Solar (1 Viewer)

[Just smiffy]

I've had a look at various other threads particularly @Techno because I want to add another panel, now, I've learnt that I'm going to need another controller as I have a sunsaver 6 at present (pictured) as another panel will put too much load through it...

I just need to know that what I'm going to do is correct as I'm not confident with electrics....

I've been told by a reliable source that I have at least a 100w panel already up on top and I'm going to get another 100w panel and connect them together in a junction box on the roof so the same original wires are left alone to come through down to the controller (or do I need to uprate these wires?) and into 2 recently new 115a batteries

Which controller and panel do you recommend, also supplier?
I have had a look at a few and I do like ones with a digital readout with info displaying

Is there anything else that I should consider..?

Cost is not too restricted but I do like vfm.

Thanks in advance

Garry

 

[Just smiffy]

Please.... any thoughts?

 

[PhilandMena]

Have a look at your existing controller and see what it's limit is (possibly 10 Amp) if so you should be OK attaching 200W of solar panels. You can get MC4 cables that join two solar panels together and feed into your controller via one cable and it may the best way forward for you.
Also, if you do not want to drill more holes, add new connections, controllers etc, you could get something like this and have it hard wired to one set of leisure batteries then all you need to do is connect with the snap connectors that come with the S.P. (http://www.photonicuniverse.com/en/...ny-other-12V-system---German-solar-cells.html) I have the 120 W version and when connected I receive current from both S.P. The roof mounted one and this one.

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[Taran_Las]

This is the controller I have Link Removed. I have a 100 watt and a 50 watt panel connected in parallel using 'Y' connectors. Necessitating only two wires going through the roof. The controller is the one Andy (Techno) used on his installation. It's been in place for a number years now with no problems. (Tempting fate I know).

 

[PhilandMena]

This is the controller I have Link Removed. I have a 100 watt and a 50 watt panel connected in parallel using 'Y' connectors. Necessitating only two wires going through the roof. The controller is the one Andy (Techno) used on his installation. It's been in place for a number years now with no problems. (Tempting fate I know).

Ideally, both S.P should be the same wattage or very close. I would advise you to replace the 50W with a 100W and you will get a much better performance. Also, check the rating on your 50W panel, it needs to be pushing out 15V plus for your controller to work.

 

[Just smiffy]

The controller I have now is a 10 amp one and with over 200w solar panels going in I'm thinking a 20a controller would be better/safer..?

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[Stealaway]

I bought this kit and wired directly to both battery sets.
I have 2x 125W panels in parallel and used 4mm cables.

Link Removed

With a fuse / isolator

Link Removed

 

[Just smiffy]

I bought this kit and wired directly to both battery sets.
I have 2x 125W panels in parallel and used 4mm cables.

Link Removed

With a fuse / isolator

Link Removed

Thanks for that but I don't need that much as my charging system already goes through my control panel to the engine battery..

I believe it's just the controller I need to uprate

 

[Just smiffy]

Any recommendations for panels?

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[Techno]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100W-sola...448877?hash=item19f62edd6d:g:JRMAAOSwyTZUWWBC

 

[two]

Rather than put them through the same (larger) controller, consider keeping your additional panel(s) separate and using an additional controller. That way you have the benefit of two independent systems and one would will carry on working for you if the other should fail.
If you join two panels in parallel you are likely to need much thicker wires after the join, to accommodate the extra current.

 

[Mr Mousy]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100W-sola...448877?hash=item19f62edd6d:g:JRMAAOSwyTZUWWBC

@Techno
Andy, is you link a recommendation of a good product or an example of how cheap that are?

I ask as I plan to buy an additional panel.
Thanks Martin

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[Techno]

Can only go by their feedback, I haven't bought this myself

 

[Techno]

If you join two panels in parallel you are likely to need much thicker wires after the join, to accommodate the extra current.

If its regular 4mm solar cable it makes sod all difference whether it's carrying 5 amps or 20 amps it will be absolutely fine

 

[Techno]

I have two 100 watt panels here ready bracketed that I was going to fit for someone before I took on a regular job. Anyone interested can have them at £100 each ready to stick on. Collection only

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[Techno]

 

[Manic]

I have two 100 watt panels here ready bracketed that I was going to fit for someone before I took on a regular job. Anyone interested can have them at £100 each ready to stick on. Collection only

Have you got the dimensions for these, as we have one panel already of unknown wattage,age and was thinking of getting 2 new ones.

 

[Techno]

1200x540

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[Techno]

Sold subject to collection.