Solar Controller for 180 W folding panels.

[SteveW]

Do you EVER use those Anderson outlets for anything else? Running an Engel Fridge? Running a compressor?

I haven't done because I have other points for outdoors 12v. I think you're going to say that I won't be able to draw 12v from it once I wire it for solar power in. Correct?

[SteveW]

That makes life much easier, yes, the controller will just see it as 8 amps coming in, it doesn't care where it came from, but you will need to adjust the controller up to the 14.4v though so it doesn't try to stop the generator from fully charging the battery when/if needed.

I'll get one of those controllers you recommend, Terry. I'll let you know when it arrives so that I can make the adjustment.

Thanks for the suppository

[shonky]

Hi, all.

BruceS - An acquaintance at Lake Clarendon modified his Makita battery drill to an Anderson plug. Seems to work all right.

[SteveW]

As the max rated output is 10amps ( Current at Pmax: 10A) a 10 amp or 15 amp controller would be fine to use with this panel. If you are likely to get more portable panels some time later then you would be better off buying a controller that could handle 20 Amp or even 30 amps.
If you just want to use the panel as a booster for poor weather conditions and have the other panels as the main charging source, one of these evilbay cheapies will do the job fine. These are only a single voltage controller but the voltage can be adjusted up to say 14.4v by simply adjusting a dashpot under the cover. If you want to know how to do this let me know when you have taken delivery of it and I'll post a photo up showing what to adjust.
Mount the controller close to the batteries, wire up a Merit socket to the solar terminals on the controller and mount that some where that will be easy to access when you want to plug your portable panel in. Then wire a Merit plug to the solar panel using 6mm auto cable max around 7mtr long, any longer and you will need heavier cable to stop voltage drop and that won't fit in the Merrits plug so 7 mtr is about the limit, otherwise you would need to use 50 amp anderson plugs and that is kinda over kill for a 10 amp panel.

Terry, the controller you suggested has arrived from China. I had a look inside and I see a green little block with a screw on top. Is this the adjustment you refer to?

[BruceS]

Gee that was pretty quick from China.
Terry has gone off for a couple of days R & R and is expected back on Sunday Steve so maybe go mow the lawns etc till then!!!

[SteveW]

I am at the West Beach Caravan Park. That's a bloody big lawn Bruce!

We're over for a wedding on the weekend. Sorry, Dot. We couldn't call in as we sped by. On a mission.

[Dot]

I am at the West Beach Caravan Park. That's a bloody big lawn Bruce!

We're over for a wedding on the weekend. Sorry, Dot. We couldn't call in as we sped by. On a mission.

So are you calling in on your way home? ? when

[BruceS]

I was going to suggest a meetup at Kingston next weekend but I'm guessing you'll be long gone by then Steve?

[Dot]

What a good idea Bruce, come on Steve, I will if you will

[SteveW]

We'd love to but , unfortunately, we really are on a mission. We have commitments here on Wednesday afternoon and in Melbourne on Thursday evening. We will be beating a retreat Wednesday evening and propping about half way overnight so that we can get home about midday Thursday. Thanks for the offer.