Nigel&Debbie
Free Member
My van has an 80w factory fitted system which charges batteries via a regulator (max 100w) and then through a Sargent EC500 control system. This system automatically switches the solar charge between leisure and vehicle batteries as and when needed.
I have another 80w panel, which I wish to fit to vehicle as well. I have spoken to Sargent, who state that I cannot simply add this panel to existing system due to the 100w limit of the regulator. I cannot upgrade the regulator (which is a separate unit at rear of EC500 panel as the actual panel has the same limit).
Sargent advise to install totally separate stand alone system, connected direct to leisure batteries, via a separate regulator.
Q1 - If I do this, will the factory fitted system still work? My thoughts are that due to the new system charging leisure batteries direct, the EC500 will sense that these batteries are fully charged all the time and only ever charge the vehicle battery. Are my thoughts correct?
Q2 - Do I install an on/off switch to the new system, and if so where i.e. before regulator or after it?
Q3 - Am I right to put a 20 amp inline fuse 6 " from positive terminal of battery?
Thanks in advance for your help and advice
Nigel
I have another 80w panel, which I wish to fit to vehicle as well. I have spoken to Sargent, who state that I cannot simply add this panel to existing system due to the 100w limit of the regulator. I cannot upgrade the regulator (which is a separate unit at rear of EC500 panel as the actual panel has the same limit).
Sargent advise to install totally separate stand alone system, connected direct to leisure batteries, via a separate regulator.
Q1 - If I do this, will the factory fitted system still work? My thoughts are that due to the new system charging leisure batteries direct, the EC500 will sense that these batteries are fully charged all the time and only ever charge the vehicle battery. Are my thoughts correct?
Q2 - Do I install an on/off switch to the new system, and if so where i.e. before regulator or after it?
Q3 - Am I right to put a 20 amp inline fuse 6 " from positive terminal of battery?
Thanks in advance for your help and advice
Nigel