LR1218 (Yet again) and multiple solar panels (2 Viewers)

[fred flintstone]

I have 2 small panels on my roof (640 x 550) not sure what watt they are .
These have been wrongly wired into a cheap controller and then down to the battery.
I am adding a 100w panel and have been advised by a solar company the most efficient way to wire them is to use 2 separate systems. One with the 2 small panels in parallel and one with the 100w on its own.
They advised connecting them to the batteries via their own controllers.
This is OK for someone with normal regulators but I am fitting a Schaudt LR1218 which will connect to my electroblok EBL 264-7.
Would it be OK to connect the 100w to the LR1218 and the other panels direct to the battery with a cheap controller or would this upset the EBL?
Would it be better to join all the panels in parallel and connect to the LR1218, and lose a little efficiency.
I have contacted Schaudt and whilst waiting for a reply thought I would access the large knowledge base on here
Solar is a minefield. I spent the last 5 days reading various posts but cannot find anything to answer my questions.

I have fitted solar 3 times previously, twice through regulator to batteries and once through a Sargent box. It is just Schaudt I cannot figure out.

Help needed

 

[SandraL]

My lr1218 info says max of 275 watts, actually says max 5 panels of 55 watts. So you could connect all 3 in parralel via the lr1218 if you wanted to. Each panel should have blocking diode which is likely to be already fitted in box on rear of panel.
Other info is max18 amps from solar panel. You can download the document from the schaudt website. Judging by your panel sizes I would guess at your existing panels being about 60 watts each, but that is a guess!!!!!

 

[fred flintstone]

That's what I thought as well.
I have a LR1218 but I am putting as much info together before fitting it. Looks easy enough but don't want to damage things.
I find it strange the original installer used a separate regulator, maybe to save money.
The connectors where the solar wires enter the LR1218 are quite a small spade connector. Do you know if it uses 2mm or 4mm solar cable?

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[SandraL]

If i remember they are standard lucar connectors. These come in different sizes, the yellow ones will take 4 mm cable, blue and red ones are smaller. I used larger cable( had some 10mm free !) And came down to 4mm for last 300mm. When fitting connect lr1218 to ebl before connecting the panel to the lr 1218. Its worth downloading the manual from the schaudt website.

 

[DuxDeluxe]

If i remember they are standard lucar connectors. These come in different sizes, the yellow ones will take 4 mm cable, blue and red ones are smaller. I used larger cable( had some 10mm free !) And came down to 4mm for last 300mm. When fitting connect lr1218 to ebl before connecting the panel to the lr 1218. Its worth downloading the manual from the schaudt website.

I put an in line fuse between the solar panels and the LR1218. When working, the first thing I do is remove the fuse; the last thing being put it back. I was also advised to remove the plug from the LR1218 and the electrobloc plus the solar fuse on the electrobloc. Overkill? Maybe, but better than something expensive ending up fried.....

 

[fred flintstone]

I have downloaded the manual, thanks.
Also thanks for the informative replies from you 2...

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[Lenny HB]

No problem paralleling all the panels. I am not familiar with you model Elektroblock if it is one of the ones that control the solar charge the LR1218 will be fine but if it is one of the ones where the solar connections are just a pass through then you would be better to use a solar regulator that regulates the charge for the type of battery. The LR1218 just holds at 14.2volts once this voltage is reached it does not drop to a maintenance charge voltage.

 

[fred flintstone]

thanks lenny

 

[fred flintstone]

I have been doubting myself over this install so I decided to go to a specialist to have the system fitted. Rhino Installs at Preston.
I was not sure about the Schaudt LR1218 that Brownhills assured me would wire direct to my electroblok.
Turns out that it will not wire to the electroblok with supplied wires
If I knew that I would have done it myself with a different regulator. Not to worry, life goes on
Anyway, Rhino Installs made a fine job. Phil and Trish seem really nice people. I would recommend them to anyone having work on their motorhome. They have a lovely waiting room with tea and coffee on tap.

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