SOLAR PANEL VOLTAGE QUERY (1 Viewer)

[MitchandJenny]

Three pairs of outputs on my stand alone 100watt solar panel regulator.
One pair shows a "solar panel" picture and the output to the regulator comes from them.
One pair shows a picture of a "battery " and I wanted to wire in my cable to the van plug in from there.
The last pair show a picture of a "bulb" and says load, from which I get a low voltage.
My problem is this:- The output from the solar panel to the regulator is as I expected 20volts.
But the output marked "battery" to which I have connected my lead to the van also reads 20volts. ! !
Is this because it is "open circuit" voltage? i.e. no load (except my multimeter.)
"Techy" info appreciated.
Mitch.

 

[SandraL]

Usual procedure is to first connect battery to the solar regulator. Then connect solar panel to regulator. At that point check voltages. The battery voltage should increase when panel is connected. Size of increase dependant on how discharged battery is, size of solar panel and how much sun on panel.
Some regulators get in a bit of a huff, or go faulty, if you do not connect battery first.

 

[MitchandJenny]

Ta SandraL. My panel is an ECO Worthy 100watt fold in half panel.
It came with all the "gubbins" glued to the back of the panel.
I was worried about plugging it into the van, but I am going to give it a try and measure the battery voltage at the two output terminals and also the battery connections as a double check. I have just fixed the 2 van plug onto the 2 leasure batteries ( to the Pos on one battery and Neg to the other.)
Thanks for your input. (not a witisism)
Mitch.

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[pappajohn]

Is this because it is "open circuit" voltage? i.e. no load (except my multimeter.)

Correct, once the output 'sees' a battery in circuit the voltage will drop to a nominal 13.6v....the voltage will vary slightly depending on sun and battery charge state.
I believe the terminals marked load are for a low wattage item such as a nigjt light and only works when there is no panel input....basically its an electronic switch with a max current around 2 amps.

 

[MitchandJenny]

Thanks John for the info.
I plugged it in briefly and the voltage at the output fell to 14.03/ 14.05. checked at the batteries as well and all is well.
Cross checked at the vans info panel above the door and it matched exactly..
I is a happy rabbit.
Thanks.
Mitch.

 

[MitchandJenny]

PS. In future I will plug in the panel and THEN open it up.
Mitch.

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[tonyidle]

All the solar regulators I've seen have "Load" terminals. As far as I have been able to ascertain it's because the regulators are not designed especially for leisure vehicles: in fact they are designed for "simple" solar systems which comprise the panel(s), the regulaor, a battery, and some device intended to be powered by the system. In such a case the 'load' - be it a light or, for example, a road sign, would be connected to the Load terminals. If the regulator is smart enough to have a display this would then be able to show the current drawn by the load as well as battery condition, voltages, etc. Because a leisure vehicle already has the "load" connected directly to the leisure battery, and normally has its own measurement and display arrangements, the Load terminals on the solar regulator are best ignored. Unless of course its position makes them a convenient connection point for an additional 12v socket or other supply.

 

[Reallyretired]

All the solar regulators I've seen have "Load" terminals. As far as I have been able to ascertain it's because the regulators are not designed especially for leisure vehicles: in fact they are designed for "simple" solar systems which comprise the panel(s), the regulaor, a battery, and some device intended to be powered by the system. In such a case the 'load' - be it a light or, for example, a road sign, would be connected to the Load terminals. If the regulator is smart enough to have a display this would then be able to show the current drawn by the load as well as battery condition, voltages, etc. Because a leisure vehicle already has the "load" connected directly to the leisure battery, and normally has its own measurement and display arrangements, the Load terminals on the solar regulator are best ignored. Unless of course its position makes them a convenient connection point for an additional 12v socket or other supply.

Exactly what I have done with mine, the regulator is in a convenient place to use the load terminals to run a 12v socket (usually running a coolbox) my rodent repellor and also powers the fridge fan.

 

[MitchandJenny]

I would like (just as a matter of interest) to know the amps being generated.
My panel only cost £139, so is bereft of an ammeter.
I have a "clip-on" one, a leftover from the motor trade, but it shows nothing, as it is graded to read up to 100amps.
Any other ideas (that DONT involve spending a lot).
Mitch.

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[Reallyretired]

Provided you know how to wire it you can get a voltage and current display with an appropriate shunt from ebay for a modest sum.

 

[MitchandJenny]

Looks ok. thanks for the info R/Ret:
Mitch.