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Tom Morgan
141 Posts |
 Posted - 14 Jul 2021 : 22:52:30
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I've bought one of these. Do I need a voltage regulator with it, and if so, what kind? The instructions that came with it don't refer to any regulator. I thought it might be useful to make sure that my single battery is kept topped up from one weekend to the next. Technical data is:
Solar panel type - Amorphous Silicon Solar Panel
Max Wattage - Approx 7.5 Watt.
Current at Pmax - 400 mA
Voltage at Pmax - 18V
Panel dimensions - 34 x 34 x 1.7 cm.
As always, grateful for any advice - Tom
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Mad Harold
United Kingdom
225 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2021 : 10:19:14
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Yes Tom,even with a small solar panel you need a controller.
I fitted a 10W panel to my boat and all the advice I got said that with a a small trickle charge solar panel,a controller was unecessary.
However,one day arriving at the boat,I found the carbon monoxide alarm going off.Investigation found the battery voltage reading 16.4V!!
the battery had been gassing due to overcharging.The panel will keep charging regardless of battery state.
Fitted a cheap solar controller off e bay (less than a tenner)and no further problems.As a bonus,it has two USB ports so I can charge my phone and electric cig at the same time. |
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Tom Morgan
141 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2021 : 15:10:07
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Thanks you, MH. I went for a look on Ebay and I think I've found them. That's another thing for the shopping list, then!
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Mad Harold
United Kingdom
225 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2021 : 19:59:15
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The shopping list is endless!
You don't buy a boat,you marry the bloody thing! |
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Aldi Solar Power Battery Maintainer
