, advice and inspiration about all things technical

Sub Forums: Solar Power

Jaahn

-- Edited by Jaahn on Wednesday 25th of April 2018 09:11:40 PM

Woody n Sue · Guru

Good advice Kahn

Woody

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang Des and Kay, enjoy here and out in the playground.

I agree, have a good read in the 'Solar' section of 'Techies'. Some great stuff in there and I tell you that for free.

Make sure your Solar Controller is big enough to take all the Solar your are going to feed into it. I had a 30amp but recently changed to a 40amp and found a big difference.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

aussie_paul · Guru

Dougwe wrote:
Welcome to the gang Des and Kay, enjoy here and out in the playground.

I agree, have a good read in the 'Solar' section of 'Techies'. Some great stuff in there and I tell you that for free.

Make sure your Solar Controller is big enough to take all the Solar your are going to feed into it. I had a 30amp but recently changed to a 40amp and found a big difference.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

What differences Doug please?

Aussie Paul.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

G'day Paul.

I found the panels could produce around the mid 30's amps and never saw anything better than 13.9v at best and after it goes dark 12.7v has been the best I ever saw but since changing to the 40a I now see 14.4v and sometimes a little more and 13.3v after dark then at worst 12.8v before light in morning. I have a 3 way fridge so on gas over night but I now use it on 12v during the day as I re-wired fridge to suit. I am still working out how to read the amps as I have been pretty busy lately. I did notice just earlier PV was 21.3. The batteries are fully charged quicker as well. I am still learning the different readings as all new to me. I have never had a distruction manual for the other controller.

I wanted to get as much power from the panels as possible.

aussie_paul · Guru

Dougwe wrote:
G'day Paul.

I found the panels could produce around the mid 30's amps and never saw anything better than 13.9v at best and after it goes dark 12.7v has been the best I ever saw but since changing to the 40a I now see 14.4v and sometimes a little more and 13.3v after dark then at worst 12.8v before light in morning. I have a 3 way fridge so on gas over night but I now use it on 12v during the day as I re-wired fridge to suit. I am still working out how to read the amps as I have been pretty busy lately. I did notice just earlier PV was 21.3. The batteries are fully charged quicker as well. I am still learning the different readings as all new to me. I have never had a distruction manual for the other controller.

I wanted to get as much power from the panels as possible.

Ok, thanks for that Doug. I am interested in how the theory matches your practical results. Someone may pop up and let me know.

Aussie Paul. smile

Tony Bev · Guru

Welcome to the forum Des and Kay

I am not an Electrician

My understanding is, (if I am wrong, then hopefully someone will come along and correct me)

If you have roof solar panel/s going through a regulator then to the batteries, then adding another portable solar panel/s with its own regulator to the battery, could see both regulators not working the best

If you have a large enough roof solar regulator, to accept the extra portable solar panel, with the portable regulator by-passed, then it will work

One easy way out may be to add a trip fuse, between the roof solar, and the roof solar regulator
On a partial cloudy day, or when you wish to park in the shade, you can trip the fuse between the roof solar and the regulator
Then connect the portable solar panel (which you have placed in the sun), direct to the battery