Solar controller help

bowleggs1
bowleggs1 Forum Participant Posts: 9
edited March 2017 in Caravans #1

 could you please advise me on which amp controller would be best for 100 watt solar panel would a 10 amp be the best match or could I go as I as a 30amp and why that one would be the best because I cannot find information to explain

Comments

  • markflip
    markflip Forum Participant Posts: 177
    edited March 2017 #2

    If your solar panel kicks out a maximum of 100W - at 12V that equates to 8.3 Amps, so the 10 Amp controller should be adequate. 

    However, I would look at the detailed specs of the panel to check what max current it actually outputs as the 100W figure might be an 'average' rather than peak output.  A dealer should be able to advise you, particularly if they have experience with matching panels and controllers to other outfits.

  • Boff
    Boff Forum Participant Posts: 1,742
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2017 #3

    Same answer as last time. 10amp will be more than enough  The rating is based upon the input to the controller   The voltage from the panel is something like 17v so the amperage is lower  

     

     

  • Cushie
    Cushie Forum Participant Posts: 36
    edited March 2017 #4

    I installed 100W last spring, the max current i have seen is 5.5 Amps so 10 W controller is fine.

    ( Note max voltage generated does not occur at the same time as max current.)

  • Cushie
    Cushie Forum Participant Posts: 36
    edited December 2017 #5

    That should read 10 Amp controller should be fine! (delete 10W)

  • Roy auto trail
    Roy auto trail Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited January 2018 #6

    hi i have my motorhome in storage oct i have been to see if it was ok i have solar install and all my batters are down eney help

  • ChrisRogers
    ChrisRogers Forum Participant Posts: 435
    edited January 2018 #7

    No problems with my 150w panel with a 10amp controller, does the job well.

  • young thomas
    young thomas Club Member Posts: 11,357 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2018 #8

    roy, im assuming your van is not under cover, as this wouldnt help the solar panel much...

    so, have you tested that it charges the vehicle and the leisure battery.

    which battery is flat, or is it both?

    your autotrail may well have a sargent system and this can be set to charge via solar with the 'smart' setting...this should be the default but can be set to vehicle or leisure...which may be the issue...

    how big is the panel....in winter the bigger the better.

    have you any way of testing thatbthe panel is actually putting out charge to both batteries...this can be done by placing a voltmeter across the battery terminals...a 'raised' charge of 14v+ should be visible if its putting charge to that battery.

    if you arent confident to do these checks yourself, them i suggest a mobile auto electrician might help you...

    good look...

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