Do I need a controller (1 Viewer)

[Antony bleasdale]

just cleaning our autotrail today I purchased in August. I noticed that at some point a solar panel had been fitted and the wiring connection box is still fitted to the van. The onboard charger is a Sargent and is solar compatable. Does this mean I can fit a panel without any other controls? I presume the panel was removed by previous owner

 

[Boringfrog]

Q: Do you need a controller?
A: Yes.

 

[tonka]

Q: Do you need a controller?
A: Yes.

NO..... Not necessarily.

It all depends on which Sargent unit you have.

EC 325 – 100W

EC 328 – 120W

EC 400 – 100W

EC 450 – 100W

EC 500 – 120W

All these only need a connection lead, The latest EC 500 has smart charge facility and can do both leisure and engine batteries..

EDIT.... UPDATE... Just checked and all these models will charge both batteries. The EC500 has smart charge and it can be selected between either battery or left on smart for the unit to control.

Last panel i bought off ebay was £85 for 120w, some brackets, adhesive and a roof entry gland and your in business..

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[Antony bleasdale]

It's the economy 325

 

[Antony bleasdale]

Predictive text urgh, ec 325

 

[Boringfrog]

Q: Do you need a controller
A: Maybe

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[Boringfrog]

http://sargentshop.co.uk/epages/eshop328964.mobile/en_GB/?ObjectID=5355068

 

[Boringfrog]

Looks like you only need the above cable.

 

[Antony bleasdale]

Cheers , looked that up. 100 w panel here we go

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[tonka]

Link Removed

Solar Panel Converter The EC325PSU incorporates a built-in dual channel Solar Regulator that allows the direct connection of a 20 to 100W solar panel without the need for additional components. The dual regulator charges both the vehicle and leisure batteries simultaneously and connects to the PSU via a dedicated connector on the base of the unit (see section 5.7 for details). A connection harness is available from your dealer, the part number is 59065-07.

 

[Antony bleasdale]

Many thanks

 

[aandncaravan]

If you have an EC325 you should know that they have the ability to charge the battery, via the internal charger, at 18volts to faster charge a low battery.

You therefore need to very careful about what you connect to the battery directly, like a Solar regulator.

Sargent recommend that nothing is connected directly to the battery on either the EC325 and EC328, for obvious reasons.

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