yes, we went for separates in the end.
Solar Panel: 2x 150w photonic universe
charge controller: Victron smartsolar 75/15
DC-DC charger: Redarc 1240
battery bank: 1x75Ah stock EFB+
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Photonics Panels And Ablemail
- Thread starter Martin Gibson
- Start date
Solar Panel: 2x 150w photonic universe
charge controller: Victron smartsolar 75/15
DC-DC charger: Redarc 1240
battery bank: 1x75Ah stock EFB+
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Thats Dellmassive, parallel it is then because mis matched panels would absolutely send me crackers!
If you have a 300w panel why not go for the controller @travelvolts suggested that has dual outputs and charge both leisure and starter batteries?
P
Phil_G
Guest
In principle a switchmode controller only takes current up to its own power limit, then it backs off, so provided the voltages are within its spec a (say) 50w charger would be fine on a 500w panel, it simply wont pass the full current the panel is capable of and will never load it down to its MPP. Its the same as when your phone charger is plugged into the mains, theres the potential energy of the entire grid behind it but it takes only what it needs to charge your phone. You wont get a 'higher overall performance' - you will get a lower but more consistent performance over a range of conditions.
One exception is an old-style shunt regulator which wouldnt have the current-carrying capacity to shunt a larger panel and would probably fizzle - but you wouldnt use a shunt reg with heavy current anyway.
Cheers
Phil
One exception is an old-style shunt regulator which wouldnt have the current-carrying capacity to shunt a larger panel and would probably fizzle - but you wouldnt use a shunt reg with heavy current anyway.
Cheers
Phil
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Got in touch with Martyn @travelvolts for his advice. He recommended that we use the Ablemail without the solar connection,the big single solar panel and the Victron 100/30 mppt controller,so we will get all that kit off him as soon as we are ready for it,thanks to everyone for their advice,suggestions etc.
Had a look at the Photonic Universe panels on their website,the 250w was £499 and the 300w used to be £530 but had gone up to £599 since the day before! I checked their ebay store last night and the 300w was £520 so i ordered one. Just looked and its now £599 on there as well. Maybe just ordered that at the right time. Supposed to get delivered tomorrow,its absolutely massive,2m x 1m ish. I will store it until i can order everything else and fit it all at once and log the progress
I use a little votronic charger powered by the spare output of my Victron MPPT to keep the starter battery topped up. Works great, I very rarely bother to plug in the hookup at home now, and never when I'm away Solar Panels B2b And Smart Alternators ...
Hi @andys
This sounds like just what i need to do
I have a Votronic mmp 250 duo dig. looking at the wiring in diagram there is indeed a connection to connect it to the start battery,
Dont think the converters connected up that function
I have that exact same controller. The trickle charge to starter battery works fine.
Yes IIRC it was you who gave me the idea
@t0mb0
Mint news ! Happy Boy !
What size cable did you use ?
Does it matter if its a long cable ? I need to get from rear wheel arch to start battery !
Did you do it just like in the diagram
Sorry for all questions but thanks ever so much
Check the manual but I think the trickle charge to the starter only delivers a couple of amps max so you shouldn’t need a very beefy cable. Mine was under the passenger seat though so my cable run was extremely short. For 6m or so, maybe use one of those online cable sizing calculators to get a voltage drop you can live with?
Given it’s only a couple of amps, you might find a nearby permanent live you can hook it up to? If you have power closing doors, that might be suitable?
