Connecting solar panel
We're shortly heading off on our 2nd ever trip in our caravan and we're going to a site with no EHU (not really by choice but because we travel to dog flyball comps)... we have therefore bought a solar panel kit to provide some power. Can this be connected
to the battery whilst the battery is still connected to the van so that we get continuous power, or does it have to be disconnected? I'm struggling to find any clear instructions.
Thanks in advance!
Comments
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Depends on the output of the panel. If it's just a small 20-40 watt job then you will be fairly safe just using a couple of crocodile clips. Bigger panels need to be run through a regulator.
This thread in the next section covers solar panels in some detail.
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Thans for the reply.
We've got this, which includes a controller and the crocodile clips: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271998008586?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Just wasn't sure if we could just clip straight on or if the battery should be disconnected from the van first?
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If you have a control box then this should be connected to the Battery FIRST. Once that is connected connect the Solar Panel to the controller [ - ] FIRST then [ + ] . This time of year don't expect startling results you may get 2 - 3 amps per hour. Just
be careful what you use.0 -
If you have a control box then this should be connected to the Battery FIRST. Once that is connected connect the Solar Panel to the controller [ - ] FIRST then [ + ] . This time of year don't expect startling results you may get 2 - 3 amps per hour. Just
be careful what you use.Write your comments here...
sorry, i'm getting more confused... the control box is already connected to the solar panels?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271998008586?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3
Can't i just clip that on to the battery?
And does the battery have to be disconnected from the van?
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It's not correct because you will have live power leads whenever the panel sees the sun. Just had a look on RS Components site they say. Wire to Controller FIRST then to the BATTERY then to SOLAR Panel. If they say it works then try it it's not going to
do much this time of year anyway. Says something like 7 amps max.You will be lucky to get 1/2 that this time of year. Connect the [ - ] first then the [ + ] . No need to dissconnect the battery. Be careful not to let the [ - ] and [ + ] leeds touch as you
will short out the controller. Not a good idea.Suppose you could look up the controller online and see what they say.
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Here you go .. From the manual ..
II. CONNECTION (AS INDICATED IN DIAGRAM):
Open the top cover of controller and connect the wire with terminals follow the diagram on the top cover of it.
1. Connect the “+”, “-” Poles of the battery to the corresponding ports of controller (the third and the fourth one from left).
* The subsequent operation can be processed if only if load indicator (mark: load) flickers once and starts lighting after 15 seconds. Otherwise, the subsequent operation will damage the controller.
2. Connect the “+”, “-” poles of the solar panel to the corresponding ports of controller (the first and the second one from left).
* If a connection error can damage your controller.
3. Connect the “+”, “-” poles of the load to the corresponding ports of controller (the fifth and the sixth one from left).
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Looking at the pictures of that set up it looks as though everything is prewired and the only thing left to do is to connect to the battery using the crocodile clips. I would do this before deploying the solar panel. There is no need to disconnect the battery
from the caravan.peedee
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If your controller is on the back of the panel like mine (150w), I turn the panel away from the sun, then just connect to the battery, + to +, - to -, then turn towards the sun, you may find it is very tight getting the croc clips on to the battery terminals. Read your controller instuctions, with mine I have 3 settings, wet, sealed and gel batteries, mine is sealed.
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The crocodile clips can be a point of high resistance which will reduce the effectiveness of the panel. Also they can come loose very easily. I removed them and made a permenent connection to the battery. A battery plug was then fitted just before the fuse so that connection is simply a push fit. Much easier and more effective. I also replaced the two single core cables with a length of lawn mower cable which was again more efficient due to lower resistance, more flexible and being orange easier to see so less of a trip hazard.
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Andy makes a good point especially with regard to safety. Be careful connecting anything to big batteries that you don't short across the terminals e.g. with any tools. You can end up with some nasty burns. Safer to have a plug in system.
peedee
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Brilliant, that's all really helpful, thank you!
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