Club 80-90 Forums

Oldiebut goodie wrote: ↑12 Oct 2021, 16:08 Use the mind that fits one, save the other mind for the pub.

Or better still go to the pub and lose the mind . 
Thanks for the pictures , gives me something to think about . 

So decided to buy a 10w solar panel on Amazon with a controller and leads.  Connecting up was quite straight forward but in a certain order.  1. Connect battery to controller first, then solar panel to controller, then connect load to controller. To disconnect 1st remove solar panel then the battery finally the load.  Few questions ref the Controller, the LEDs are on when the unit is up and running, even when there is no Solar/Sun activity ie at night.  My concern is these light/led functions showing voltage etc must surely drain the battery if left connected over night.  Seems a bit odd to have to disconnect the panel , battery etc over night to prevent this or am I missing something.

Still trialling solar panel, currently using it connected to an old starter battery, charges it ok and used it to charge my mobile phone via the USB connection in the controller, took a while to fully charge and noticed a drop in voltage as expected but as long as the sun was shining it recovered, voltage showing between 12.4 and 12.9 depending on sunlight.  Still wondering about the need to disconnect everything at the end of each day though.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/GIARIDE-High-e ... C75&sr=8-9

Nursing a hangover and just bought this  . For the price you can’t go too far wrong .

TONYT25T25 wrote: ↑22 Oct 2021, 20:46 Still trialling solar panel, currently using it connected to an old starter battery, charges it ok and used it to charge my mobile phone via the USB connection in the controller, took a while to fully charge and noticed a drop in voltage as expected but as long as the sun was shining it recovered, voltage showing between 12.4 and 12.9 depending on sunlight.  Still wondering about the need to disconnect everything at the end of each day though.

I put an isolator switch on the positive wire from the solar panel before the controller.  I also used a 30amp breaker from the controller to the battery positive as well.

Why?

I think there is a feeling that if the solar panel is not active and supplying energy, it may draw it from the battery.  I have recently left mine connected over night to both the battery via the  controller, so I think the controller is preventing any reverse loss as it appears to show the same voltage the following day.  I am looking at quick release connectors in any case as my fitment will not have a permanent solar panel location so it will make it easier to move around.

You cannot reverse charge the panel through a controller. Usually solar panels are connected up with Anderson connectors so I couldn't understand the point of an isolator switch in the circuit.

Taps his fingers and waits..........

Hmmm.