12 volt solar panels

[T1 Terry]

The short circuit current is the real test but the panel must be correctly angled to the sun in clear sky, but the 5.7 amps isn't too bad. Don't get caught thinking either of these figures are useful for calculating anything, the voltage is at zero amps and the amps are at zero volts, connect the panel to a 60w head light bulb/seal beam and measure the voltage, it should be better than 14v, 14v means you are getting roughly 5 amps and that is about 70% efficiency and about as good as you will get, so anything more is a bonus but will probably fad away over the first 6 mths

T1 Terry

[Kappy]

I was just comparing the stated VOC and Imp on the bacl of the panel.

[T1 Terry]

I was just comparing the stated VOC and Imp on the bacl of the panel.

VOC is voltage open circuit, Imp is the max amps under load, ISC is the maximum amps short circuit. All confusing stuff I'm sure they use to bamboozle the average punter because all of it relies on the panel being at 25*C and that is never going to happen in full sun mid summer.
The rag (rough as guts) method I posted before with the 60w x 12v light bulb for a 100w panel will give you a fair indication if the panel meets your requirements without the need to get all techo with the testing method.

T1 Terry

[thewayes]

Well after reading all 44 pages of lithium batteries and these 3 pages of solar I think I'll have someone sell me what I need. Trying to get my head around electricity when I have a mechanical mind is just not working.
Geoff