Please excuse my complete ignorance of solar, but I need some advice.

[ambulancekidd]

Right, story so far, I was given this solar panel by a friend & I got round to looking at it today.
I tested the voltage (probably irrelevant) & it was knocking out 24v while it was in the shade, I couldn't test it in any other way, but thought that seemed good?

Now to my main point, what sort of controller do I need to make good use of the panel? Perhaps thats an over simplified question, but as I say, apart from our solar array on the house I know diddly squat about solar panels.

 

[Lenny HB]

An MPPT controller will give the best results Victron blue smart are about the best, Votronic MPP range are also good. Cheap MPPT controller often aren't MPPT controllers just cheap Chinese stuff.

A Victron Blue solar MPPT 75/15 or a Votronic MPP 260 duo dig.
For something cheaper have a look at the Renogy range.

 

[TinaLes]

Hi Robert, as Lenny said.
I use a Victron 75/15 MPPT Blue Smart Controller for our 200watt mono solar panel, with built in Bluetooth connected to Victron Phone App, so I can see what solar has been harvested over the day and the last month, plus battery volatge and charge status.
Simple to wire up pos/neg from solar panel into the controller, then pos/neg out to leisure batteries with an in-line fuse to protect and isolate if required. We have used the van cabling which was 6mm, but all depends on the distance from solar panel to controller, then onto battery bank, you might get away with 4mm in most cases.
I think the votronic MPPT Controller will charge the cab battery also, which is a consideration, but I have a Vanbitz Battery Master to trickle charge the cab battery from the leisure bank.
Good luck buddy.
LES

 

[ambulancekidd]

Thanks guys, I can follow what you've said Lenny HB & Les. I'll get stuck into things within the next few weeks & let you know how its all gone.

Every day is a school day.

 

[donkey]

Probably worth testing the panel output before going to all the trouble of fixing it to the roof. I am guessing it is a second hand panel.
To test connect an ammeter across the terminals and expose to good sunlight, the spec says it should be 12.13amps. If it is seriously below this figure, you don't have enough sunshine or the panel is duff.

Geoff

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[Wh05apk]

Probably worth testing the panel output before going to all the trouble of fixing it to the roof. I am guessing it is a second hand panel.
To test connect an ammeter across the terminals and expose to good sunlight, the spec says it should be 12.13amps. If it is seriously below this figure, you don't have enough sunshine or the panel is duff.

Geoff

To test for current, does it not have to be under load?

 

[autorouter]

To test for current, does it not have to be under load?

Normally, to connect an ammeter across the terminals of a power source like a battery is a perfect way to totally fry your ammeter, or at least blow its internal fuse. However a solar panel isn't like a battery. If you directly short the output in bright sunlight, the maximum current (amps) you are likely to get is the 'Short Circuit Current, Isc', which in this case is 12.13A. It's listed on the label spec. The ammeter (ie the meter set to measure Amps) acts like a short circuit.

 

[donkey]

No. Just an ammeter straight across the terminals. It is in fact short circuiting the panel, that's how it is done.

Geoff

 

[ambulancekidd]

I came to be given the panel by someone who had hired an "Auto Electrician" who it turns out knew now't about electrics.
The panel was almost new but the conman convinced the owner that everything on the motorhome was faulty.
For example he completely replaced the reading lights to instal LED reading lights instead of replacing the bulbs.
He stole bits from my friend & massively overcharged as well as kept new bits he bought.
So I believe the panel to be in good order & I'm busy trying to help my unfortunate friend get his motorhome back together.

I'll name & shame once the court case is over.

 

[Ingwe]

I came to be given the panel by someone who had hired an "Auto Electrician" who it turns out knew now't about electrics.
The panel was almost new but the conman convinced the owner that everything on the motorhome was faulty.
For example he completely replaced the reading lights to instal LED reading lights instead of replacing the bulbs.
He stole bits from my friend & massively overcharged as well as kept new bits he bought.
So I believe the panel to be in good order & I'm busy trying to help my unfortunate friend get his motorhome back together.

I'll name & shame once the court case is over.

Looking forward to that!

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[VXman]

I have just got a Victron Smart (Bluetooth) MTTP controller which is great for monitoring batteries and panel performance through the app.

Victron Energy Smart Solar MPPT 75V/15A - (12/24V) - Sunshine Solar - Sunshine Solar Limited

At Sunshine Solar you can Purchase the Victron Energy Smart Solar MPPT 75V/15A - (12/24V) from certified providers of Victron products UK wide.

www.sunshinesolar.co.uk

Previously I had a NDS Sun Control which also does the job nicely. One of the good things about these is they have 2 outputs so you can connect to your starter battery too. The 2nd output will deliver a 1 amp trickle charge to the starter battery.

NDS MPPT Solar Regulators

In business since 1981, RoadPro is the UK’s leading supplier of high-quality products for motorhomes, caravans, trucks, special vehicles and boats.

www.roadpro.co.uk

 

[Karmann 97]

An MPPT controller will give the best results Victron blue smart are about the best, Votronic MPP range are also good. Cheap MPPT controller often aren't MPPT controllers just cheap Chinese stuff.

A Victron Blue solar MPPT 75/15 or a Votronic MPP 260 duo dig.
For something cheaper have a look at the Renogy range.

I agree, the victron is fantastic. Its great that you can control it from your phone too. I had a spark mppt originally and allthough it worked fine it was basic.