No Solar Controller? (1 Viewer)

[Spikeypoo]

Iv'e just taken delivery of my new Chausson 640 Titanium Premium.
Iv'e had a look on the roof and there is definately a solar panel but for the life of me I can't find the solar controller.
In the 2022 model it was in the cupboard above the fridge (which is where the solar panel lead seems to come in from the roof)
The guy at Lowdhams in Nottingham seems to think that the solar panel goes straight to the Battery Duo Sytem BDS-180 (see pic) which is located under the passenger seat? Iv'e never seen the battery duo system before so havn't a clue whether thats true or not. Googling the Battery Duo System says that its just a electronic device that can manage two service batteries during the charging phases.
ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

You've found it, and if it's wired correctly it will be charging both battery banks. You can check if it's PWM, or MPPT.
The latter being the better option.

CBE BDS-180 DUO SYSTEM selector autom. Service batteries

Selettore DUO SYSTEM automatico batterie di servizio CBE BDS-180 E' un dispositivo elettronico con microprocessore integrato in grado di gestire in modo intelligente due batterie di servizio 12 V, sia in fase di carica (con alternatore, carica batterie e moduli fotovoltaici) che in fase di...

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Mike.

 

[Spikeypoo]

Thanks for replying BouncyBoatFolk. - Youv'e obviously seen this before or have got one.
Is there any way of checking how many watts is coming in through the solar panel? Any info at all?
There doesn't seem to be any LCD screen anywhere
How can I check if its a PWM or MPPT?
You say "if its wired correctly"... how can I tell? - if I sent you a photo could you tell me?

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[andysam]

Thanks for replying BouncyBoatFolk. - Youv'e obviously seen this before or have got one.
Is there any way of checking how many watts is coming in through the solar panel? Any info at all?
There doesn't seem to be any LCD screen anywhere
How can I check if its a PWM or MPPT?
You say "if its wired correctly"... how can I tell? - if I sent you a photo could you tell me?

If you can find the feeds, then you can do an amperage test and work out the watts from there, but in UK at this time of year on a really sunny day you will probably only get 5-10% of the rated output.

 

[lunarman]

If you look at the wiring schematic it appears to be a device to distribute the charging current to 2 batteries and is not a solar regulator. There is an input from a solar regulator shown in the diagram. So there must be one located elsewhere.

 

[Spikeypoo]

If you look at the wiring schematic it appears to be a device to distribute the charging current to 2 batteries and is not a solar regulator. There is an input from a solar regulator shown in the diagram. So there must be one located elsewhere.


View attachment 698564

Thanks Lunarman - thats exactly what I thought.
As A-ha might say Im gonna be "hunting high and low"
Gonna have to try and follow the cable from that Number 11 bolt

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[Spikeypoo]

OK - So it sounds like the solar panels cannot be connected straight to the Battery Duo Sytem BDS-180.
The output from the solar panels need to be regulated using a solar regulator then the output from this sent to the Battery Duo Sytem BDS-180.

 

[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN. You’ve already found one of the best reasons for joining FUN, the advice you get is second to none.

 

[68c]

Any idea what output the solar panel is? If you post the dimensions someone on here may be able to advise. I ask as when solar panels first came out they were only 40Watt or so and did not need a regulator as only about 3Amps in full sunlight.

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[Spikeypoo]

Any idea what output the solar panel is? If you post the dimensions someone on here may be able to advise. I ask as when solar panels first came out they were only 40Watt or so and did not need a regulator as only about 3Amps in full sunlight.

Its a good question 68c - On my purchase sheet from Lowdhams it says:
Vehicle Specification Details:
Acessory Pack - Awning & Solar Panel
There is no solar output details - maybe this is somthing new that Chausson are doing?
Although after looking at the size of the solar panel on the roof I'd say it is probably 100 - 120 watt panel

 

[68c]

As I just posted on the wrong thread , a 100W panel is around 1000mm x 540mm. My two 120W panels look huge on the roof.

 

[WallaceandGromit]

It could be fitted directly to the panel, seem to remember a few companies that played with the idea back in the 90s. Never thought it was a good idea