@ Adding a second solar panel @ (1 Viewer)

[stcyr]

Evenin' all.

We have a 50w panel fitted to the MH at the mo. We have an 80w panel which we removed from our previous van. The idea is to use this 2nd panel as well as the current one.

Now, does one connect the 2 wires from each panel together into the regulator? Heard conflicting reports on whether the larger capacity panel works at the power of the smaller one - if you get my drift ...

Many thanks for any info!

:thumb:

 

[vwalan]

hi, i link them together on the roof . positive to positive . neg to neg. then just a twin core wire down to the reg. i have two banks of 3 panels . i feed one reg to one end of the bank of batteries the other to the other end and take power out of the middle for inverter and fuse box. hope this makes sense.

 

[Techno]

Yes just connect them in parallel and you'll have 130watts potential
When combining panels it is best if they have the same max power voltage for best result but in your situation just do it , if you've determined there is room.

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[lunarman]

You wire them in parallel and you effectively have a 130w panel.

One thing you will need to check is that the charge regulator will be able to handle the increased charging current. Your 50w panel will produce a maximum of about 3.5 amp and the 130w combined will produce a maximum of around 9 amp (assuming 14.4v op from the panel) I think that is about right. You need to ensure that the regulator you have will handle at least 9 amp.

If I've got the currents wrong someone will no doubt correct me but the principle is sound - check the regulator can handle the increased load.

Lunarman

 

[Techno]

Close enough on the safe side :thumb:

 

[stcyr]

That's cool, thanks. I have a 'Oscar' 380w/30a which should walk it ...

:thanks:

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[vwalan]

yes easy. i use two 30amp regs . way over the top for my 80wt panels x3 but if a reg went down i could just hook all six panels through one reg.
well thats my idea . hope it never happens.

 

[tonka]

If the panels have the standard MC4 plugs on them you can get some "y" joiner, so easy just the plug them together,,,

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[Techno]

That's a good price too! they can be up to £10 a pair :thumb:

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