What size Solar Panel ???

[Sir Roofy]

a bit off subject but are in the process of getting quotes for solar panels in the house

thats a good move while your tripping away youl knock up heaps of credit
my last bill said i was $ 135 in credit but got to remember that it will balance out come winter

[FNQGU]

Minimum 120 Watts (twin 60 is easiest to store) with a quality MPPT regulator.
Mount the reg close to the battery not on the Solar panel like some do.

The Redarc you have has an input specification that will handle Solar Panel output voltages but don't, IMHO a dedicated MPPT regulator is a better option

As you say ET, but I thought the BCDC1220 did NOT take solar input anyway. The BCDC25 and 40 do, but I thought the 20 didn't have that capability anyway.

Agree with you though, that if there is already a DC- DC charger installed, then simply add solar input via a decent MPPT controller.

Personally, I would try to pack in twin 80W folding panels if there is room as well. 160W would be nice.

[AB]

Small hijack...Bob, please do write up on your home solar once chosen...lol


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[Bob]

Still a little confused (That's normal)
Would the Panel and MPPT work connected direct to Battery or would I connect through the BCDC1220

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/120W-FOLD...-/360466559807

Also my Battery in the Van is Calcium.

Help

[FNQGU]

My understanding is as ET said - put the MPPT controller right near the van battery, and then connect the solar panels to the controller.

This is separate to the BCDC charger, but they can both be connected at the same time with no issues.

My portable panels are wired up with 10m of 8B&S cable to prevent voltage drop. My system is a little different though as I use a Redarc BMS1215, which does accept solar and has an inbuilt MPPT controller.

[the evil twin]

snip...
As you say ET, but I thought the BCDC1220 did NOT take solar input anyway.

Sorry, I'm on some really awesome drugs at the moment
I had a short hospital stay and got "Morphed" for the first time ever in my life... Damn that shit is good and the gear now isn't to shabby either

Anyhoooooow, What I was trying to say is "people see the wide input voltages for the 1220 and hook unregulated solar panels up to them... don't do it"

You are on the money either use a seperate MPPT reg or invest in the 1225 1240 or equivalent from other manuf

[FNQGU]

Bob, I would personally go the 160W folding system if you have the room for it, but the 120W would be fine too. Worst case - all you have to do is turn your engine on for half an hour or an hour or so. Both cases are way better than carrying a genset and a drum of unleaded...

[Bob]

I am thinking of purchasing the following Charge Regulator to be coupled with a 160W folding system.

http://www.satplus.com.au/products/S...ar-Panels.html

Your comments if any

[lucus30]

It's not a mppt regulator. Thought that's what you wanted ?

[Bob]

I need to charge Calcium Batteries and that is the only regulator that I found that does it