Solar Panel Isolation (1 Viewer)

[JeanLuc]

I have a 130 watt panel feeding into a Schaudt LR1218 regulator. I fitted an additional 30 amp fuse in the +ve line between panel and regulator, purely for the purposes of isolating the panel: e.g. if I want to switch off the panel to prevent a false 14.3v reading at the battery when using the mains charger (EBL99) or when working on the batteries.
It is a bit of a 'faff' fishing the fuse from under the driver's seat so I am thinking of replacing it with a battery isolator (or 'kill switch'). Any comments on this from the experts - does it sound like a good idea?

 

[Techno]

I've been doing it for years
EDIT not the switch part but yes it seems a good idea

 

[DBK]

A fuse does offer a small amount of resistance so I guess a switch might be easier to use and better electrically - but only if you don't have to make the wires much longer to put the switch in a convenient place.

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[Techno]

I never isolate the panel when it's putting out big amps though but no problem on float

 

[JeanLuc]

Fairly easy to do. I plan to mount the switch at the front of the driver's seat base but inside the well. This way I can arrange it so the switch handle is facing up and accessible from 'between my legs' so to speak! I shall just need to replace the present cable link from the existing fuse holder and link the regulator to the switch with a new piece. Not much longer - perhaps 10 cm.

 

[JeanLuc]

I never isolate the panel when it's putting out big amps though but no problem on float

It's mostly for this time of year when the panel is not doing much charging but it still keeps the battery voltage at 14.3v, thereby limiting any charge from the EBL. When I am harvesting serious power, I would not want to isolate the panel other than perhaps to change habitation batteries - but that is an infrequent occurrence.

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[Stealaway]

I need a fuse and and a switch for mine.
I think I've found the perfect solution ---

Broken Link Removed

 

[laird of Dunstan]

I need a fuse and and a switch for mine.
I think I've found the perfect solution ---

Broken Link Removed

id check that it has the EU or UK safety marks on that before i fitted it