Date: Tue, 25 Dec 2018 11:48:34 -0800
Reply-To: Edward V Barger <edvbarger@MAC.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Edward V Barger <edvbarger@MAC.COM>
Subject: Re: solar charge controller any suggestions THANKS and more ??
In-Reply-To: <5A922B1A-BF94-46E5-BE29-EC5A69FEF8BB@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Thanks great idea but this site is full of experienced folks with great ideas
I will move on this ASAP
ed
Thanks
Edward V Barger
edvbarger@mac.com
310 922 6251
> On Dec 25, 2018, at 8:03 AM, Dan Lamb <vanagongramps@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> Yes, you could hook up both batts to the controller, but if it fails, both batts could leak their power back to the solar panel and be gone, or power used for the house could draw down the start batt. I used a Yandina 100c batt combiner which combines the house batt to the start batt above 13 volts, but separates them below that voltage. I hooked the Yandina to the start batt hot post on one side and to the house batt on the other. That way both batts can be charged by the alternator when driving, or by the solar if the power is high enough. If either source is below 13v, they are separated and the start batt won’t be drawn by what the house batt is powering. Hope that is clearer than mud:)
>
> Dan
> Country Homes Camper, the Huckleberry Sky
>
>> On Dec 24, 2018, at 10:25 AM, Edward V Barger <edvbarger@mac.com> wrote:
>>
>> Thank You so much
>>
>> Am back up and running
>>
>> !. The solar panel is aprox 15 years old and on a quick look can see spots that are kinda muddled so am assuming that is damage / old age ( at 78 I have noticed diminished ability and even some spots myself )
>>
>> In the sun but not that high in the sky and so at a low angle to the panel This way it maxes out at 17.5 volts Will check it later in the day when the sun is higher in the sky and a better angle to the panel on the roof
>>
>> 2. The charge controller seems to be working fine now thanks for the tip on the low voltage from the bat
>>
>> 3. ?? Can I hook up both the aux bat and the main / starter bat to the charge controller at the same time to keep them topped of ??
>> Or do I need to instal a switch to select which bat gets the charge ?
>>
>>
>> Thanks again have a very happy happy holiday and a bit merry also
>>
>> ed
>>
>>
>> Edward V Barger
>> edvbarger@mac.com
>> 310 922 6251
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Dec 21, 2018, at 9:23 AM, Alex MeVay <alex@MEVAY.ORG> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi Ed,
>>>
>>>> The solar panel is putting out 17 + volts in the overcast so it is working
>>>
>>> This may not be a healthy panel. Generally a regular "12V"
>>> crystalline panel should put out 20+V open circuit if there's light on
>>> it.
>>>
>>> The gold standard check for your panel and wiring is to bypass the
>>> controller, and connect the panel directly to the battery through an
>>> ammeter. You can do this where the controller is normally connected.
>>> In full sun, no partial shading, and an angle that's not too far off,
>>> you should see at least half the rated panel current (Imp or Isc; they
>>> will be similar). Panels and wiring exposed to the elements often
>>> fail with a high resistance, so it's common to see voltage with no
>>> current behind it when there's a problem.
>>>
>>>> and my aux bat is down to 4 volts will put it on a regular charger today
>>>
>>> Most charge controllers run off the battery, not the panel, and
>>> require some minimum battery voltage to operate (say 8-9+V), so this
>>> may be the reason your controller appears dead. Best to get the
>>> battery charged a bit and check again before replacing it. You can
>>> connect the panel directly to the battery if needed. Monitor the
>>> voltage manually. Be aware that if the battery is very far gone and
>>> the sun is strong/panel large, the voltage could shoot up immediately,
>>> and may damage sensitive electronics.
>>>
>>>> I must admit I sometimes forgot to turn off the charge controller to the aux bat before starting the engine and having it take over the charging I assumed that
>>>> it would not ge good to have both charging the aux bat
>>>
>>> Generally, there is no problem leaving both charging sources
>>> connected. Keep it simple.
>>>
>>>> I am starting to look for a replacement on Amazon any suggestions
>>>>
>>>> Now it is only charging the aux bat I would like to have it also charge the main bat
>>>
>>> Not sure how big your panel is, but from our range, you could try the
>>> compact Genasun GV-10, or if you want automatic trickle charging for
>>> your start battery, remote displays, etc, the Blue Sky Energy
>>> SB2512iX-HV. These are both made-in-the-USA MPPT controllers, with
>>> multistage charging, available temperature compensation, USA support,
>>> and are Vanagon proven. :)
>>>
>>> https://genasun.com/all-products/solar-charge-controllers/gv-10-pb-10a-solar-charge-controller/
>>>
>>> http://www.blueskyenergyinc.com/products/details/solar-boost-2512i-hv-2512ix-hv
>>>
>>> Best,
>>>
>>> Alex
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